Deventer combines a historic city centre with churches, museums and the unique river landscape of the IJssel. The city offers a range of cultural perspectives: from architectural history and frescoes to modern art and a wind-powered sawmill. There are also city walks through picturesque streets.

Old Town and Waag Building

The historic city centre includes more than 500 monuments. City walks and strolling through picturesque streets offer a way to explore Deventer. You can take in the historic urban landscape or make specific cultural themes the focus of your travel plans.

Museum De Waag is housed in the oldest building in the Netherlands purpose-built as a weigh house. Its original function is part of the architectural history: this is not simply an old building, but one specifically built for weighing goods.

Bergkerk and Church Art

Bergkerk was built between 1198 and 1209 on a high river dune on the south-eastern side of the old city centre. It has frescoes from the early 13th century, considered unique in the northern Netherlands. Its construction period, location and frescoes offer different ways to explore the church’s history: they connect a specific place in the urban landscape with architecture and medieval painting. Construction therefore began in the early 13th century, the same period as the frescoes.

Bergkerk is also used for exhibitions, gatherings and concerts. If you would like to include one of these events in your plans, check the current schedule. Lebuinuskerk offers a free audio tour about the church’s history; check before your trip whether it will be available during your visit.

Art and Technological History

Museum EICAS presents works from the Dutch Nul movement and the German ZERO movement. This adds another artistic perspective alongside the historic architecture and churches. Collection and exhibition details may change; if these movements are important to your trip, it is worth checking the latest information.

Bolwerksmolen is a wind-powered sawmill and the only remaining wind-powered sawmill in the province of Overijssel. As a subject in the history of technology, it differs from the churches and art movements: the focus here is on its function as a sawmill and its wind power.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Deventer is easily accessible via the A1 and A50 motorways and the N348 trunk road. If you are travelling by car, you can plan a route to suit your starting point. The historic city centre and the unique river landscape of the IJssel are also among the features that make Deventer worth visiting.

You can choose from several travel themes: historic buildings, church art, works from modern art movements and the IJssel landscape.

Discover more destinations: Schalkhaar, Diepenveen, Bathmen

Go to the main travel overview: Deventer.