Deventer is perhaps one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities we have in the Netherlands. As a Hanseatic city lover, I would like to take you on a tour. In recent years, the Hanseatic cities have really stolen my heart. The historical centre of Deventer, for instance, has a monumental atmosphere with the most beautiful facades, each with its own story. And it is precisely those stories I am so charmed by. In addition, the city lies on water which is often a guarantee for beautiful nature within reach.
A GOOD START IS HALF THE WORK
Actually, if you want to do it right the first time, there is only one way to enter Deventer and that is from the IJssel. Take the ferry from across the IJssel and see Deventer's unique skyline from the water. If you start at the ferry, you are immediately in Deventer's oldest city park, which regularly hosts concerts in summer. Bring your own rug, snacks and drinks and enjoy!
4x See & Do in Deventer
1. WALKING THROUGH DEVENTER
The best way to explore Deventer is on foot. Whether you do this alone with a nice city walk, or with a city guide. The latter will take you past the quiet places in this beautiful city, ideal especially in these times.
2. UNIQUE SHOPS IN DEVENTER - THE BRINK & STREETS
What Deventer is known for are the still unique shops you can find in the smaller streets around the Brink. On De Brink you can also immediately find the Deventer Koekwinkel. My favourite streets? Walstraat, Grote Poot, Kleine and Grote Overstraat. Artistic shops, think stamp shop, are interspersed here with nice coffee shops and fine slowspots, where you are guaranteed not to walk out empty-handed.
3. DISCOVER THE HARBOUR DISTRICT
This time, the discovery of my annual visit to Deventer was the Havenkwartier (harbour quarter). The Havenkwartier in Deventer is a lively, hospitable, cultural port area that is developing at a rapid pace. A rough part of Deventer that is not yet known to the general public. In this area, you will also find a few murals that are part of a street art route through Deventer. By bike, this route takes less than an hour, on foot it takes 1.5 hours. And then you might just come across these murals.
4. NATURE WITHIN REACH - OSSENWAARD
Need to escape the city? From the ferry you can walk straight into the Ossenwaard nature reserve. A walk takes you through the floodplains while the skyline of Deventer continues to haunt you!
3x Eating & Drinking in Deventer
1. RELAX ON THE CITY BEACH - MEADOW
You can relax on the city beach at Meadow. In summer, enjoy coffee, drinks and delicious oriental-style mezzes here. Nice to know: Meadow is made entirely of sea containers and recycled building materials. Beach vibes included.
2. HAPPY TOSTI
Prefer to eat in the city? Then don’t miss Happy Tosti. It’s the ultimate social lunch spot that puts a smile on everyone’s face. The toasted sandwiches are served by staff with disabilities. And, you get to eat your sandwich on a swing!
3. DAVO Brewpub
If you like to toast with delicious and artisanal beer, DAVO Brewpub is the place to be. All the beer here is brewed with love, passion and solar energy. You can enjoy 12 in-house beers on tap at this craft brewery. DAVO Brewpub definitely makes the heart of many a beer lover beat faster.
Spending the night in Deventer
A NIGHT IN THE BOOKCASE - HOTEL 'IN THE HOUSE OF'
Deventer is a city like no other, so you should sleep there like no other. A special concept is Hotel ´In the house of ...´, where you stay in a unique house in Deventer. GRIDNIK is a fine example. A former Latin school transformed into a city-loft. The room has been converted into a bookcase you can sleep in! Honeyguide Marit already tested a room of In the house from before. You can read her experience in this blog.
Love,
Eliane
P.S. Eliane Roest loves adventure close to home. This makes the Netherlands a game board that is far from finished. From forest to city and from castle to waterfront, honeyguide Eliane is a glutton for discovering her own country. Follow Eliane's adventures via instagram @elianeroest or via her own blog benerwegvan.nl.