Best Things To Do In Deventer

Deventer is situated in the Overijssel province, in the eastern region of the Netherlands, and approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Amsterdam by car. This charming city is also an ideal location for a day trip from Utrecht and the Veluwe area.

Deventer’s history dates back to the 8th century when it was founded by a Frisian missionary. During the period spanning from the 11th to the 16th centuries, Deventer thrived as a trading hub due to its strategic location along the IJssel River which is deep enough to accommodate big ships. In 1285 Deventer became a member of the Hanseatic League and played a significant role in medieval commerce. You can still see the remnants of that rich heritage today in the town’s well-preserved architecture.

During the Renaissance period, Deventer became an important printing centre and the city is still known for its many bookstores and printing presses.

Duration: Approximately 3-5 hours (depending on your pace and time spent at each location)

A. Begin your walking tour at Deventer Central Train Station.- If you’re arriving by train, exit the station and head towards the city center.- If you’re arriving by car, a good option for parking is Centrumgarage Deventer. Alternatively, there are several parking lots close to the train station.

B. Korte Bisschopstraat: From the train station, head south on Singelstraat until you reach Korte Bisschopstraat. This lively street is known for its shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

After exploring the charming street of Bergkwartier neighborhood, head back towards Brink Square.

Brink Square is the vibrant heart of Deventer’s old town. If it’s Saturday, don’t miss the vibrant Saturday market held here. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and the variety of stalls offering fresh produce, local products, and more. The square is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, and it’s a great spot to take a break and enjoy the view.

E. Toy Museum:From De Waag, head southeast on Brink and to Polstraat. Continue on Polstraat until you reach the Toy Museum (Speelgoedmuseum) on Brinkpoortstraat. The museum provides a collection of toys from different eras and exhibits the history of play.

F. Kleine Overstraat:After visiting the Toy Museum, head back towards and turn onto Kleine Overstraat. Kleine Overstraat is a charming colorful street with a variety of boutique shops and restaurants. Take your time to wander along this picturesque street and perhaps stop for a coffee or a bite to eat.

G. Lebuinuskerk (St. Lebuïnus Church):From Kleine Overstraat, head to St. Lebuïnus Church.This iconic church is a major landmark of Deventer, known for its architecture and complex details.Here you can admire the unique building and the surrounding area. If possible, step inside to enjoy the beautiful indoor decoration.

H. IJssel River:From St. Lebuïnus Church, head towards the banks of the IJssel River and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverfront. Take in the views, relax on one of the benches, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the water.

From St. Lebuïnus Church, it is about 10 min of walk back to Deventer Central Train Station.

Museum De Waag – is located in a unique historic building that used to be a weighing house. The museum showcases the history of Deventer, with an interesting collection of artifacts and objects that tell the story of the city’s past.
You can find more information on the official De Waag Museum website.

Deventer Toy Museum – exhibits a vast collection of toys from all over the world, including dolls, board games, and puzzles.
You can find more information on the Toys Museum’s Official website.

The Charles Dickens Kabinet – is dedicated to the life and works of the famous Victorian author. The museum displays a collection of Dickens-related items, including first editions of his novels, illustrations, and figurines of his characters. You register for a group tour and see costumes used in the annual Dickens Festival, which is celebrated every December.

You can find more information on the official web page.

Deventer is surrounded by beautiful nature, and there are several parks and gardens where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. One of the most popular parks is the Worpplantsoen, which is located on the other side of the River IJssel and can be reached by ferry. The park is a favorite spot for picnics, walks, and cycling, and it has plenty of playgrounds and sports facilities. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife, such as deer or rabbits.

Deventer is known for its vibrant cultural scene. Throughout the year, the city hosts several lively festivals, drawing many visitors to the city.

One of the most notable festivals is the Deventer Book Market, Europe’s largest book fair held annually in August. The town transforms into a paradise for book lovers, with thousands of stalls lining the streets, offering an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and antique prints.For more information please visit the Deventer book market website

Deventer International Op Stelten Festival (Deventer outdoor-theatre festival) is another popular festival that takes place every summer in July. During the festival, the streets of the Old Town become alive with musicians, performers, and artists from all over Europe. It’s a great opportunity to explore Deventer’s vibrant culture while enjoying live music and entertainment! For more information please visit the festival website.

Deventer is also famously known for the Dickens Festival, a major event that celebrates the town’s history and culture. The festival is held every year in December. During the festival, the historic streets of Deventer turn into a Victorian-era scene, with locals dressed in period costumes, street performances, and a festive atmosphere.Visitors can also explore the cobblestone alleys, enjoy delicious treats at the food stalls, and browse through crafts from local artisans.For more information please visit the Dickens Festival website

Deventer is a relatively small city, so it’s possible to explore all the sights in several hours.With plenty of things to do in the near area, Deventer can serve as a base from which to explore the area for several days.

Zutphen, Zwolle, Duisburg, and Kampen – are more picturesque Hanseatic towns that are located within less than an hour of Deventer. Each one offers a unique and special off-the-beaten-path experience.

Hoge Veluwe National Park – is one of the most famous national parks in the Netherlands. It is situated about 43km (26 miles) away from Deventer and is known for its unspoiled forests, dunes, and heathlands that provide habitats for various wildlife species including deer and wild boars. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which owns one of the largest collections of Van Gogh paintings in the world.

Apenheul Monkey Park – located about 30 km (18.6 miles) away from Deventer, this park offers an opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide variety of primates. The park has many different species, including gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, lemurs, gibbons, and more.

The Netherlands Open Air Museum – located about 10 km (6 miles) from Deventer, this museum is a living history of the Netherlands. It showcases traditional Dutch houses and farms, as well as numerous attractions such as rides, shows, and activities that make it a great day out for all ages.

These are just some of the attractions you can find in the near area of Deventer. With so much to see and do, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful experience!