Deventer

🎭 Activities

• Deventer Book Market – August: Europe’s largest book market with thousands of stalls along the IJssel River. A paradise for book lovers. 

• Bergkwartier and Historic City Center – Year-Round: Stroll through the medieval Bergkwartier with its narrow streets, half-timbered houses, and charming squares. 

• Dickens Festival – December: Experience the world of Charles Dickens at this annual event. Hundreds of actors bring the 19th century to life in the streets of Deventer. 

• Deventer Theater – Year-Round: Enjoy theater, music, and dance at this leading venue located on the edge of the city center. 

• IJsselfestival – June: A cultural and culinary event along the IJssel River with music, theater, and regional products. 

• Etty Hillesum Center – Year-Round: A museum and meeting place dedicated to the life and inspiring diaries of Etty Hillesum. 

• Deventer Cookie Town – Year-Round: Taste the famous Deventer cookies at bakeries where this specialty has been made for centuries. 

• Deventer On Stilts – July: An international street theater festival with spectacular performances on stilts in the city center. 

• Historical Harbor of Deventer – Year-Round: Admire classic ships and learn about the rich history of Deventer’s maritime heritage. 

• Art Walk Kunstenlab – Year-Round: Explore contemporary art through a walking tour of exhibitions and galleries in the city. 

• Sallandse Four-Day Walk – October: A sportive discovery walk through the beautiful landscape around Deventer, with routes for every type of walker. 

• Summer Fair Deventer – August: A fun fair with attractions for all ages, from carousels to thrilling rides. 

🔹 Small Facts

• Deventer is famous for its cookies: Deventer cookies have been a local tradition for centuries and are still made locally. 

• The Dickens Festival attracts thousands of visitors annually: During this event, the city comes to life in the world of Charles Dickens. 

• Deventer has the oldest city library: The Athenaeum Library, established in 1560, is the oldest existing library in the Netherlands. 

• The Grote or Lebuïnus Church is a masterpiece: This medieval church with an impressive organ is an iconic symbol of the city. 

• Book Market by the IJssel: Deventer hosts the largest book market in Europe every year. 

• The Brink is the bustling center: This historic square is surrounded by terraces and old buildings. 

• The city has a rich Hanseatic history: As a member of the Hanseatic League, Deventer played an important role in medieval trade. 

• The Bergkwartier exudes history: With its narrow streets and old buildings, you feel transported back to the Middle Ages. 

• The Wilhelmina Fountain is a striking monument: This colorful fountain stands in the middle of the Brink. 

• Deventer has its own beer culture: Local breweries make specialty beers that are popular with residents and visitors. 

• The Toy Museum is a hit with families: Here you can play and learn about the history of toys. 

• The Bolwerksmolen is a historical icon: This sawmill is an example of old techniques by the IJssel. 

• Deventer plays a role in the film industry: Various films and TV series have been filmed in the picturesque city center. 

• The skyline of Deventer is impressive: From the opposite side of the IJssel, you get a beautiful view of the city. 

• The Etty Hillesum Center commemorates history: It tells the story of the Jewish community in Deventer.