Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (2024)

Itineraries

Posted on February 20, 2024

9x Hansa Towns, The Netherlands: plan your road trip

When Amsterdam was still a tiny settlement, nine cities in the east of The Netherlands were blooming trading ports of great importance. What did they have in common? Their location along the river IJssel. The cities of Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Doesburg, Harderwijk, Elburg, Zutphen, Hattem and Hasselt formed the Hansa Towns in The Netherlands. These nine gorgeous historical towns are the perfect destination for a road trip in The Netherlands.

Plan your road trip The Netherlands

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (1)

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (2)

  • If you don’t have your own car with you, rent a car for your road trip in The Netherlands.
  • If you’d rather travel by public transport, several Hansa Towns are easy to reach by train. You can travel to Zwolle, Kampen, Deventer, Zutphen and Harderwijk by train. A OV Chip Card is nice to have when you travel by public transport in The Netherlands.
  • There are many lovely hotels in the Hansa Towns. Below I will tell you where to stay in each city. Do book ahead as the Hansa Towns are popular destinations for both Dutch as foreign visitors.

Vakantiepark Landgoed ‘t Loo

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (3)

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (4)

During your road trip in The Netherlands you can drive from Hansa Town to Hansa Town and stay in several different cities, this is a fun experience. There are quite some pretty hotels along the route. But if you’d rather discover the Dutch Hansa Towns from a holiday park, Vakantiepark Landgoed ‘t Loo not only has the perfect location for your road trip, but has all the facilities for a lovely holiday in The Netherlands. This holiday park has beautifully, recently renovated holiday cottages. The location is perfect: close to all Hansa Towns, but also near Veluwe and famous ‘t Loo Castle. The park has a great swimming pool, water park and play facilities for kids of several ages, as well as

About Hansa Towns in The Netherlands

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (5)

The Hansa Towns (or Hanzesteden) in The Netherlands are true hidden gems. The Hansa Towns follow the IJssel river along the edge of the IJsselmeer. Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Doesburg, Harderwijk, Elburg, Zutphen, Hattem and Hasselt were all part of the Hanseatic League, which formed a powerful trade network from the 11th century on that crossed from Portugal to the Baltic states. Many of you will know Hansa cities like Bremen and Hamburg, but the Dutch Hansa Towns are each well-worth discovering. They are filled with historical monuments and have cosy city centres with lots to discover.

5x why you should visit Hansa Towns in The Netherlands

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (6)

  • The Hanseic cities are relatively small and have compact city centres. Everything is within walking distance.
  • The distance between the Dutch Hansa Towns is short: it’s possible to combine a visit to two towns in one day, especially the smaller ones like Elburg, Doesburg, Hattem and Hasselt.
  • The Dutch Hansa Towns are a chocolate box of culture with excellent museums, nice galeries and theaters.
  • Street art lovers will really enjoy the brand new murals in the Dutch hanseic cities which were made by well-known Dutch street artists and collectives and designed to unite past and present.
  • The Dutch Hansa Towns are a gastronomic paradise. Because of the proximity to both IJssel river and IJsselmeer seafood and fish is especially good in these parts, plus The Netherland’s renowned 3 star Michelin restaurant De Librije is located in Zwolle.

9x Hansa Towns, The Netherlands

Deventer

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (7)

Start your road trip in The Netherlands in Deventer, one of the loveliest Hansa Towns and one of my favourite cities in The Netherlands. It’s a bustling city which hosts the famous book festival in summer and the Dickens Festival the second weekend of December. Wander the historical streets of the Berg Quarter, shop at the colourful indie shops, taste the wholesome Deventer koek and have a local beer at the DAVO brewpub.

Hattem

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (8)

Hattem may be small, but it’s close to the biggest national park in The Netherlands: Hoge Veluwe National Park, a hiker’s and cyclists’s paradise. Hattem is over 800 years old and has several historical monuments to admire, like the Romanesque with foundations that were laid in the 13th century. Furthermore, the small town has no less than 3 museums.

Elburg

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (9)

Elburg is one of the smallest of the Dutch Hansa Towns, yet it’s such a jewel that it shouldn’t be missed during your road trip in The Netherlands. There are dozens of historical monuments and historical buildings to see, as well as the moats and old city walls.

Kampen

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (10)

Kampen is probably the most beautifully located of the Hansa Towns, along the IJssel river. The views when you enter the city, both by train or car, will simply take your breath away. Almost 500 monuments remind us today of a rich a glorious past. A stroll along the historic city gates, discovering the hidden courtyards and stumbling onto some coloutful Art Nouveau is definitely a treat. Whe the reconstructed Kogge ships set sail, better hurry to the waterfront for a good view of this spectactle.

  • Boetiekhotel Kampen is set in a pretty Art Nouveau building.
  • Stedelijk Museum Kampen gives a good explenation on how the Hansa Towns flourished and what they are about today.
  • Ikonenmuseum Kampen hosts a fine collection of Russian Orthodox icons, though I preferd the more contemporary exhibit of Henk Helmantel.
  • Historical cigar factory De Olifant is unique in The Netherlands.

Zwolle

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (11)

Zwolle is the largest of the Hansa Towns in The Netherlands. The star-shaped canal and fortification around the old city are stunning and you should absolutely check out the historical Sassenpoort, the only historical city gate remaining. Inside the walls, Zwolle holds great museums, colourful boutiques and amazing restaurants (one of them being Michelin star restaurant De Librije).

Harderwijk

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (12)

Harderwijk is located on the edge of Hoge Veluwe National Park and Veluwemeer. There is plenty to see and do as the historical town has 100 national monuments and the entire old town has been declared a protected monument. Take a seat and have something to drink at the cosy market square or at the city beach to take in the unique atmosphere of Harderwijk.

    • Hotel Monopole is a newly renovated hotel with promenade views and an excellent restaurant.
    • VisitMarius van Dokkum Museum, located in a stunning old building, to admire the colourful and fun expressionist art.
    • Shop vintage household supplies and textiles at Eef & Co.
    • Taste the finest patisserie atPatrijs.

Hasselt

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (13)

Don’t confuse Hansa Town Hasselt with the Belgium city of Hasselt. Though they’re both pretty historical towns, they do have totally different characters. Hasselt in The Netherlands is also known as ‘Little Amsterdam’ and when you take in the canals, bridges, quays and locks in the small city centre, there is no question why. Even the canals are named the same as their Amsterdam big brothers, so do take a walk along Heerengracht and Prinsengracht in Hasselt or take a boat trip to take it all in.

  • Hasselt is a stop on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella.
  • Order lunch, overlooking the water, at De Linde.

Zutphen

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (14)

Even though Zutphen is one of the grandest of all Hanse Towns in The Netherlands, its origins date back to roman time. The city has a spectacular skyline, best to be seen from the water. The museums, indie shops, cosy market square and excellent restaurants are a visitor-magnet. Zutphen should not be missed during a road trip in The Netherlands.

  • Hotel Broederenklooster is a stunning boutique hotel in Zutphen, set in an old cloyster.
  • The best way to discover Zurphen is by boat.
  • Step inside the Zutphen library as it is set in a stunning old church building.

Doesburg

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (15)

Doesburg is one of the most magnificent fortified, historical and an absolute must-visit during a road trip in The Netherlands. Even nowadays the wealth and importance of days gone by is still very visible. Simply wandering the cobbled streets and taking in the stunning historical buildings is a treat.

More road trip inspiration in The Netherlands

  • Zeeland, The Netherlands: top things to do
  • Texel, The Netherlands: top things to do
  • Ameland, The Netherlands: top things to do
  • Itinereray: how to spend 3 days in The Netherlands

Hansa Towns
Road trip in The Netherlands
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Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (16)

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Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (18)

Esther

Travel journalist, organised chaot, Tour de France lover, black cat and black coffee aficionado all rolled into one. The voice behind Your Dutch Guide, helping you to explore The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam.

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns (2024)

FAQs

Road trip in The Netherlands: along 9 Hansa Towns? ›

The cities of Deventer, Zwolle, Kampen, Doesburg, Harderwijk, Elburg, Zutphen, Hattem

Hattem
The name “Hattem” is a typical farmyard name. The exact origin of “Hattem” is yet unclear. In general two explanation exist. Hattem would be the 'heem' (home) of a people who belong to the tribe of Chattuarii (or Hattuarii or Hatten). A second origin could refer to the leader of a people under the leader Hatto.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Hattem
and Hasselt formed the Hansa Towns in The Netherlands. These nine gorgeous historical towns are the perfect destination for a road trip in The Netherlands.

What is the most scenic place in the Netherlands? ›

Top 10 Most Beautiful Places to Explore in the Netherlands
  • Zaanse Schans - A Step Back in Time. ...
  • Kinderdijk - Iconic Windmills. ...
  • Utrecht - Dynamic Cityscape. ...
  • Hoge Veluwe National Park - Nature's Sanctuary. ...
  • Rotterdam - Architectural Marvels. ...
  • Leiden - Birthplace of Rembrandt. ...
  • Maastricht - Southern Charmer.

How many days in the Netherlands is enough? ›

7–9 days, add: Rotterdam and Leiden (day-trip from Haarlem or Delft), or more day-trip towns north of Amsterdam (Alkmaar and Hoorn/Enkhuizen) 10–11 days, add: Arnhem (for the two first-rate museums nearby) and either Utrecht or more time in Delft to day-trip to The Hague.

What are the Hanseatic towns in the Netherlands? ›

The Hanseatic Cities

Along the sparkling river IJssel, described by many as the most beautiful river of the Netherlands, the mediaeval cities of Hasselt, Kampen, Zwolle, Hattem, Deventer, Zutphen, ELburg, Harderwijk and Doesburg lie as beautiful gems.

Where to go by car in the Netherlands? ›

The 10 Best Road Trips in the Netherlands
  • Amsterdam to Rotterdam.
  • Zeeland Delta Route.
  • Den Helder to The Hague.
  • Amsterdam to Lage Vuursche.
  • Veluwe National Park Route.
  • Groningen to Zwolle.
  • Friesland six castles route.
  • Amsterdam to Bloemendaal aan Zee.

What is the 11 cities Tour in the Netherlands? ›

Course and rules. The tour, almost 200 km (125 miles) in length, follows a closed or circular route along frozen canals, rivers and lakes visiting the eleven historic Frisian cities: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum, then returning to Leeuwarden.

What is the most walkable city in the Netherlands? ›

Amsterdam's extensive network of pedestrian-friendly streets further supports its top ranking. Known as the "Bike Capital of the World," Amsterdam boasts an extensive network of approximately 250 miles of bike paths and a flat landscape that encourages discovering the city on foot.

What is the best month to go to Netherlands? ›

The best time to visit the Netherlands is in June, or between September and November, when the leaves change and the foods and beers of the festive season emerge.

How long does it take to drive all of Netherlands? ›

Well, the Netherlands is about 164 km wide and 252 km tall. (Source: Netherlands Land Statistics - World Atlas) As the maximum speed is 130 KM at some highways and either 100 or 120 on others, the north/south route would take about 3 hours if there's no traffic.

Is Netherlands a cheap place to visit? ›

The Netherlands is known for many things – sublime art, sustainability initiatives, glorious countryside – but low prices isn't typically one of them (especially not in Amsterdam, with the capital ranking as one of Europe's most expensive cities). Still, there are plenty of opportunities to minimize costs.

Is Elburg worth visiting? ›

Explore, discover and experience Elburg

The largest monument density of the Netherlands. Especially in the old fortified town and historic fishing harbour. The surroundings of Elburg are most certainly worth exploring, on foot, by bike, boat or car.

Was Bergen a Hanseatic city? ›

Bergen was founded in 1070 and was from early on a major European trading and seafaring port and an important trading centre for Hanseatic merchants. The German Office was established in 1360 and it remained for 400 years (appr. 1360-1761).

How many Hanseatic cities are there? ›

Today, the Hanseatic cities are reconnecting with their great past: The Union of Cities THE HANSA was founded in Zwolle in 1980 to revive the common cultural heritage and, with almost 200 member cities, is one of the largest voluntary associations of cities in the world.

Can Americans drive in Netherlands? ›

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

Is it expensive to have a car in Netherlands? ›

On average, Dutch motorists spend between € 600 and € 800 on their cars each month, depending on their fuel choice. The cost of driving a diesel car can vary as much as € 350 a month across Europe.

What is the pretty city in Netherlands? ›

Arnhem is known for its beautiful green surroundings, like Park Sonsbeek, where you can walk among ponds, forests, and meadows. The city's cultural attractions include theaters, museums, and art galleries, along with charming streets, old churches, and historic buildings. Book a hotel room in Arnhem.

What is Netherlands most famous landmark? ›

  • Dam Square. 15,486. Points of Interest & Landmarks Centrum. ...
  • Madurodam. 3,922. Amusem*nt & Theme Parks. ...
  • World Heritage Kinderdijk. 3,484. Educational sites. ...
  • Royal Palace Amsterdam. 3,518. ...
  • Rotterdam Centraal Station. 4,397. ...
  • Erasmus Bridge. 3,783. ...
  • Boekhandel Dominicanen. 2,811. ...
  • Concertgebouw. 3,100.

What is the most famous in Netherlands? ›

When you think of the Netherlands, your first thought is of windmills, canals, tulips, cheese and the Dutch Masters. That makes sense, as these cultural icons are world-famous and really should not be missed when visiting our country.

Which is the best Dutch island to visit? ›

Exploring the Dutch Wadden Isles

''Some people consider Schiermonnikoog the prettiest of the five Wadden Islands off the northern coast of the Netherlands yet Terschelling and Texel have a loyal following too and others enthuse about Vlieland or Ameland.

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