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From castles to Hansa cities

Cycling holiday IJssel and Vecht

Name: Happy Cycling Holidays
Address: Hengelosestraat 300a, Enschede, Nederland, 7521 AN
Telephone: +31 (0)53 430 34 35
Location: Happy Cycling Holidays

On this cycle tour, you follow the rivers IJssel, Vecht and Regge along the borders of Achterhoek, Salland, Vechtdal and Twente. You start in the castle village of Vorden and visit the Hanseatic towns of Zutphen, Deventer, Zwolle and Ommen, among others. On the quiet towpaths, you will have views of the wooded moraines of Salland. » read more about Cycling holiday IJssel and Vecht

Vorden, Deventer, Zwolle, Ommen, Holten, Rijssen
Cycle tour through Hansa cities and over the Salland ridge
Cycling along the IJssel, Overijsselse Vecht and Regge

APP E-bike Zwaarte zwaarte_12

Cycling holiday
Trekking tour
6 days
Individual

from 640 p.p.
excl. additional costs

Prices and dates

from 640 p.p.
excl. additional costs

Prices and dates

Between IJssel and Vecht

Nothing beats a slice of classic Deventer koek! Between the IJssel and the Overijssel Vecht, the historic Hanseatic cities are strung together like pearls. And if you're into history, Deventer is the place to be. The city exudes Hanseatic history and is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands. As you cycle through, you'll discover a historic center that still preserves its authentic medieval street patterns. You’ll notice the same in Zwolle, which combines its historic charm with a futuristic touch, thanks to its Museum de Fundatie.

Along the Rivers

Your journey begins in Vorden, a town renowned for its castles and manor houses. Following the IJssel River, you'll pass through Doesburg and Zutphen before arriving in Deventer and Zwolle, with plenty of quaint villages to explore along the way. The route then winds along the scenic Vecht to Dalfsen and Ommen. Continuing along the Regge River, you'll enjoy peaceful rides on riverside paths, through ancient fields, hay meadows, and near fish ladders, finally arriving in Holten and the Sallandse Heuvelrug.

Fish ladder

Golden Years

Deventer’s position along the IJssel played a key role in its development as a thriving trade center. As a prominent member of the medieval Hanseatic League, the city flourished during its golden age in the 14th and 15th centuries. Each year, six bustling markets attracted merchants from across Europe to this vibrant river town—not just for the renowned Deventer koek. The spirit of those times still lingers in the narrow streets and the charming Bergkwartier around the Walstraat.

Contemporary Energy

While Zwolle still exudes a medieval charm, it’s seamlessly combined with the vibrant buzz of a student city. Young professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives bring a lively, modern energy, making Zwolle a hub of cultural activity. The standout attraction is Museum de Fundatie, instantly recognizable for its striking, futuristic design. The elliptical rooftop addition is nicknamed “the Zeppelin,” though some prefer to call it a UFO.

Museum de Fundatie Zwolle Zwolle - Museum de Fundatie

Doesburg Herb Garden

Nestled among the historic buildings on the Paardenmarkt in Doesburg’s center lies a fragrant treasure. Behind neatly trimmed hedges, you’ll find a variety of herbs, some for culinary use and others with healing properties. Certain plants release their aroma naturally, while others require a gentle rub to reveal their scent. Informative name tags accompany many of the plants, but be wary of the toxic monkshood. In the distant past, this plant was a key ingredient in witches’ ointments, used to anoint their bodies and broomsticks, giving them the illusion of flight. Its hallucinogenic effects left them feeling “high as a kite.” Entry is free.

When are you going to take this trip?

Cycling holiday IJssel and Vecht

Prices and dates

Routes

This cycle tour follows the rivers IJssel, Vecht and Regge along the borders of Achterhoek, Salland, Vechtdal and Twente. The tour starts in the castle village of Vorden in the beautiful hedgerow landscape of the Achterhoek. In the Hanseatic town of Zutphen, you cycle upstream along the IJssel and through the wide floodplains to the medieval towns of Deventer and Zwolle, which were also part of the Hanseatic League. From Zwolle, you cycle along the Vecht, where wealthy merchants built their imposing country houses and estates. After the Hanseatic town of Ommen, you cycle along the Regge, which used to be an important link between Twente and the Hanseatic towns. On the quiet towpaths you have views of the wooded moraines of Salland. After a short climb, you reach the hotel on the Holterberg or Rijsserberg (Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park). You return to Vorden through the castle landscape of the Achterhoek.