More than 900 monuments—including churches, courtyards, city gates and shop houses—are part of Zutphen’s historic heritage. As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and a Hanseatic city, Zutphen offers a variety of ways to explore its history: from the Librije in the Walburgiskerk to a historic walk through the city centre and museums that bring the city’s history to life through special objects.
A Hanseatic city steeped in history
The Librije in the Walburgiskerk is considered the oldest public reading room in the Netherlands. It was built between 1561 and 1564, modelled on the book rooms of two medieval monasteries in Zutphen. Its collection comprises around 750 books, several of which are chained to centuries-old reading desks. A guided tour of the Walburgiskerk and the Librije lasts about 40 minutes and is limited to a maximum of eight visitors per tour. Tour arrangements and group limits may change—check the visitor information before your trip.
The city’s architectural history can also be read in specific places: the oldest part of the Martinuskerk tower dates from around 1100 or earlier. A historic route through the city centre takes in Zaadmarkt, 's-Gravenhof, Berkelpoort and Drogenapstoren. If you have more time, you can choose a guided city walk of about 1.5 hours, which shares interesting facts and the history of the city. This makes it easy to distinguish the time required from the shorter tour of the Walburgiskerk and Librije.
Museums and views
The former city palace at Hof van Heeckeren houses museums in Zutphen. The Stedelijk Museum Zutphen presents the city’s history through special objects from its museum and archaeological collections. Museum Henriette Polak has a different focus: figurative art, as well as modern classical painting and sculpture from after 1945. The distance from the station is another useful detail when travelling to Musea Zutphen: it is about 600 metres, or a ten-minute walk, from Zutphen NS and bus station.
At Houtmarkt 75, Inspiratiepunt Zutphen welcomes residents and tourists with information and inspiration. For a different view of the city and its surroundings, join a guided climb of the Wijnhuistoren. From there, you can enjoy views of Zutphen and the surrounding area, as well as learn about the carillon. The climb is free; times may change and may be weather-dependent, so it is advisable to check before your trip. The tower’s attic also has an exhibition about its construction and the carillon.
Experiences on the water and outdoor activities
South of Zutphen, near Fort Bronsbergen, lies Bronsbergenmeer, a 12-hectare lake with several beaches. Swimming is permitted throughout the lake from sunrise to sunset, at your own risk. Check the latest water-quality notices before swimming. On the Berkel, you can go canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding and discover Zutphen from the water, as well as the natural surroundings. A ride on a whisper boat lasts more than an hour and takes you through the historic city and nature. Passengers with reduced mobility can use a lift when boarding and disembarking. Timetables and booking conditions may change; check them in advance.
Local food and experiences in Warnsveld
Smaakverkenners combines a walk through Zutphen with tastings at various restaurants and speciality shops. As availability and participating venues may change, check the latest information before booking. A tour at Rokerij Zuidvenne focuses on fish smoking and ends with a tasting of authentically smoked products. Advance reservation is required.
Erve Eme brings Zutphen’s early medieval history to life. The site includes a furnished farmhouse, a blacksmith’s forge, a small pit dwelling and a kiln building with a bread oven and pottery kiln. There is also an apiary, vegetable and herb gardens, and fields of old crops. At events, craftspeople explain their work and give demonstrations; as the programme is event-based, it is worth checking the latest dates.
Warnsveld also offers its own points of interest for planning your trip: TOP Warnsveld is starting point 27 on the walking route network. For cycling, junctions 74 and 76 are available there, allowing you to put together your own routes. The village festival traditionally takes place on the third weekend of August and includes music and various activities. Check the dates and programme for the year of your trip. From Zutphen, you can also cycle into the Berkel region, including along klompenpaden and to country estates such as 't Velde, as well as Vorden’s Eight Castles.
Discover more destinations: Zutphen, Warnsveld, Overbetuwe, Druten, Epe, Tiel, Lingewaal, Doesburg
For the main travel overview: Gelderland.
