4Days Marches Nijmegen 2027 – Walking Festival Netherlands

What to expect in 2027

The 4Days Marches Nijmegen 2027, officially known as the 109th 4Days Marches, will take place from 20 to 23 July 2027 in Nijmegen and the surrounding Dutch countryside. The event is one of the world’s largest multi-day walking achievement events, bringing together more than 45,000 walkers from more than 70 nationalities each year. Participants complete four consecutive days of walking over routes based around 30, 40 or 50 kilometres per day.

The 2027 edition will continue the established format of four different routes, each highlighting a different part of the Nijmegen region. Walkers will cross the Waal, pass through villages and countryside, experience the famous hills around Groesbeek and finish with the celebrated Via Gladiola entrance into Nijmegen. The routes are designed to combine sporting achievement with scenery, local hospitality and a huge atmosphere created by spectators along the roads.

The event begins well before the first walking day. Participants must sign in at De Wedren on Sunday 18 July or Monday 19 July 2027, bringing their starting ticket and valid identification. After registration is activated, walkers receive their wristband and the materials required for the first walking day.

Registration for the 2027 edition has not yet opened. The official organisation states that further information about registration for the 109th edition will be published when available. The 2026 edition had a maximum capacity of 47,000 participants, and all places were eventually sold.

Match/event dates

The 4Days Marches Nijmegen 2027 will run from Tuesday 20 July through Friday 23 July 2027.

• Sunday 18 July 2027: Civilian registration and sign-in, 13:00–17:00 CET
• Monday 19 July 2027: Civilian registration and sign-in, 10:00–17:00 CET
• Tuesday 20 July 2027: Day 1 – Day of Elst
• Wednesday 21 July 2027: Day 2 – Day of Wijchen
• Thursday 22 July 2027: Day 3 – Day of Groesbeek
• Friday 23 July 2027: Day 4 – Day of Cuijk and festive Via Gladiola entry

The registration days are essential for participants. Walkers who fail to sign in within the designated period cannot participate. Participants must appear personally with their digital or printed ticket and valid identification.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The 4Days Marches does not use a conventional stadium because it is a multi-day road and countryside walking event. The main event hub is De Wedren in Nijmegen, which functions as the official start and finish area.

Main start and finish venue: De Wedren
Address: Waldeck Pyrmontsingel 40, 6524 BB Nijmegen, Netherlands

De Wedren is the central meeting point throughout the event week. It contains registration facilities, start gates, finish scanning areas, catering, entertainment and participant services. The surrounding Julianapark and other nearby locations are integrated into the start and finish operation.

Military participants may also have a separate start or accommodation location at Camp Heumensoord. Military walkers starting from Heumensoord use the designated military procedures and route.

Full fixture or event schedule

The four walking days each have their own character and destination.

Tuesday 20 July – Day of Elst

The opening walking day heads north from Nijmegen and crosses the River Waal before entering the Overbetuwe region. The route passes through landscapes between the Waal and Rhine and reaches Elst and surrounding villages. The day is traditionally associated with the colour blue and is known as Blue Tuesday. Local communities decorate streets and welcome walkers with music and festivities.

Wednesday 21 July – Day of Wijchen

The second day heads west through the Land van Maas en Waal. Walkers encounter green polder landscapes and the town of Wijchen, where the route traditionally becomes a major community celebration. Nijmegen also embraces the pink theme of Pink Wednesday as walkers return toward the city.

Thursday 22 July – Day of Groesbeek

The third day is widely associated with the famous Seven Hills area. Walkers head east through wooded landscapes before reaching Groesbeek and the surrounding hills. The day combines countryside walking with some of the event’s best-known climbs and one of the strongest spectator atmospheres.

Friday 23 July – Day of Cuijk

The final day heads south toward Cuijk and the River Meuse. One of the event’s signature features is the pontoon bridge constructed for the walkers’ crossing. After Cuijk, participants continue toward Nijmegen for the grand entry along Via Gladiola, where large crowds, music, flowers and celebrations welcome the finishers.

Teams, athletes & participants

Instead of traditional teams, the 4Days Marches brings together individual walkers, civilian groups, military personnel, military detachments, families and friends. The organisation describes the event as an international walking achievement involving more than 45,000 participants and more than 70 nationalities.

Participants are divided primarily by their permitted walking distance and participation category.

The 2027 distance regulations currently provide 30km, 40km and 50km options, although the actual route distance can vary slightly from the nominal distance. The 2027 age and gender table determines each participant’s regulatory distance, while eligible walkers can sometimes choose an extended distance.

Military participants form another important part of the event. Dutch and foreign military walkers can participate individually or through military detachments, with some participants starting from Camp Heumensoord. Military participants can have different requirements, including a 40km regulatory distance for certain male military participants carrying at least 10kg of marching equipment.

Tournament format & competition structure

The 4Days Marches is an endurance walking achievement rather than a conventional race. Participants must complete their registered distance on each of four consecutive days.

The available distance structure is:

• 30km: primarily available as the regulatory distance for younger and older participants according to the official age table
• 40km: a regulatory distance for several adult age groups
• 50km: the regulatory distance for many adult male participants and an extended option for eligible walkers
• 40km military: the military distance for applicable military participants

Participants cannot simply reduce their distance after the event has started. The official rules state that walkers must complete the full distance for which they registered on every walking day.

Every walker receives a wristband and checkpoint card. Start and finish scans are important parts of the official registration system. Checkpoints along the routes verify that participants have followed the required course, while the finish scan confirms official completion.

Successfully completing all four days leads to the coveted 4Days Marches Medal Cross, presented after the final day’s finish procedure.

Match/event times

The 2027 final start timetable has not yet been published. The latest official start information provides the established pattern used for the event.

Typical individual starting windows include:

• 50km: approximately 04:00–04:45
• 40km: approximately 05:00–06:40
• 30km: approximately 06:45–08:00
• 40km military from Heumensoord: approximately 04:30–07:00 from Tuesday to Thursday

The organisation uses staggered starts to distribute walkers along the routes and reduce congestion. The exact 2027 start time assigned to an individual participant will be communicated when the official starting timetable is finalised.

Finish scanning for individual participants generally takes place between 12:00 and 17:00 from Tuesday to Thursday, while Friday allows completion and scanning until 18:00. Participants must have their wristband scanned to be officially recorded as finished.

Ticket types

The primary entry product is a participant registration rather than a conventional spectator ticket.

Civilian participant registration

Civilian walkers register individually and receive an official entry ticket. The registration provides access to the four walking days, subject to the participant’s registered distance and applicable regulations.

Military participation

Military personnel can register under the military participation system. Foreign military participants can register individually or through detachments, while Dutch military registration is handled through the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

Youth participation

Young walkers have specific age-based distance rules, and certain younger participants have received priority in recent registration systems.

Companion registration

Under specific circumstances, younger participants or walkers granted a relevant dispensation may have an accompanying adult. In 2026, the reference cost for an accompanying adult was approximately $55.02 when added during the normal registration process, rising to approximately $73.93 when arranged during the registration days. This is a previous-edition reference and is not a confirmed 2027 price.

Ticket release phases

2027 registration dates and phases have not yet been announced by the official organisation. The current official website states that registration for the 109th 4Days Marches is not yet possible and that details will be published later.

For reference, the 2026 registration system opened in two phases:

• Period 1: priority access for eligible previous participants and younger walkers
• Period 2: registration opened to other interested participants until the maximum capacity was reached

The 2026 registration fee was approximately $137.56, converted from the official fee using the September 2026 exchange rate. The 2026 maximum capacity was 47,000 participants, and all available places sold out.

For 2027, participants should wait for the official registration announcement rather than relying on unofficial resale or third-party registration offers.

VIP & hospitality options

The 4Days Marches is primarily a participant-focused walking event rather than a VIP sports tournament. There is no conventional athlete VIP package or hospitality programme comparable with a stadium-based sporting event.

Hospitality is instead built around the event atmosphere in Nijmegen and the communities along the walking routes. Spectators can experience the celebrations around De Wedren, local villages, route-side entertainment and the grand Friday entry along Via Gladiola.

The Friday arrival is particularly important for hospitality and spectators. The official organisation says around 100,000 spectators can line the Via Gladiola, creating a large-scale celebration with music, DJs, brass bands and cheering crowds.

Stadium & event rules

The 4Days Marches operates under detailed regulations designed to protect participant safety, fairness and the event’s neutral character.

Participants must:

• Sign in personally during the official registration period.
• Wear the required wristband and follow the assigned start procedure.
• Have the wristband scanned at the start and finish.
• Pass the designated checkpoints.
• Follow instructions from organisers, police and officials.
• Complete the full registered distance on all four days.
• Follow route markings and applicable traffic regulations.

The official regulations also prohibit pets and animals other than qualifying assistance dogs, wheeled objects such as prams or pushchairs, potentially dangerous objects, disruptive audio equipment and unauthorised advertising material. Participants are required to dress appropriately with their upper body covered. Violations can lead to disqualification.

The organisation also provides specific guidance concerning hydration, nutrition, medical support and hot-weather safety. Walkers are encouraged to prepare properly and respond promptly to signs of overheating or injury.

How to get there

Nijmegen is located in the eastern Netherlands and is well connected by rail and road. During 4Days Marches week, however, the huge increase in visitors means normal travel conditions change considerably.

The event organisation recommends travelling by public transport or bicycle whenever possible. About 1.5 million people visit Nijmegen and the surrounding area during the event week, putting substantial pressure on local roads and transport infrastructure.

The main start and finish area at De Wedren is close to central Nijmegen, making it practical to reach from hotels and the railway station on foot or by bicycle.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is one of the easiest ways to reach Nijmegen during the 4Days Marches. Additional trains, extra-long trains and additional buses are normally scheduled during the event period, with services operating from early morning into the evening.

Useful travel providers include NS for national rail services and Breng for local buses. Arriva also provides regional services, while the 9292 journey planner can be used for nationwide public transport planning.

Car parking

Road closures and restrictions are common during the event. Visitors are encouraged to use Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts of Nijmegen rather than attempting to drive directly into the centre. Participant parking arrangements can include advance parking options, while visitor parking is more restricted.

Cycling

Cycling is strongly encouraged. During the event, dedicated bicycle parking facilities are provided around De Wedren, including locations around Bijleveldsingel, Oranjesingel and Julianapark. Participants should use official bicycle parking areas rather than leaving bikes on surrounding streets.

Accommodation areas

Staying close to Nijmegen can make a major difference during the four walking days because participants need to reach the start very early in the morning and recover after long days on the route.

Accommodation options include:

• Hotels in central Nijmegen
• Bed and breakfasts
• Guest-family accommodation
• Dedicated 4Days Marches campsites
• Holiday parks around Nijmegen
• Special event accommodation packages
• Military accommodation at Camp Heumensoord for eligible participants

The official organisation highlights Vierdaagsebed, a long-running initiative connecting walkers with host families and local accommodation providers. Hotels, B&Bs, campsites and holiday parks in Nijmegen and surrounding areas also provide options for participants and supporters.

For walkers, central Nijmegen and areas within easy cycling or walking distance of De Wedren are particularly practical. Visitors following different days of the route may also consider accommodation outside the city if they plan to travel between route locations.

Food & drink at the venue

Food and hydration are important parts of successfully completing the event. Free hydration stations are available along the walking routes, but participants must bring their own bottle because cups and bottles are not supplied at these stations.

The organisation does not provide complete meals along the routes, so walkers should carry suitable snacks and food or use the many commercial food outlets and private stands found along the route.

At De Wedren, catering provider Albron operates food and drink stands serving participants and visitors. The start and finish area also provides entertainment and a lively post-walk atmosphere.

The event also encourages reusable bottles, recycling and responsible waste disposal. Free water points allow participants to refill their own bottles during the day.

Accessibility

The 4Days Marches is a very large outdoor event, so accessibility conditions can change significantly during the week. Roads are closed, crowds become extremely dense and pedestrian movement is concentrated around the route and event areas.

The organisation publishes accessibility information and road-closure information for the start and finish area and each walking day. Participants and spectators should check the latest information before travelling because arrangements can change from one edition to another.

Medical support is available for participants. Several medical aid stations operate along the routes each day, with additional facilities for the 50km walkers. First-aid posts are also available around the start and finish area.

Sports massage facilities are available at De Wedren and medical-care locations along the route, with qualified sports massage therapists supporting participants with tired muscles and recovery.

Participants with disabilities may apply for dispensation in exceptional circumstances under the event’s formal dispensation procedures. Requests must comply with the relevant regulations and deadlines.

Best matches/events to attend

Day 1 – Day of Elst

The opening day is a good introduction to the event’s international and regional character. The crossing of the Waal and the festive welcome in the Overbetuwe area provide some of the first major spectator moments.

Day 2 – Day of Wijchen

Pink Wednesday is one of the most recognisable days of the week. Wijchen and surrounding communities create a lively route atmosphere, while Nijmegen itself becomes heavily involved in the celebration.

Day 3 – Day of Groesbeek

For visitors interested in scenery and the walking challenge itself, the Seven Hills section is one of the most distinctive parts of the event. The combination of hills, woodland and large crowds makes Thursday particularly memorable.

Day 4 – Day of Cuijk and Via Gladiola

The final day is the signature spectator experience. The crossing near Cuijk and the approach to Nijmegen lead into the famous Via Gladiola celebration, where spectators line the route to welcome successful walkers.

De Wedren

For supporters who do not want to follow the countryside routes, De Wedren provides the central event atmosphere, including participant services, catering and entertainment.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2026 edition was the 108th 4Days Marches and had a maximum field of 47,000 registered walkers. The event reached its capacity after the remaining places in the second registration phase were claimed rapidly.

The 2025 edition also registered 47,000 walkers, with participants representing 82 nationalities. Almost 43,000 walkers eventually reached the finish during the 2025 event, which the organisation described as a new record for successful finishers.

The event continues to combine its historic walking tradition with large-scale public celebrations. The 4Days Marches dates back to 1909, when the first event involved 296 soldiers and 10 civilians. Nijmegen became the permanent start and finish location in 1925.

The Friday Via Gladiola arrival remains the defining visual moment. Tens of thousands of spectators traditionally gather along the route, while music, brass bands, DJs and gladioli create a celebratory finish for walkers who have completed all four days.

Official tickets

Registration for the 2027 4Days Marches has not yet opened. The official organisation has confirmed that information about registration for the 109th edition will be published once available.

For reference, the 2026 registration fee was $137.56 after conversion from the official previous-edition fee. This is a reference price only and should not be treated as the confirmed 2027 fee.

Participants should use the official 4Days Marches website for registration, ticket information, transfer arrangements and official event updates. The organisation introduced an official ticket-transfer system for sold-out editions, allowing registered participants to transfer entry through the official platform rather than using unauthorised third-party methods.

Official 4Days Marches website and registration information (https://www.4daagse.nl/)