Kampen

NAUTICAL HANSEATIC CITY

Even just the views of the city make Kampen worth visiting. Admire the beautiful skyline along with its historical ships along the River IJssel. Kampen is a diverse and lively city with numerous historical buildings that tell us lots about the history of this Hanseatic city that is heavily influenced by water.

The Cog of Kampen

Visit the cog shipyard and see the reconstruction of the Cog of Kampen (Kamper Kogge) trade vessel. This is a copy of the shipwreck that was discovered at the bottom of the IJssel river and dates back to 1336. The city is ideal for exploring on foot, for example as part of a guided tour. A stroll along the streets and over the bridges oozing with character is a unique experience. You should also be sure to look up and see the gables which reveal Kampen’s rich past. Want to learn more about Kampen’s history? Then visit the Icon Museum and City Museum.
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Maasbommel

Hanseatic city of Maasbommel

Maasbommel is the smallest Hanseatic city in the Netherlands. It is situated in the Land of Maas and Waal and boasts a long, turbulent history as a port, trade town and ‘pike town’. Today, Maasbommel is mostly known for its various water sports. The nearby De Gouden Ham recreational area is home to marinas, campsites and a large beach.

Picturesque dyke houses

The Land of Maas and Waal has plenty to offer visitors. With its picturesque dyke houses, historical buildings and many ferries, the region is popular with visitors. Whether it’s walking or cycling, relaxing on the beach or visiting the charming villages, anything is possible here. During the Middle Ages, the pretty town of Maasbommel was the smallest Hanseatic city in the Netherlands and a suburb of Nijmegen. Due to its strategic location on the water, Massbommel connected with the largest Hanseatic network in northern Europe.

Nickname ‘Snoekenstad’

Water and Maasbommel have always been closely connected. Fishing and basket making were the main sources of income. During its heyday, pike fishing ensured the growth, prosperity and wealth of Maasbommel, earning it the nickname ‘Snoekenstad’ (pike town). Walking through Maasbommel is like visiting an open-air museum. Water still plays an important role here to this day. There is plenty to see and do in the nearby De Gouden Ham recreational area. There is also a long, sandy beach in this beautiful nature reserve.
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Zwolle

Dynamic Hanseatic city

The dynamic Hanseatic city of Zwolle oozes culture at every turn. The authentic facades, the city walls, the Sassen gate, the Peperbus and the city’s star-shaped canal all characterise this Hanseatic city. You can enjoy fantastic views across the expansive polder landscape from the outskirts of the city.

Modern city

Zwolle has a beautiful medieval city centre with many shops, superb hotels, good restaurants and nice parks. Whether it’s a pleasant shopping spree, cultural excursions to the museum, walks across the centuries-old bridges and through the city's parks or a great event: Zwolle offers everything one might expect from a modern city without losing the charm of its historical past.

Culture in Zwolle

The traces of the city’s rich history can be found everywhere. The monumental gables, city walls, De Sassenpoort city gate, Peperbus church tower and star-shaped canal are signs of Zwolle’s historical past. Visit Van der Velde in de Broeren, a magnificent church dating back to 1455 that was transformed into a vibrant bookshop, or discover the Museum de Fundatie, an art museum with an outstanding collection of fine art.
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Hasselt

Pilgrimage place with character

To the north of Zwolle, on the Zwarte Water river, lies the Hanseatic city of Hasselt. A city full of character with attractive facades, leafy streets and hidden spaces. Discover the special link this Hanseatic city has with Amsterdam. Or walk, like a traditional pilgrim, one of the pilgrimage routes that converge in Hasselt.

Alleys and hidden nooks

Hasselt is a small Hanseatic city with a rich history.

Hasselt is a small Hanseatic city with a rich history. The heritage-protected old town has lots of little alleys and hidden nooks simply waiting to be discovered. Hasselt has many hidden sites and a historical city centre surrounded by a canal and more than 70 national monuments. The small city was mainly known for trading butter and hay, but also for shipbuilding, linen weaving and personal transport. This is how sailors entertained themselves during a ferry service to Amsterdam in the Middle Ages.
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Hattem

Picturesque Hanseatic city

The small, medieval city of Hattem lies between the forests of Veluwe and beautiful wetlands along the IJssel river. Its rich, medieval history can still be seen in the monuments, street layout and fortress walls. Stroll along the picturesque streets and visit three excellent museums in the historical centre.

The modern city of Hattem has plenty of other interesting things to offer: Lovely terraces, good restaurants, a large variety of shops, museums and annually recurring events.

Hattem is surrounded by a wide variety of landscapes. It has expansive foothills in the north, the Veluwe forests in the south west and the remains of a peat and heather moor in the south east. It’s well worth visiting both in summer and winter.

 

You can spend your free time in and around Hattem. For example, on the water in a canoe, a giant wooden clog or take the ferry to the other side of the IJssel river and view Hattem from the opposite bank. Other activities include walking, cycling, swimming as well as horseback riding and golf.

 

You can visit Hattem for a weekend, day trip or longer break. There are plenty of accommodation options: camping, bungalow park, B&Bs and a marina with space for camper vans.
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Elburg

THE FISHING TOWN OF ELBURG

The old fortress town of Elburg transports you back to earlier times. Its ancient defensive structures, narrow alleys, Keitjesstoepen (mosaic decorations on the pavement) and magnificent views will certainly astonish you. In the harbour, you'll find lots of ‘Botter’, which are historical fishing boats typical of this town. Elburg has remained true to its roots as a fishing town and this can be seen at every turn.

Art and culture in Elburg

As you pass under the Vischpoort into the Hanseatic city of Elburg, you'll immediately be struck by the atmosphere of this old fishing town. There is plenty to discover in the cultural district. Many beautiful buildings lie on the canals of this almost square-shaped fortress town. Nearby, hidden in the Veluwe forests of Landgoed Zwaluwenburg, you will find the A. Vogel gardens with countless medicinal herbs and plants.

One of the fortress town’s most striking buildings is the Saint Agnes Monastery which dates back to the 15th century. Elburg Museum is now housed inside these late-Gothic buildings and monastery garden. The museum holds a large collection of objects relating to Elburg’s history and its surroundings.
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Harderwijk

by Lake Veluwe

Harderwijk is a city steeped in history. Harderwijk was first mentioned as a Hanseatic city–once situated on the Zuiderzee–as early as 1252. In order to protect its sea trade, Harderwijk joined the German Hanseatic League. It was a busy place for traders and was bustling with activity. Even now, in the 21st century, the traces of these times can still be seen. Some buildings from this era remain to this day. However, history remains regardless of whether the buildings are preserved or not! Wherever you walk, you will be following the traces of people from centuries past who played a role in the Hanseatic League.

a Hanseatic city since 1252!

Harderwijk was first mentioned as a Hanseatic city as early as 1252. The city, which was situated on the Zuiderzee back then, joined the German Hanseatic League. Thanks to the coming and going of businessmen and trade goods, the city has always been bustling with activity. The Hanseatic city of Harderwijk was and remains a vibrant place. The former trading area has given way to inviting shops that offer a wide range of clothing, accessories, gifts, delicacies and much more. Harderwijk is also a culinary city with many award-winning restaurants, two of which even feature in the Michelin Guide. This is an extraordinary matter of course of the earlier trading days of the Hanseatic League.

You can reach the Veluwerandmeren lakes and dolphinarium within two minutes from the old town. You’ll also find the city’s lively beach here. Take a sightseeing tour or board a sloop, sailboat or ‘Botter’ to explore the region from the water.
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Deventer

Lively event city

Deventer is a Hanseatic city for those who enjoy life! It’s an extremely friendly, lively city with many monuments in a beautiful setting. Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. This Hanseatic city is known far and wide for events such as ‘Deventer on Stilts’ and the Dickens Festival, and is also a host of Europe's largest book market.

Lively, frivolous and particularly burgundian

This city on the river is lively, frivolous and particularly Burgundian: life is good here! Start each day full of energy, just like the water flowing through the city. This might explain the vitality that flows through Deventer: a lively city with an impressive atmosphere that's worth spending time in.

The city is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Make surprising discoveries as part of a city tour and stroll along the picturesque streets. Discover the many eccentric shops, art galleries and other innovative and creative places. Enjoy a snack and a drink in one of the many pretty squares. Deventer is definitely a city full of surprises. It is an energetic, unique city with exciting events and over 100,000 inhabitants.

 

Whether it’s shopping or walking, the city will embrace you with its historical charm. Deventer has a number of sights such as the Old Town with over 500 monuments!
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Zutphen

Unconventional and unique

As soon as you step foot inside the city gates of Zutphen, you'll be transported to another world. Discover hundreds of monuments, small, green courtyards and an abundance of art and culture. Zutphen is also a particularly great shopping location with its many unique boutiques and specialist stores.

Embark on a journey into the past

Did you know that Zutphen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and has a rather exciting history? It has survived Viking invasions and numerous wars. In fact, it's amazing that this Hanseatic city is still in such good condition. You'll find monuments all around the city that bring its history to life.

Atmospheric shopping experience

Zutphen is not only home to large chain stores but also many specialist shops and boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else, often with a sustainable and conscious approach. The friendly shop owners and the fact that many shops are housed inside monumental buildings take shopping in this Hanseatic city to the next level.

 

Idyllic greenery and abundant water

Zutphen lies between the Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Achterhoek hedgerows. It’s a popular starting point for many cycling and walking trips. Don’t want to leave the city? There’s plenty of greenery even in the centre of Zutphen. You’ll find many hidden little courtyards and famous, colourful streets lined with hollyhock.
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Rijssen

The enterprising Hanseatic city of Rijssen

Rijssen is an enterprising city with a diverse shopping centre and historical features. The centre is bursting with trendy shops. Rijssen is therefore also a true shopping paradise. However, there's also plenty to do if you prefer culture and nature.

Fashion city

Rijssen has been known for centuries as the place to trade. The centre of Rijssen attracts everyone who likes shopping. However, the rich cultural history of Rijssen can also be found outside the shopping centre. There is a wide selection of museums and heritage sites to choose from. For example, visit the well-known Pelmolen Ter Horst. With its sturdy appearance, the mill is a unique spot in the Rijssen landscape. Due to its location on the Regge, you can also take a boat trip with the Enterse Zomp.

Beautiful nature

Rijssen sits on the border of two large nature conservation areas. One of the highlights is Holterberg, situated in the heart of the beautiful Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park. This region is one of Europe’s largest interconnecting heathland areas. The hills offer fantastic views and you can spend hours wandering along the gentle moors and through forests. The area is also known as a great mountain biking region.
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Ommen

Ommen, in the heart of the Vechtvalley

Ommen is a beautiful, natural Hanseatic city with a rich history and bustling centre. Each year, Ommen receives thousands of tourists who all enjoy what this historical tourist site has to offer.

Ommen as a Hanseatic city

As the Hanseatic League gained power, more towns became associated with it. Deventer and Zwolle were the most important Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands. These cities sought contact with smaller towns. In 1473, Ommen joined the Hanseatic League upon negotiation by Deventer. The small town owed its association purely thanks to its strategic location along the Vecht. Back then, the Vecht was a major shipping route for transporting goods such as Bentheim sandstone from Germany. For example, each stone of the palace of Amsterdam on Dam Square was transported along this route.

Ommen’s past

Unlike many Hanseatic cities, Ommen didn’t have a proper port. However, it had a bay in the Vecht which served as a port. This bay was named ‘Borgraven’ because boats would mostly be dumped there in stormy weather. Ommen itself was not a trading place. That’s why Ommen has always remained secondary compared with the larger Hanseatic cities. Although Ommen only played a minor role in the Hanseatic League, it is proud to be classed as a Hanseatic city.
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Doesburg

Recharging spot for connoisseurs

Doesburg, a magnificent Hanseatic city on the IJssel river! This historical fortress city with its well-preserved history and culture is simply waiting to be discovered. As you stroll through the Old Town, you'll notice lavishly decorated facades, listed buildings and streets dating back to the Middle Ages. The mix of modern architecture, captivating boutiques, stylish specialist stores and cosy terraces guarantees a pleasant visit. Anyone who visits Doesburg is sure to return!

More than 150 monuments

Anyone who has been to Doesburg will confirm that you simply can’t get enough of this city. It is absolutely teeming with sights. There are more than 150 monuments and plenty of museums to admire. That’s why a stroll around the city should be high on your list, along with a visit to the Lalique Museum and De Waag, the oldest restaurant in the Netherlands. If you're feeling up to it, you should be sure to head up to the Martinikerk church.

Doesburg is an ideal starting point for discovery tours of the surrounding area. From the Hanseatic city, follow the pretty cycling and walking routes such as the Graafschappad, Hanzestedenpad or the Gelderse Kastelenroute castle route. Doesburg borders the Veluwezoom region and you’ll soon find yourself in this magnificent national park. Doesburg is also often referred to as the gateway to the Achterhoek region. Numerous hiking and cycling maps are available from the VVV Tourist Information Office.
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Oldenzaal

Every visit is a celebration!

Oldenzaal is a lively city and a pleasure to visit. The city is centuries old and known for its Burgundian atmosphere. We warmly welcome you to Oldenzaal! You'll find what you are looking for here!

Discover rich history and culture

Oldenzaal has a glorious past. It obtained the right to hold a market in 1049 and city rights in 1249. It is the oldest city in the Twente region. In the Middle Ages, it was also the most important city in the region. It was a hub for trade and religion. Discover the Basilica of St Plechelmus and a street layout that is still reminiscent of the Middle Ages to this day. Take a city tour and use the Hanze Tour app that takes you back to the Hanseatic days.

Enjoy the city and abundant nature

Oldenzaal is synonymous with good living! It has great shops, a thriving economy and plenty of leisure activities. We recommend visiting the lovely restaurants and cafés to experience the lively atmosphere here. Various events take place each year.

 

Oldenzaal is situated in the hilly Twente countryside. Its diverse landscape provides numerous walking and cycling routes. What’s more, Oldenzaal also has a multipurpose recreation park, Het Hulsbeek. There are plenty of reasons to visit the city!
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