Doesburg

Doesburg received its city rights in 1237, predating Amsterdam by 60 years, and has changed remarkably little since it was a busy Hanseatic trading port. More than 150 of its buildings hold national monument status. The city sits at the confluence of the IJssel and Oude IJssel rivers, and its compact centre — walkable in an hour — contains medieval fortifications, Renaissance guild facades, and the 94-metre Martinikerk tower. There is no direct train; bus line 26 from Arnhem Centraal takes 32 minutes.

The Doesburgsche Mosterdfabriek has been producing mustard in Doesburg since 1457 — one of the oldest continuous food production operations in the Netherlands. The working museum displays antique mills and more than 100 historic mustard jars; the factory shop still sells the product. The Martinikerk tower stands 94 metres and can be climbed via 222 steps for views across the IJssel floodplain.

Doesburg escaped widespread damage when French forces departed in 1674, leaving its medieval defences largely intact. The Lalique Museum on Gasthuisstraat holds a collection of glass art and decorative objects, open Tuesday to Sunday 11:00–17:00. The city makes an easy half-day trip from Arnhem, especially combined with a cycle along the IJssel river path.