Doesburg: Historic Centre, Glass Art and Hanseatic History

There are several ways to explore Doesburg: in its medieval town centre, in museums devoted to art and transport history, and on walking and cycling trails along the IJssel and Oude IJssel. You can shape your stay around the town’s history, exhibitions or outdoor activities.

A protected town centre with a medieval layout

Since 1974, the town centre of Doesburg has been designated by the state as a protected townscape. Its medieval street layout has been preserved, and more than 150 monuments grace the centre. Those interested in the historic urban fabric will find more here than individual buildings: the street plan and monuments together define the character of the town centre.

The museums also offer a range of different perspectives. The Lalique Museum is in the heart of Doesburg’s historic town centre, near Arnhem. It is dedicated to the world-famous French jewellery and glass artist René Lalique (1860–1945). Alongside its permanent exhibition, the museum presents temporary exhibitions that also feature works by Lalique’s contemporaries. This offers a look at Lalique’s jewellery and glass art as well as the artistic milieu of his time. As the exhibition programme may change, it is worth checking which exhibitions are currently on before your visit.

From glass art to transport history

The Openbaar Vervoer & Speelgoed Museum is located in the Gildehofje in the old town centre. It traces the history of public transport in the Netherlands, particularly the Gelderse Tramwegen in the Achterhoek. The exhibits include historical everyday objects and photographs, as well as scale models of old trains and buses. A large collection of old toys is displayed in the shop windows of a miniature village scene. The museum thus gives transport history and toys, each represented by their own collections, a place in the spotlight.

You can encounter another aspect of the town’s history at the Mosterdmuseum, which is part of a unique mustard factory within Doesburg’s town fortifications. Together with the Lalique Museum and the transport museum, it offers not one single museum focus, but a selection spanning the decorative arts, mobility and the mustard-making tradition.

Martinikerk and tower climb

The Grote- or Martinikerk is 94 metres high and the tallest building in Gelderland. A guided climb of the tower involves 220 steps. At the top, you can enjoy views across the Hanseatic town of Doesburg and the IJssel landscape. During the climb, the tower guide explains the history of the tower and the carillon, combining views of the surrounding area with an introduction to the building. Access depends on the activity schedule, so check in advance when the guided climb is available.

Walking and cycling routes with a range of themes

From Doesburg, you can walk and cycle along the IJssel and Oude IJssel. The options include culinary tasting routes, photo routes, children’s routes, Hanseatic routes and short walking loops. If you have a particular trip in mind, it is worth checking the route details, as individual route options may change.

The Natuurhistorische wandeling passes through the historic town centre and along Doesburg’s fortifications. From the Lage Linie, it offers views of the greenery outside the fortifications. The Hanze Walk of Fame takes a different approach: using audio, 3D historical buildings and augmented reality, it leads you past traces of the town’s rich Hanseatic past. The routes therefore differ not only in theme but also in format. If you are planning to take the digital route, check the technical requirements in advance.

River landscapes, regional excursions and local cuisine

Doesburg is considered a starting point for exploring the surrounding area and lies on the edge of the Veluwezoom and in the IJssellandschap van de Liemers. This regional setting adds a landscape perspective to the historic town centre. When planning your stay, you can therefore weigh up museum visits and town history against trails along the rivers or into the surrounding area.

A local speciality also features in the culinary scene: Doesburgse mosterdsoep is offered as a house speciality at various restaurants and cafés. As individual menus may change, check in advance if you are interested in whether the soup is currently available.

Doesburg as a destination for your hotel stay

When planning a hotel stay, you could start by considering which experiences you want to shape your visit. Art, transport history and historic monuments offer different experiences from walks, cycle rides or the view from the Martinikerk tower. This lets you choose a destination that suits your interests without limiting your stay to just one theme.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Doesburg, Doetinchem, Lingewaal, Elburg, Oost Gelre, Lochem, Nijmegen, Lingewaard.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.