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.
Deventer has a wealth of museums, two of which, the Historical Museum and the infamous Toys & Tin Museum, are its most popular. These are easily accessible by hiring a car in Deventer. Perfect for the kids, the Toys & Tin museum will keep them occupied all day looking at the various toys both old and new. Adults will also enjoy reminiscing about their childhood favourites.
For those more inclined to discover Deventer's rich history, a visit to Lebuïnus Church is a must. An iconic figure in the Deventer skyline, the church provides an insight into religion in the area.
Thanks to it's central location, hiring a car in Deventer allows you to make some great day trips to explore some of the Netherland's most iconic cities. An hour down the A1 lies the city of Utrecht; with excellent shopping facilities and many manuments, it's a vibrant city with much to do!
A further 15 minutes on from Utrecht down the A1 is Amsterdam, perhaps one of the Netherland's most famous cities. Filled with plenty of culture, it is the perfect place for anyone wanting to really experience all aspects of the Netherlands.