Set on the banks of the River IJssel, Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It has been settled since at least the Bronze Age and was destroyed by Vikings before flourishing as a trade hub during the Middle Ages. In the 18th century, it rose to prominence as an important centre for the iron industry.
Things to do in Deventer
In the heart of Deventer is De Brink, a tree-lined square framed by cafes where you can watch the world go by. Occupying an ornately decorated 16th-century weighing house is the Museum De Waag, which showcases the social, cultural and artistic history of the city. On the north side of De Brink is a cauldron associated with a local legend.
Also nearby is the Toy Museum Deventer, which occupies two merchant houses dating from Hanseatic times. It is one of the largest toy collections in the Netherlands, with more than 13,000 toys and games from a variety of historical eras. In addition to vintage dolls and antique dollhouses, you’ll find model train sets and an 1897 tin clown crafted by Phillip Vielmetter.
Dating from the early 13th century is St. Nicholas Church, a Romanesque basilica topped by soaring twin spires. The interior is beautifully decorated with stained glass windows and a huge organ adorned with marble statues. Don’t miss the St. Lebuinus Church, which is topped by a 62-metre-high tower from where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city.
Getting around Deventer
Deventer is around 25 minutes’ drive from Apeldoorn and just over an hour from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Deventer railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Deventer is compact enough to explore on foot.