Elburg

A grid that is 700 years old

Elburg is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands. The medieval street plan is still almost entirely intact: a tight rectangular grid of streets, surrounded by ramparts, canals and the original town gate. As a photographer, that gives you something you rarely come across. You can already work out your compositions before you set foot inside.

The town was laid out in 1392 as a planned new settlement, which explains the straight-lined structure. Streets running at right angles, symmetrical sightlines, facades that follow a steady rhythm. Urban architecture that almost feels geometric.

Light and season

Elburg works throughout the year. In summer you get warm evening light that skims low across the streets and throws long shadows along the facades. In autumn and winter the atmosphere is quieter and more subdued, especially on weekday mornings when the tourists stay away. Then you have the alleyways and the ramparts largely to yourself.

The Vischpoort, the only remaining town gate, is at its best early in the morning. The light falls on it from the side and there are few people in the frame. A focal length of 35mm to 50mm works well for the gate within its surroundings. If you want to isolate the architectural details, reach for something a little longer, around 85mm or a touch more.

Compositions worth making

The real strength of Elburg lies in its sightlines. Walk down the Jufferenstraat or the Beekstraat and watch how the facades converge towards a vanishing point. Add a cyclist or a pedestrian and you immediately have a strong street photograph. The ramparts themselves offer a different angle: from above you look down over the rooftops and the canals, and you can properly appreciate how compact the plan really is.

You park outside the fortifications, with car parks near the Lageweg and on the southern side of the ramparts. The town centre is largely car-free, which makes photographing there considerably more pleasant. You do not need a permit to photograph in public spaces.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Elburg
• Vestingstad Elburg (VVV Veluwe)
• Wikipedia: Elburg