Jazz in Zutphen
An annual jazz festival in the historic Hanseatic town of Zutphen, featuring local and national artists on several stages.
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Zutphen
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Zutphen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Explore the historic city center on foot to fully appreciate the exceptionally preserved medieval towers.
- Take a ride on the 'fluisterboten' (whisper boats) along the Berkel river for a unique view of the old city walls.
- Visit the impressive medieval chained library (Librije) at St. Walburgis church; be sure to check the opening hours in advance.
- On Thursdays, visit the weekly market at Groenmarkt and Houtmarkt for fresh local produce.
🍽 Food
🍽
Dutch Herring
Try fresh herring at a local fish stall (viskraam) near the market square.
🍽
Local Craft Beer
Enjoy a regional Hanseatic beer at a cozy pub in the historical city center.
🍽
Appeltaart
Have a slice of traditional Dutch apple pie at a café near St. Walburgis church.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Weekly Market
Held every Thursday on Groenmarkt and Houtmarkt; a great place to buy local cheese and stroopwafels.
🛍
Old Town Boutiques
Browse the narrow streets around Houtmarkt for independent shops selling unique clothing and gifts.
🧘
Oude Bornhof
Relax in this historic and peaceful courtyard, completely hidden away from the busy streets.
🧘
IJssel Riverbank
Take a calm walk along the river IJssel and enjoy the view of passing ships.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
1
Zutphen is a historic Hanseatic city located in the province of Gelderland, at the junction of the Berkel and IJssel rivers. The city received its municipal rights as early as 1190, making it one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Its medieval center is characterized by defensive walls, historic warehouses, and numerous church spires, earning it the nickname Tower City. A unique architectural highlight is the Librije in St. Walburga's Church, a chained library established in 1561 where rare manuscripts are still tethered to wooden desks. During the Eighty Years' War, the city was a vital strategic stronghold and witnessed significant military engagements. Today, Zutphen serves as a regional cultural hub, celebrated for its well-preserved monuments, easy on the eye courtyards, and its role as a center for the anthroposophical movement in the country.
- Location: Gelderland, Netherlands
- Top sights: Kinderboerderij de Reuvershoeve · Dierenweide 't Spiker · Dierenweide
- Nearby: Gorssel (7 km)
- Population: ~36.188
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 74 | 60 | 55 | 39 | 59 | 59 | 77 | 80 | 58 | 64 | 68 | 76 |
Geography
Facts
- Zutphen received city rights in 1190 from Count Otto I of Gelre.
- The Librije is one of the very few surviving chained libraries in the world, dating to 1561.
- The city walls and towers like the Drogenapstoren were constructed in the 15th century.
- St. Walburga's Church houses a renowned Bader organ built in 1643.
- During the Middle Ages, Zutphen was a prominent member of the Hanseatic League.
- The city currently has a population of approximately 48,000 residents.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→17:113.3 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
Start your day in the heart of Zutphen at the Wijnhuistoren. In the morning, immerse yourself in local art and history at the twin museums. After lunch, explore the city's impressive medieval churches and libraries. Conclude the day with a walk along the old city fortifications before settling in for a cozy dinner in the market square.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 7'0.18 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Stedelijk Museum & Museum Henriette Polak
These two museums are in the same building. First-rate for a cultural afternoon.
🚶 9'0.28 km
📍
11:00 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
Visit the chained library, De Librije, one of the oldest in Europe.
🚶 16'0.67 km
📍
12:03 · 47'
Broederenkerk (Brothers' Church)
Now a public library, admire the blend of old and new.
🚶 22'0.97 km
📍
13:12 · 47'
Drogenapstoren Tower
An easy on the eye water tower that was part of the old city walls.
🚶 9'0.3 km
📍
14:08 · 47'
Berkel Gate (Berkelpoort)
Take a boat trip on the river Berkel that passes under this gate.
🚶 22'0.93 km
🍽️
15:17 · 84'
Market Square & Dinner
End your day in the main square, with many restaurants to choose from.
09:00→17:113.3 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
A rainy morning in Zutphen starts under the protective arches of the Wijnhuistoren. By noon, the Stedelijk Museum and Walburgis Church provide excellent indoor shelter for exploration. In the afternoon, we walk past the historic gates, using vaulted passages to stay dry. The day concludes in a warm, dimly lit restaurant at the Market Square while the rain falls outside.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Wine House Tower (Wijnhuistoren)
Wait out the shower under the tower's arches to stay dry.
🚶 7'0.18 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Stedelijk Museum & Museum Henriette Polak
Use the cloakroom to store wet coats and umbrellas.
🚶 9'0.28 km
📍
11:00 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
The ancient library is a great spot when it's pouring outside.
🚶 16'0.67 km
📍
12:03 · 47'
Broederenkerk (Brothers' Church)
The church-turned-library has cozy reading nooks during rain.
🚶 22'0.97 km
🚶 9'0.3 km
📍
14:08 · 47'
Berkel Gate (Berkelpoort)
The gate provides shelter, but the riverside wind can be chilly.
🚶 22'0.93 km
09:00→17:113.3 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 20–28 €Entries 24€ · Transport 0€
A winter morning in Zutphen is often misty and frosty, giving the Wijnhuistoren a mystical aura. By noon, we warm up in the heated museums and churches of this Hanseatic city. Since it gets dark around 17:00, the city gates glow with festive lights in the afternoon. The day ends with hot chocolate and regional winter dishes at the atmospheric Market Square.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Wine House Tower (Wijnhuistoren)
Enjoy the view of the frosty square from the base of the tower.
🚶 7'0.18 km
📍
10:04 · 47'
Stedelijk Museum & Museum Henriette Polak
First-rate place to warm up after your walk.
🚶 9'0.28 km
📍
11:00 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
Look for special winter tours in the Librije library.
🚶 16'0.67 km
📍
12:03 · 47'
Broederenkerk (Brothers' Church)
A great spot for tea and browsing books away from the cold.
🚶 22'0.97 km
🚶 9'0.3 km
📍
14:08 · 47'
Berkel Gate (Berkelpoort)
The frozen Berkel river provides a pretty winter backdrop.
🚶 22'0.93 km
09:00→15:363.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Grab a bike and start your exploration in the center of Zutphen. In the morning, cycle along the city's historic fortifications, from gate to tower. Spend midday exploring the monumental Walburgiskerk before enjoying a relaxing ride along the IJssel river for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to the rich art and history housed in the Stedelijk Museum.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Bike Rental & Wijnhuistoren
Start at the main square, get your bike, and admire the tower.
🚲 8'0.89 km
🚲 5'0.3 km
📍
10:57 · 47'
Drogenapstoren Tower and City Walls
Follow the remnants of the old city wall for a historic ride.
🚲 5'0.34 km
📍
11:49 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
Park your bike and explore the magnificent church and its unique library.
🚲 10'1.2 km
🍽️
12:46 · 84'
IJsselkade and Lunch
Cycle along the river and find a nice cafe for lunch with a view.
🚲 9'0.93 km
09:00→15:363.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Despite the rain, cycling in Zutphen is possible with proper waterproof gear. The morning leads quickly to the historic gates, which offer shelter. For lunch, we take a longer break at a restaurant on the IJsselkade. In the afternoon, we cycle to the Stedelijk Museum to spend the rest of the day in the dry.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 8'0.89 km
🚲 5'0.3 km
📍
10:57 · 47'
Drogenapstoren Tower and City Walls
Ride carefully on the wet brick paths near the walls.
🚲 5'0.34 km
📍
11:49 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
Secure bike racks are located right by the entrance.
🚲 10'1.2 km
🚲 9'0.93 km
09:00→15:363.7 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
A winter bike tour through Zutphen offers crisp air and wide views over the frosty IJssel. The morning leads us quickly to the massive city gates. For lunch, we seek warmth with a hot meal at the IJsselkade. In the afternoon, we visit Walburgis Church before darkness takes over the beautifully lit old town.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Bike Rental & Wijnhuistoren
Check that the tires have enough tread for winter paths.
🚲 8'0.89 km
🚲 5'0.3 km
📍
10:57 · 47'
Drogenapstoren Tower and City Walls
The wind up on the walls can be particularly biting in winter.
🚲 5'0.34 km
📍
11:49 · 47'
Walburgis Church & De Librije
Park your bike securely and warm up inside the church.
🚲 10'1.2 km
🚲 9'0.93 km
09:00→14:442.1 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 23€ · Transport 0€
Start your day by parking your car in the center of Zutphen. The morning is dedicated to the cultural heart of the city, with a walk to the Wijnhuistoren and the nearby museums. At midday, drive to the scenic banks of the river Berkel to explore the historic water gate and have lunch. End the day with a short drive back to the center to visit the impressive Walburgiskerk.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Park and Start in Center (Cluster A)
Park your car near the center, for example at Q-Park.
🚗 4'0.41 km
🚗 4'0.18 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Stedelijk Museum & Henriette Polak
The museums are just a stone's throw away, well-suited for a cultural morning.
🚗 6'0.85 km
📍
11:45 · 47'
Drive and Park by the River (Cluster B)
Drive to the outer rings and park near the Berkelpoort.
🚗 3'0.12 km
🚗 5'0.5 km
📍
13:27 · 47'
Walburgis Church (Return to Cluster A)
Drive back towards the original parking spot to visit the magnificent church.
09:00→14:442.1 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 23€ · Transport 0€
Rainy Zutphen can be comfortably explored by car by switching between parking clusters. The morning starts in the center, where parking garages offer dry access. For lunch, we drive to the riverbank to enjoy the view protected from the car or a nearby cafe. The afternoon is dedicated to Walburgis Church, just a few steps from the parking lot.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Park and Start in Center (Cluster A)
Choose a covered parking garage for a dry start.
🚗 4'0.41 km
🚗 4'0.18 km
🚗 6'0.85 km
📍
11:45 · 47'
Drive and Park by the River (Cluster B)
Enjoy the view of the IJssel directly from the car.
🚗 3'0.12 km
📍
12:35 · 47'
Berkel Gate & Waterside Walk
Parking is often right next to the historical sights.
🚗 5'0.5 km
📍
13:27 · 47'
Walburgis Church (Return to Cluster A)
Park at 's-Gravenhof for the shortest path to the church.
09:00→14:442.1 km drive6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 23€ · Transport 0€
A winter day in Zutphen by car is ideal for escaping the cold between stops. We start in the frosty center and warm up in the museums. For lunch, we drive to the IJsselkade, where you can enjoy the river view without getting cold feet. The afternoon ends at the illuminated Walburgis Church before a comfortable journey home.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Park and Start in Center (Cluster A)
A warm car is the best retreat between sightseeing stops.
🚗 4'0.41 km
📍
10:01 · 47'
Wine House Tower
Watch out for icy spots when looking for parking in side streets.
🚗 4'0.18 km
📍
10:52 · 47'
Stedelijk Museum & Henriette Polak
The museum's heating provides a pleasant break.
🚗 6'0.85 km
📍
11:45 · 47'
Drive and Park by the River (Cluster B)
Park in a way that you can see the winter landscape of the IJssel.
🚗 3'0.12 km
🚗 5'0.5 km
📍
13:27 · 47'
Walburgis Church (Return to Cluster A)
At night, the church is spectacularly illuminated.
Sights in the town Zutphen (8)
Frequently asked questions
What makes Zutphen special?
Zutphen is one of the oldest Hanseatic cities with many historic towers.
What is the Librije?
A unique 16th-century chained library in the St. Walburgis church.
Are there boat trips?
Yes, you can explore the city from the water with a 'Fluisterboot' (whisper boat).
What are 'Hofjes' in Zutphen?
Idyllic hidden courtyards that formerly served as charity housing.
Can you climb the towers?
Yes, the Walburgis church tower gives a great view over the city and the IJssel river.
Zutphen: where is it located?
Zutphen is located in Gelderland, Netherlands.
Zutphen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kinderboerderij de Reuvershoeve, Dierenweide 't Spiker, Dierenweide.
Zutphen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Zutphen: why is it worth visiting?
Zutphen is a historic Hanseatic city located in the province of Gelderland, at the junction of the Berkel and IJssel rivers.
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