This medieval Hanseatic city along the IJssel River dates back to the 8th century. Its cobblestone streets lead to Gothic churches and the oldest stone house in the Netherlands.
Deventer lies along the IJssel River in eastern Netherlands. In its medieval center, you'll walk past the Gothic Waag building where merchants weighed their goods in 1528, step into the Toy Museum housed in two 15th-century merchant homes, and climb the Lebuinus Church tower for river views. The city transforms during two major events: the August book fair fills 6 kilometers of streets with literature, while the December Dickens Festival brings Victorian-era characters to life in the Bergkwartier neighborhood.
Getting to Deventer
Direct trains run from Amsterdam Central Station to Deventer every 30 minutes, taking 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Utrecht, you'll reach Deventer in 55 minutes. By car, take the A1 motorway from Amsterdam or the A50 from Eindhoven. The central station connects directly to the medieval center, making it simple to explore on foot.
Exploring the Medieval Center
The Brink square anchors Deventer's old town, with the Gothic Waag building at its center. Inside the Waag, now a city museum, you'll learn about Deventer's role as a medieval trading power. Walk the surrounding streets to find the Buveburcht, the Netherlands' oldest inhabited stone house, among hundreds of other 15th and 16th-century buildings.
Markets and Festivals
Every Saturday, local vendors fill the Brink with market stalls selling raw herring and fresh stroopwafels. The August book fair transforms Deventer into a literary paradise with 875 book stalls. In December, the Bergkwartier comes alive during the Dickens Festival, when local actors dress in Victorian costumes and recreate scenes from Dickens' novels in the medieval streets.
Local Food and Specialties
Try Deventer koek at the Bussink store on the Brink - this dense, honey-spiced cake recipe dates to the 16th century. Around the Brink, you'll find cafes serving regional dishes like stamppot and erwtensoep. For contemporary dining, head to Food Dock by the river, where multiple restaurants serve international cuisine in a converted warehouse.
Museums and Churches
The Toy Museum displays centuries-old toys and games across two connected medieval buildings. During summer months, climb the Lebuinus Church tower for panoramic views of the IJssel River and surrounding countryside. The Berg Church, dating to 1209, exemplifies early Romanesque architecture with its rounded arches and thick walls.
Along the IJssel River
Cross the IJssel on the "De Stokvis" ferry to photograph Deventer's medieval skyline from across the water. Follow the riverside paths for an evening walk as the sun sets behind the church spires. In the Havenkwartier (harbor quarter), former industrial buildings now house art studios, workshops, and cafes.
