Deventer Travel Guide

Discover the rich culture, natural beauty, and exciting adventures of Deventer, Netherlands with this detailed travel guide.


Introduction to Deventer

Deventer is a charming city located in the eastern region of Netherlands. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, stunning architecture, and a buzzing food and drink scene. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Deventer is sure to captivate you.

List of Places to Visit in Deventer

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Deventer has a wealth of museums and historical sites that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions include:

  • Deventer Museum: This museum exhibits the history of Deventer through interactive displays and showcases archaeological finds.
  • Bergkwartier: Bergkwartier is a historic district with several ancient buildings that date back to the Middle Ages.
  • Deventer Book Market: This is one of the largest and oldest book markets in Europe and is held every year in August.
  • Waag: This is a 15th-century weighing hall that now serves as a cultural center.
  • Lebuiniskerk: Lebuiniskerk is a magnificent church that dates back to the 15th century and is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows and Gothic architecture.

Natural Attractions of Deventer: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Deventer will not disappoint you. Some of the best outdoor activities and scenic views in Deventer include:

  • Deventerse Scheg: This is a recreational park that offers a wide range of activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming, and ice-skating.
  • Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park: This is a breathtaking nature reserve that features hills, heathlands, and forests, and is home to an abundance of wildlife.
  • IJssel River: IJssel River runs through the heart of Deventer and offers visitors a chance to take a leisurely walk along the picturesque riverbank.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Deventer

Deventer is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Deventer include:

  • IJsselroute: This is a scenic route that follows the IJssel River and offers stunning views of the countryside.
  • Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park: The national park has several hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
  • Overijssels Havezatenpad: This is a 483-kilometer-long route that passes through several historic sites, castles, and mansions.

Best Things to Do in Deventer: Activities and Tours

Deventer has plenty of activities and tours to keep you entertained throughout your visit. Some of the best things to do in Deventer include:

  • Deventer City Walk: This is a guided walking tour of the city that takes you through its most famous landmarks and attractions.
  • Oldtimer Museum: The museum houses a collection of classic cars and motorcycles and offers visitors a chance to take a ride in one of its vintage vehicles.
  • Deventer Escape: Deventer Escape is a game where players have to solve puzzles and riddles to escape a room within a set time.

Week-Long Itinerary for Deventer

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Deventer that covers the city’s best attractions and activities:

Day 1: Explore the historic district of Bergkwartier. Day 2: Visit the Deventer Museum and Waag. Day 3: Take a cycling tour of Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. Day 4: Enjoy the scenic views along the IJssel River. Day 5: Take a leisurely walk through the recreational park of Deventerse Scheg. Day 6: Visit Lebuiniskerk and other historic sites in the city. Day 7: Go on a Deventer City Walk and visit the Oldtimer Museum.

Food and Drink Scene of Deventer

Must-Try Dishes

Deventer has a dynamic food scene that offers a range of local and international cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes in Deventer include:

  • Deventer Koek: This is a local specialty that is a sweet, spicy cake with a crispy crust.
  • Granny’s Sticky Toffee Pudding: This is a classic British dessert that is served in many restaurants in Deventer.
  • Aspergetijd: This is a local dish made with asparagus, ham, and boiled potatoes and is served during the spring season.

Local Beverages

Deventer has a thriving beer culture and is home to several microbreweries that offer a variety of locally brewed beers. Some of the best local beverages in Deventer include:

  • Deventer Bier: This is a popular local beer that is brewed with traditional methods and features a rich and malty flavor.
  • Ketel 1 Jenever: This is a Dutch gin that is distilled with juniper berries, malt wine, and a range of herbs and spices.

Where to Stay in Deventer: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Deventer has plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the best places to stay in Deventer include:

  • Sandton IJsselhotel: This is a luxury hotel located on the banks of the IJssel River and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
  • Hotel Hanzestadslogement De Leeuw: This is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic district and offers guests an authentic Dutch experience.
  • Stayokay Hostel Deventer: This is a budget-friendly option that offers shared and private rooms and is located in a picturesque area of the city.

What to Buy in Deventer: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Deventer is known for its handicrafts and locally produced goods. Some of the best souvenirs and products to bring home from Deventer include:

  • Deventer Koek: This local specialty is a popular souvenir among visitors to Deventer.
  • Handmade Pottery: Deventer is home to several ceramic artists that produce unique and beautiful pottery.
  • Traditional Dutch Cheese: Deventer has several cheese shops that offer a variety of delicious cheeses that are perfect for gifting.

Local Culture and Customs of Deventer

Deventer has a rich cultural heritage and is proud of its traditions and customs. Some of the local customs and cultural events in Deventer include:

  • Deventer Book Market: This is one of the largest and oldest book markets in Europe and is held every year in August.
  • Dickens Festival: This is an annual festival that celebrates the works of Charles Dickens and features actors dressed in period costumes.
  • Koningsdag: This is the Dutch National Day, celebrated on the 27th of April, and is a day of festivities and celebrations in Deventer.

Best Time to Visit Deventer

Deventer can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and pleasant. The peak tourist season is from July to August, so expect crowds during this time. If you want to avoid crowds, visit Deventer during the shoulder season (April, May, and September).

Do’s and Don’ts of Deventer

Do:

  • Do learn a few basic Dutch phrases to help you communicate with locals.
  • Do take a guided city walk to learn about the city’s rich heritage.
  • Do try the local specialty, Deventer Koek, at least once during your visit.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places, and always dispose of rubbish in the proper bins.
  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.
  • Don’t ride your bike on pedestrian-only streets.

Safety and Health

Safety in Deventer

Deventer is generally a safe city, and tourists are unlikely to experience any incidents of violent crime. However, tourists are advised to take precautions such as not carrying valuables in public places and staying vigilant in crowded areas.

Health in Deventer

Deventer has a good healthcare system that provides quality medical care to residents and visitors. If you need medical attention during your visit, you can visit one of the city’s many hospitals or clinics.

Getting to Deventer: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Deventer

The nearest airport to Deventer is Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, which is approximately 120 kilometers away. From Schiphol Airport, you can take a train or a bus to Deventer.

Bus Stations Near Deventer

Deventer has two bus stations: Deventer Station and Deventer Ziekenhuis Station. Both bus stations are located near the city center and are well-connected to other parts of the city.

Other Options

You can also reach Deventer by train from other cities in the Netherlands, such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht.

How to Get Around in Deventer

Deventer is a compact city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike. The city also has an excellent public transport system that includes buses and trains.

Where to Go Next from Deventer: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Deventer is located in a beautiful region of Netherlands that has several other destinations worth visiting. Some of the nearby destinations and excursions from Deventer include:

  • Zwolle: Zwolle is a historic city located 25 kilometers north of Deventer and is famous for its charming city center, historic buildings, and bustling food and drink scene.
  • Arnhem: Arnhem is a vibrant city located 50 kilometers west of Deventer and is home to several cultural attractions, shopping streets, and a bustling nightlife.
  • Scheveningen: Scheveningen is a picturesque beachside town located 160 kilometers south of Deventer and is a popular summer destination among Dutch locals.

Conclusion

Deventer is a beautiful city that offers visitors a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and delicious food and drink, Deventer is a destination that should not be missed. So pack your bags and head over to Deventer for an unforgettable vacation experience.

View of the city from the river side. View of the city from the river side. The Saint-Nicholas or Bergkerk (Hill Church) seen from the Bergstraat. The Saint-Nicholas or Bergkerk (Hill Church) seen from the Bergstraat. A view of Deventer's IJsselkade with the Lebuïnuskerk peering over the buildings. In the foreground the ferry linking the city centre with De Worp. A view of Deventer's IJsselkade with the Lebuïnuskerk peering over the buildings. In the foreground the ferry linking the city centre with De Worp. The Waag (weighing house, now a local heritage museum), the central building on the south end of the Brink square, looking into the Zandpoort on the left. The Waag (weighing house, now a local heritage museum), the central building on the south end of the Brink square, looking into the Zandpoort on the left. Along the Welle and Onder de Linden streets, you will find several parts of the city's old riverside defence works. Shown here is part of an old basion and a bit of city wall near the intersection with the Nieuwe Markt. Along the Welle and Onder de Linden streets, you will find several parts of the city's old riverside defence works. Shown here is part of an old basion and a bit of city wall near the intersection with the Nieuwe Markt. Actors on stilts during Deventer op Stelten. Actors on stilts during Deventer op Stelten.