Deventer, Olst, Wijhe

Because of its beautiful location, Deventer was already trading in the eighth century. About two centuries later, Deventer received city rights. As a result, the city flourished and grew into a true trading town with the right to levy tolls and mint coins. Thanks to the river IJssel, Deventer traded extensively with Germany and thus became the very first Hanseatic city of the Netherlands in 1285.

The Hanseatic heart of the city was and is the historical town square de Brink, surrounded by many monumental buildings such as the Waaggebouw. Today, the square features cosy terraces, large trees and a fountain in the middle. Museum De Waag is located in the oldest weighing house in the Netherlands, also on the Brink. The city has the oldest stone house in the Netherlands (1130, with part of its walls dating back to the ninth century): the Proosdij, part of the Lebuïnuskerk. By current residents, it is now called the Buveburcht.

You cycle out of Deventer along the IJssel to the villages of Olst and Wijhe, both first mentioned in documents as early as the tenth century. As a result, both village centres boast beautiful monumental buildings. Take for instance the Bökkers Mölle, Huize De Haere and the Wijhese Molen. Wijhe celebrated its millennial in 1960. In 2012, the village was voted the nicest village in Overijssel by RTV-Oost. An annual art route with open studios is organised in September, featuring works by artists within the municipal boundaries.

At Wijhe, you cross the IJssel river and have beautiful views of the water. Via the other side of the river, enjoying the green nature, you cycle back to Deventer.