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Hanseatic towns along the river IJssel
The Hanseatic towns of Hasselt, Kampen, Zwolle, Hattem, Deventer, Zutphen and
Doesburg are the lovely pearls on the sparkling River IJssel that many describe as the
most beautiful river in the Netherlands. These former mercantile towns are pleased to introduce you to everything they have in store for you in the fields of history, culture,
natural beauty and
arts. And this includes many, many features. The glorious history of
the Medieval Hanseatic League has left many tracks and transformed the towns into extraordinarily attractive tourist draws. Each of the seven towns has its own charms: it is
up to you to discover and become acquainted with these charms.
The Hanseatic League came into existence as a result of the cooperation between Northern German merchants in the 14th and 15th century. It bloomed into a powerful economic influence that commanded to be given due consideration. During the hey-day, this trading league had a membership exceeding 200 towns and it was situated around the North Sea
and Baltic with connections that went as far as Spain, Portugal and Italy. The trading items were articles such as salt, fish, grains, wood, beer, wine, cloths, beeswax and furs. The sea and rivers were the most vital links in transportation. They owed this also to the cog, the
main trading vessel until the 15th century. In 1980, the international Hanseatic League was brought back to life with cultural exchanges and the International Hanseatic Days that take place each year.
The seven towns are extremely suitable for a voyage of discovery on foot. Informative Hanseatic town walks are available from the respective Tourist Information Offices (VVV).
You can also enjoy a cycling tour in the beautiful landscape on the River IJssel, offering unusual flora and fauna. Our special cycling guide offers 9 routes that vary from 18 to 47 kilometres. Sport-loving triers can also tread on the 164 kilometres Hanseatic Footpath connecting Kampen and Doesburg and the 135 kilometres cycling path connecting Kampen and Emmerich.
The monumental merchants' dwellings and offices, medieval streets and squares with decorative gables, still nooks and the hustle and bustle on the River IJssel take us back
to the olden days. The numerous boutiques, museums, restaurants and lovely terraces
are designed along a modern pattern, allowing you to see the day-to-day life in the
Hanseatic towns in the 21st century pass before your eyes.
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