More than 150 monuments shape Doesburg’s city centre, whose street layout remains medieval to this day. Since 1974, it has been designated a protected townscape by the state. History is evident here on two scales: in the layout of the streets and in individual buildings. When exploring Doesburg, you can therefore look not only for notable sights but also take in the historic structure of the town centre.
City History and Museums
The Lalique Museum is in the heart of the historic city centre, near Arnhem. It is dedicated to French jewellery and glass artist René Lalique (1860–1945). Alongside the permanent exhibition, there are temporary exhibitions featuring works by Lalique as well as pieces by his contemporaries. The focus is therefore on one artist and his circle.
The Openbaar Vervoer & Speelgoed Museum in the Gildehofje in the old centre offers a different way to explore history. It presents the history of public transport in the Netherlands, particularly the Gelderse Tramwegen in the Achterhoek. Historical everyday objects, photographs and scale models of old trains and buses bring the history of transport to life. The museum also displays a large collection of old toys in the shop windows of a small village scene. The Lalique Museum’s focus on artists and craftsmanship is thus complemented by a collection that brings together transport history and toys.
Mustard is another of Doesburg’s distinctive themes: the Mosterdmuseum is part of a unique mustard factory within the town’s fortifications. Doesburgse mosterdsoep is offered as a house speciality at various restaurants and Eetcafés. As menus can change, it is worth checking the selection in person.
Martinikerk and Hanseatic History
The Grote Kerk, also known as the Martinikerk, stands 94 metres tall and is the highest building in Gelderland. A guided climb up the tower of the Martinikerk involves 220 steps. At the top, there are views across the Hanseatic city of Doesburg and the IJssellandschap. During the tour, the tower guide explains the history of the tower and the carillon. Times and availability may change, so check the schedule for the climb in advance.
Visitors can also encounter Hanseatic history on the Hanze Walk of Fame. The route follows traces of the rich Hanzeverleden, using audio, 3D historical buildings and augmented reality. This digital approach differs from the historical perspective offered by streets and buildings: along the route, the Hanseatic period is presented through various media. As technical requirements may change, it is advisable to check the latest route information in advance.
Exploring on Foot and by Bike
From Doesburg, you can walk and cycle along the IJssel and the Oude IJssel. The options include culinary tasting routes, photography routes, routes for children, Hanseatic routes and short walking loops. Each type of route has its own focus: one may centre on food and flavours, another on photo opportunities or Hanseatic history. If you have a particular tour in mind, check its current route details.
Another way to experience the city and its surroundings on foot is the Natuurhistorische wandeling. It passes through the historic city centre and along Doesburg’s fortifications. From the Lage Linie, the route offers views of the greenery beyond the fortifications. The urban landscape, fortifications and surrounding countryside come into view at different points along the walk.
Looking beyond the city limits is also part of getting your bearings: Doesburg is considered a starting point for exploring the surrounding area and lies on the edge of the Veluwezoom and the IJssellandschap van de Liemers. If you are looking for accommodation, you can match your choice to your plans—for example, an interest in city history, museums or a walking or cycling tour.
Discover more destinations: Doesburg, Renkum, Arnhem, Putten, Buren, Tiel, Apeldoorn, Zutphen.
Back to the main travel overview: Gelderland.
