Elburg’s current rectangular street plan was designed by rentmeister Arent Thoe Boecop. Its fortifications included a complete city wall, two entrance gates, 20 wall towers and four corner towers. The Vischpoort dates from 1592, marking a clearly dated point in the city’s history.

City History and Museums

The Grote or St. Nicolaaskerk also tells the story of Elburg’s architectural history: after permission was granted in 1397, it was built in the Gothic style and completed in the 15th century. Visits are possible from May to September; if you wish, you can also climb the church tower. Check the seasonal details before your visit. De Groene Kruidhof, a historic herb garden, is located in the oldest part of the fortified city.

The Elburg Museum is housed in the Agnietenconvent, which was built in the 15th century. In addition to its extensive collection on Elburg’s history, you can visit the former convent buildings, the medieval double chapel and the convent garden. The Nationaal Orgelmuseum Elburg is the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to the historic pipe organ. Playable organs illustrate its development from the Middle Ages to the present day.

The Museum Sjoel Elburg offers a different perspective: it documents the daily lives of Jewish families who lived in Elburg from 1700 onwards, and displays a model of the synagogue as well as temporary exhibitions on Jewish life that change each year. The exhibition programme may vary. The Bottermuseum De Hellege focuses on the history of fishing and the Botter; visitors can caulk part of a Botter there.

Harbour and Botters

Water sports enthusiasts can reach Hanzehaven Elburg via the Veluwemeer and Drontermeer lakes. Elburger Botter trips depart from Havenkade, opposite the Vischpoort, near the green water pump. As departure arrangements may change, check the exact departure point before your trip. Botter trips are available from 90 minutes; catering may also be offered.

For a day of sailing, you can rent original, restored Elburg Botters with a skipper and companion. Rentals are available from mid-April to the end of October; check seasonal availability before booking. The Botterdagen offer a wider overview of fishing vessels: they take place every year on the second weekend of September. More than 60 fishing vessels can be seen in Elburg over the three days. Confirm the event dates for your travel year.

The former Visafslag Elburg has served as a small fishing museum since 1987 and houses a restored auction clock. It is open to the public in July and August; groups can visit by appointment. Check seasonal visiting details in advance.

Forest, Heathland and Trails

In the municipality of Elburg, the landscape changes from higher-lying forest to a more varied landscape of wooded banks and meadows, and then to water. The De Zoom sand drift is known for its distinctive flora and fauna, including juniper, and is suitable for walking and cycling. A trail along the Doornspijkse Heide passes by De Zoom. There is also a four-kilometre walking trail around Zwaluwenburg Castle, through forest, meadows and herb fields.

The trails described also pass through different landscapes: the Vrijheijtpad leads through the fortified town of Elburg, across meadows, along the open grazing area of De Mheen and through the former settlement of De Vrijheid. Its route is being revised; check the latest information in the app before setting out. The Thornspiccerpad runs through the cultivated landscape between Elburg and Nunspeet and across the transition from the higher-lying Veluwe ridge, with forest, heathland and sand drifts, to lower-lying pastureland. This route is also being revised; check the app’s information before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Doornspijk, Elburg, Aperloo, Winterswijk, Renkum, Neerijnen, Hattem, Aalten.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.