Hanseatic Cities: Hip and Happening

A walk through Doesburg - the best way to explore the city on the IJssel - is like a journey back in time. The town was given a new bulwark in the fourteenth century, to protect against the river water that still surrounds Doesburg. Since then, the street pattern has remained unchanged. Zutphen is perfect if you are looking for originality. The historic centre offers many towers as well as a unique and striking range of shops. Zutphen is also called Torenstad (town of towers). As well as some large towers that are visible from a large distance and shape the town’s skyline, there are also plenty of smaller towers. The old centre takes you back to medieval times. As well as towers, there are historical warehouses, merchant’s homes, churches, courtyards, streets and alleyway that create the town’s unique atmosphere.

There is a flow in Deventer. And this is not just the water of the river IJssel that runs past the Hanseatic city. The town itself is full of life too. The energy flows through the medieval streets. Festivals, celebrations, funfairs, markets and music: there is always something going on in Deventer.

Zwolle is a Hanseatic city and a university town. This is evident: the historic and hip city on the IJssel is bursting with vibrancy. Walk through the bustling centre and discover inspiring boutiques, great shops, fascinating museums, like Museum de Fundatie, the best restaurants and much more. There is a lively atmosphere on the streets of the medieval centre of Zwolle. It used to be that merchants from the Hanseatic League ran the show here, but nowadays it’s the students, entrepreneurs and creative types that create a dynamic air.

Between the northern edge of the Veluwe and the Ijssel is scenic Hattem. The Hanseatic city has been a source of inspiration for painters for centuries, which is not surprising: the town is not only ‘photogenic’, but it is also nestled in beautiful surroundings with woods and water a stone’s throw away. Many locations give clues to Hattem’s history as a true fortified town. Parts of the original town wall have survived, just as the fourteenth century Dijkpoort. To the north of Zwolle, on the Zwarte Water, is the Hanseatic city of Hasselt. A characterful town with atmospheric facades, leafy streets and hidden spaces. Discover the special link this Hanseatic city has with Amsterdam. The canal district also has Amsterdam allure with names such as Baangracht, Heerengracht, Prinsengracht and Brouwersgracht. You can discover all the special sight of Hasselt during a city walk, including the historical fortifications, canals, town hall, churches, town gateways, and lime kilns. Or walk, like a traditional pilgrim, one of the pilgrimage routes that converge in Hasselt.

Kampen has been buzzing with activity since the thirteenth century. Fishermen, craftsmen and merchants created hustle and bustle in the nautical town on the banks of the Ijssel. The old centre of the Hanseatic town of Elburg is no larger than 250 by 350 meters. But the list of monuments and historic buildings in this town is impressive and it's surrounded by moats, earthworks and city wall remains.