Elburg combines city history with a variety of ways to explore the town: among old ramparts and lanes, in museums, on foot, by bike or on the water. The focus you choose may also influence your travel dates—especially if you plan to take a Botter boat trip.

Discover the town’s history on foot

Elburg was completely rebuilt between 1392 and 1396, taking on its present form in the process. The Vischpoort dates from 1592 and provides another specific historical landmark. Features of the fortified town include old ramparts lined with trees, narrow lanes, paved walkways and open views. They make Elburg a pleasant place to explore on foot.

If you would like to plan your walk around important sights and buildings, you can take the Hanseatic Town Walk. In Elburg, it passes the town’s most important sights and buildings. This lets you choose between a leisurely stroll through the lanes and along the ramparts and a walk that takes in these urban landmarks, without assuming a particular duration or difficulty level.

Two museums, different perspectives

Museum Sjoel Elburg is a storytelling museum about the everyday and extraordinary lives of Jewish families who lived in Elburg from 1700 onward. Museum Elburg takes a broader look at the history of the town and its surroundings. Its extensive collection includes major sections on town defences, the administration of justice, J.H. van Kinsbergen, silver and fishing. The two museums therefore offer different perspectives: one focuses on the lives of Jewish families in Elburg, while the other covers various topics in local and regional history.

Museum Elburg also includes a former monastery, a medieval double chapel and a monastery garden. These historic features complement the collection’s themes with striking architectural landmarks. Zandverhalen offers a different cultural focus: it is an indoor sand project in Elburg.

Tower, cycling routes and Botter trips

You can climb the tower of the Grote or Sint-Nicolaaskerk; from there, the view stretches across Elburg, the Veluwemeer and the Veluwe. If climbing the tower is important to your visit, check the latest visitor information in advance.

For another perspective on the surrounding area, there are various cycling routes around Elburg, ranging from 40 to 50 km. They pass interesting places and worthwhile stops. These routes are quite different from a walk within the town: consider whether you would rather spend your time exploring Elburg’s streets and sights or plan a longer bike ride.

There are also options on the water of varying lengths. Botter trips are available from 90 minutes. You can hire an original Elburg Botter for a day of sailing with a skipper and a deckhand; rentals are available from mid-April to the end of October. Plan your travel dates accordingly if you want to include a rental, and check the specific date in advance.

Plan your stay in Elburg

These different activities offer a range of ways to plan your stay. The seasonal Botter rental period and the latest visitor information for the church tower are specific points to consider when choosing your dates; you can also factor the historical themes and walking options described above into your plans, regardless of when you visit.

Discover more destinations: Aperloo, Doornspijk.

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