Is Deventer worth a visit?

Deventer is well worth a visit. There is plenty to discover in this centuries-old Hanseatic city. Stroll past the countless monuments, beautiful city squares, churches, and museums. Go on a shopping spree or seek out silence along the IJssel river where you can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes in what is said to be the Netherlands’ oldest park: Worpplantsoen.

What is Deventer known for?

Deventer is known for its variety of cultural events, such as the book market, Deventer op Stelten, and Dickens Festijn. It is also known as a lively Hanseatic city with a well-preserved rich history. Famous attractions are its Waag (weigh house) and lovely Brink city square. Other beautiful spots to see are the city hall and beautiful Lebuïnuskerk church in Gothic style. Bergkwartier and Noordenbergkwartier are fantastic monumental city districts.

How far is Deventer from Amsterdam?

The distance between Amsterdam and Deventer is 88 km. The road distance is 108 km. From Amsterdam to Deventer by train takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Deventer

Deventer is a centuries-old Hanseatic town by the banks of the river IJssel. The city embodies its long and rich history, with magnificent monuments, handsome squares and old museums, with a very pleasant atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for those who like to experience a city through its shopping streets, cafes and restaurants.

Visit one of Deventer’s many monuments, such as the St. Lebuinus Church.
Stroll through Holland’s oldest park, the Worpplantsoen.
Visit international events, such as Deventer op Stelten and the Deventer Book Market.

Address:: Brink 89
7411BX Deventer
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What can you do in Deventer?

If you wish to taste the atmosphere of this centuries-old Hanseatic city, the best thing you can do is take a walk. Walk past the many monuments, squares, churches, museums, and more – there is more than enough to discover. For instance, as well as boasting the oldest stone house in Holland, Deventer is also home to Holland’s oldest library, the Atheneumbibliotheek, and Holland’s oldest park, the Worpplantsoen.

Two further exceptional buildings in Deventer are the city hall and the beautiful Gothic St. Lebuinus Church, both to be found on the Grote Kerkhof (Great Church Square). And if you like museums, both Museum De Waag and the Speelgoedmuseum (Toy Museum) are well worth a visit. Nature lovers, meanwhile, will find a walk along the riverside positively enchanting.

Should you feel like relaxing by shopping for a bit after immersing yourself in its culture and history, Deventer offers plenty of shopping opportunities to suit any taste and budget. The best shopping streets are the Lange Bisschopstraat, the Korte Bisschopstraat, the Smedenstraat and the Engestraat.

Events in Deventer

In July, the center of Deventer is transformed into a huge theater for a weekend during the outdoor theater festival 'Deventer Op Stelten'. Visit one of over 150 national and international top shows in the historic inner city. On the first Sunday in August, Deventer hosts Europe’s biggest book market: the Deventer Boekenmarkt or Book Market. Some 900 stalls overflowing with books, magazines and postcards spread across 6 kilometers of roads.

In December, characters from the works of Charles Dickens come to life during the Dickens Festival.

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Where to eat in Deventer?

In Deventer’s beautiful centre, finding a nice restaurant takes barely any time at all. To help you choose, we’ve listed the best 3:

1.’t Arsenaal An excellent restaurant serving French Mediterranean courses made with fresh local produce. This restaurant has been a Bib-Gourmand for years, and with good reason. Address: Nieuwe Markt 33-34

2. Da Mario Delicious Italian classics, freshly prepared and served with excellent wines. Their tiramisu is a rare delight! Address: Vleeshouwerstraat 4-6, Deventer

3. St Tropez A special restaurant, whose unorthodox furnishings and wonderful terrace alone make it worth a look. Good menu with an overall French twist. Address: Brink 28

Editor’s tip: Visit the Deventer Koekwinkel, which has been producing the world-famous kruidkoek for over 400 years. Jb. Bussink is the only baker producing the true Deventer koek today, according to an ancient, secret recipe.

Want to see more of those beautiful Hanseatic cities? Check out Visit Hanzesteden and discover the other activities!

Frequently Asked Questions

Deventer is known for its variety of cultural events, such as the book market, Deventer op Stelten, and Dickens Festijn. It is also known as a lively Hanseatic city with a well-preserved rich history. Famous attractions are its Waag (weigh house) and lovely Brink city square. Other beautiful spots to see are the city hall and beautiful Lebuïnuskerk church in Gothic style. Bergkwartier and Noordenbergkwartier are fantastic monumental city districts.

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