Deventer

Deventer lies in the Salland region of Overijssel, on the east bank of the IJssel River, and is a city of real historical weight that goes back to the Middle Ages. It was an important member of the Hanseatic League, the powerful alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe, and the wealth that brought led to many fine buildings that still define the skyline. Deventer's history is also marked by the Devotio Moderna, a religious movement that began here in the 14th century, founded by Geert Grote, and that influenced religious thought across Europe. The humanist Erasmus went to school here as a boy. The layout reflects its medieval origins, with a compact centre ringed by former walls and moats that are now green belts and walking paths.

The centre of the old town is the Brink, a large irregular square that serves as the focal point. Surrounded by historic guild houses and cafes, the Brink is a lively gathering place, especially in summer when outdoor seating is popular. Close by stands the Grote Kerk, the Lebuinuskerk or St. Lebuinus Church, a Gothic church that goes back to the 13th century, with a famous organ and a tower with views of the city. Another landmark is the Waag, the Weighing House, a Renaissance building dating from 1528, which houses a museum on the history of the city and the Hanseatic League. The museum shows Deventer's role in trade and its medieval past.

Deventer is also a city of books and culture. It holds the Deventer Book Market, the Boekenmarkt, each August, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, when the streets and squares fill with stalls. In December the Dickens Festival brings costumed characters to the old town. The Bijzondere Collectie, a special collection of rare books and manuscripts, is a reminder of the city’s long literary tradition, and the Light Festival, known locally as the Lichtjesroute, brightens winter evenings. The city’s other museums include Saxum, which covers the history and technology of stone. The riverfront along the IJssel offers walks and bike rides with views of the water and surrounding landscape, and the IJssel has played a decisive part in Deventer's history as a trade route and a source of livelihood.

Deventer is also famous for its spiced cake, the Deventer koek, which is sold in the city’s shops and cafes, and the cafe culture around the Brink is lively. The student population gives the city a youthful energy, and the Hanzehof is the main venue for concerts and performances.

Getting to Deventer is easy by public transport. The city has a central train station with regular services to major Dutch cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Zwolle, and buses serve the city and its surroundings. By car, Deventer is reached via the A1 and A50 motorways.

The best time to visit Deventer is from April to September, when the weather is mild and the outdoor spaces and terraces are at their best. The annual book market in August is a major event that draws visitors from across the country. Even so, the city is pleasant in autumn and winter, with fewer crowds and a cosy atmosphere in its cafes and museums, and December with its Dickens Festival is especially popular.

In short, Deventer combines history, books and relaxed city life, which makes it a rewarding stop in the east of the Netherlands.