vierdaagse

Vierdaagse, or Four Days Marches, is an annual four-day walking event held in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. It is one of the largest and most well-known walking events in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants from the Netherlands and abroad, including many military personnel and civilian walkers.

The tradition dates back to 1909 and originated as a military exercise. Over time it expanded to welcome civilian walkers, growing into a major international event that takes place each July. The event is organized around four days of long-distance walking, with routes that traverse the surrounding Gelderland countryside and nearby towns. Each day typically covers substantial distances, and participants may choose to undertake longer or shorter daily segments according to the options offered. The routes start and finish in Nijmegen, with the final day culminating in a ceremonial finish in the city center.

Participation and recognition: Those who complete all four days receive a commemorative Vierdaagse medal and certificate. The event relies on a large network of volunteers, local authorities, and medical support to manage safety, logistics, and crowd control. There have been instances of heat-related and other hazards in past editions, prompting ongoing safety measures and education for participants.

Cultural impact: The Vierdaagse is accompanied by the Vierdaagsefeesten, a major city-wide festival featuring music and cultural events that extends through much of the Nijmegen week. The combination of the official marches and the festival atmosphere makes the event a prominent regional and national observance.