The old Hanseatic town of Elburg, in northern Gelderland, received its municipal charter in 1396. To escape the threat of flooding the site of the town was continually moved farther inland. The old part of Elburg has preserved its character as a fortified town, with its streets laid out on a regular grid.
This is popular with tourists who explore the Medieval structures and harbor with old style boats.
In Jufferenstraat (No. 8) is the former St Agnietenklooster (Convent of St Agnes), founded in 1418. The double chapel (1463-80) formerly served as the Town Hall. The convent is now occupied by the Municipal Museum (Gemeentemuseum), with collections of material illustrating the history of the town, and the National Organ Museum.
Hours:
9:30am-12pm, 2pm-5pm; Mon:9:30am-12pm, 2pm-5pm; Closed: Sun, Sat
South of Elburg is the village of Doornspijk, with the ruins of the church of St Ludger, built about 1300 and several times enlarged. Ludger (742- 809) was the first Dutch preacher of the Gospel.
West of Elburg, on the Drontermeer, are the old fish auction hall (1916) and a garden called De Vier Jaargetijden (The Four Seasons) in which a believer in natural healing carries out experiments with homeopathic remedies.
The Vispoort, one of the old town gates, was built in 1397 and rebuilt in 1592. It now houses the Fisheries Museum (Visserijmuseum), which documents the story of fishing in the Zuiderzee.
The Gothic Grote Kerk or St Nicolaaskerk (1392-1465) has wall paintings, a large organ of 1825 and a smaller organ in the choir. The tower can be climbed only during July and August.
Tips: The tower can only be climbed during July and August.
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Doornspijk, Netherlands
