Situated in the centre of the Netherlands, Deventer lies roughly 35km south of the city of Zwolle. Skirting the banks of the river IJssel, Deventer has a rich medieval heritage. The river has helped shape much of the surrounding area, and was instrumental in the town’s early development as an important trading centre. Merchants from every corner of Europe came to sell their goods, and they left a lasting legacy which gave the town a fantastic mix of cultural influence. A good place to start is in De Waag, a striking building which holds information on Deventer past and present, as well as further tourist information.