Discover Elburg and find hotels

Elburg combines a well-ordered historic town centre with maritime history and a landscape that changes across the municipality, from higher-lying woodland through small-scale fields with wooded banks and meadows to the water. For a trip to Elburg, you can focus on different things: architectural history and museums, Botter boats and the harbour, or trails through woodland, heathland and pasture. The following places and activities offer specific starting points if you are looking for a hotel in Elburg and want to plan your stay around your interests.

Townscape and architectural history

Elburg’s present-day rectangular street plan was designed by rentmeister Arent Thoe Boecop. Its fortifications included a complete town wall, two entrance gates, 20 wall towers and four corner towers. The Vischpoort dates from 1592. These details offer several specific points of reference for the town’s history: its planned layout, its defences and a dated town gate.

The Grote of St. Nicolaaskerk can also be placed in a historical context. After permission was granted in 1397, it was built in the Gothic style and completed in the 15th century. In the same town, Museum Elburg tells the story of Elburg’s history: it is housed in the 15th-century Agnietenconvent and displays an extensive collection. Visitors can see the former convent buildings, the medieval double chapel and the convent garden.

Museums and local history

Museum Sjoel Elburg is dedicated to the everyday lives of Jewish families who lived in Elburg from 1700 onwards. The exhibition includes documentation and a model of the synagogue; exhibitions on Jewish life also change annually. Nationaal Orgelmuseum Elburg is the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to the historic pipe organ. Organs that visitors can play bring the collection to life, while the exhibition traces the development of the Dutch pipe organ from the Middle Ages to the present day.

At the De Hoefhamer museum forge, Elburg’s last centuries-old blacksmith’s forge is preserved as a museum. The workshop’s authentic character comes from its hot forge, anvils, hammers and tongs. Zandverhalen Elburg focuses on something different: the covered sand sculpture exhibition features biblical and historical scenes made from thousands of kilograms of sand. Boerderijmuseum De Bovenstreek looks at rural life in the past and displays a collection of traditional costumes.

The Grote of St. Nicolaaskerk can be visited during the summer season, from May to September; it is also possible to climb the church tower if required. Check seasonal visiting arrangements before your visit. Since 1987, the former Visafslag has served as a small fisheries museum and houses a restored auction clock. It is open to the public in July and August; groups can visit by appointment.

Harbour, Botter boats and water

Maritime history is brought to life at Bottermuseum De Hellege, which tells the story of fishing and the Botter boats. Visitors can caulk part of a Botter there. Stichting tot Behoud van Elburger Botters also works to preserve the cultural and historical maritime heritage, including knowledge of the construction and restoration of fishing vessels and Elburg’s historic inner harbour. The former Visafslag complements these themes with its restored auction clock.

Elburger Botter boat trips depart from Havenkade, opposite the Vischpoort, level with the green water pump. As departure arrangements may change, check the current departure point before making plans. Trips are available from 90 minutes; catering may also be offered. Original, restored Elburger Botter boats can be hired for sailing days with a skipper and accompanying person. Hire is available from mid-April to the end of October; check seasonal availability before booking.

Water sports enthusiasts can reach Hanzehaven Elburg via Veluwemeer and Drontermeer. Rederij Randmeer offers sightseeing cruises from Elburg on Veluwemeer or IJsselmeer. The excursion boat is fully accessible to wheelchair users; confirm the latest accessibility information before your trip. The Botterdagen are a special event celebrating maritime tradition: they take place every year on the second weekend of September. For three days, more than 60 fishing vessels can be seen in Elburg. Check the dates for your planned travel year.

Countryside and trails

Beyond the historic town centre, the municipality’s landscapes range from higher-lying woodland through wooded banks and meadows to the water. The De Zoom drifting sands feature distinctive flora and fauna, including juniper, and are ideal for walking and cycling. A trail across Doornspijkse Heide passes along De Zoom. Around Zwaluwenburg Castle, a four-kilometre walking trail leads through woodland, meadows and herb fields.

Two more routes pass through different landscapes. The Vrijheijtpad runs through the fortified town of Elburg, across meadows, along the open pastureland of De Mheen and through the former settlement of De Vrijheid. The Thornspiccerpad leads through the cultivated landscape between Elburg and Nunspeet and across the transition from the Veluwe ridge, with its woodland, heathland and drifting sands, to lower-lying pastureland. Both routes are being updated; check the latest app information before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Doornspijk, Elburg, Aperloo, Berkelland, Harderwijk, Millingen Aan De Rijn, Groesbeek, Nunspeet.

For the main travel overview: Gelderland.