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
- 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
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
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
- 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
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.
- Stay at beautiful Finch Boutique Hotel in Deventer.
- All top things to do in Deventer.
Hattem
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.
- Aparthotel Hattem has lovely hotels rooms and apartments
- Visit the Anton Pieck Museum, dedicated to Dutch artist Anton Pieck (who was also the designer of The Netherlands’ theme park, Efteling).
Elburg
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.
- Stay at Boutique Hotel Elburg.
- Learn more about the town in Museum Elburg.
- Climb the tower of the Saint Nicholaschurch for a stunning view over the town and surroundings.
Kampen
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
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).
- One of the best hotels to stay in during your road trip in The Netherlands is Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch in Zwolle.
- Discover the city using this self-guided walking tour and audio guide.
- Don’t miss Zwolle highlight Museum de Fundatie.
- Step inside one of the most beautiful bookshops in The Netherlands, built in a church, Van der Velde in de Broeren.
- Discover Trotse Muren, the street art project of Zwolle.
- See all top things to do in Zwolle.
Harderwijk
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.
- Visit Marius 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 at Patrijs.
Hasselt
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
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
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.
- Stay at cosy and beautiful Guesthouse in het Voorhuys.
- Climb the 94-meter high tower of the Martinikerk for a stunning view over Doesburg.
- See some stunning Art Nouveau at the Lalique Museum.
- Have lunch in Het Arsenaal, the oldest café in The Netherlands, found in 1309.
More road trip inspiration in The Netherlands
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38 Comments
Lorelle
November 15, 2017 at 4:03 amAll such wonderful unique towns. Have pinned this for later in hopes that one day I will get to the Netherlands. Thanks Esther 😉
California Globetrotter
November 15, 2017 at 9:27 amLoving these Hansa towns! Was recently in Gdansk (coming on Monday!) and it really had a similar feeling to Amsterdam and that’s also because they were part of the Hanseatic League! Pinning these for later!!
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:35 amFunnily enough, Gdanks has been on my wishlist for quite some time!
Lisa
November 15, 2017 at 10:55 amThat sounds like such a great road trip route! Love the pictures and I also think it’s great that you don’t need a car but can take the train too!
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:36 amYes Lisa, this goes for a lot of places in The Netherlands. You can discover loads of places, as everything is pretty close together. No excuses not to go exploring 😉
Sarah
November 15, 2017 at 6:07 pmAhhh I am in Amsterdam right now and already hoping I can return someday (not too far) in the future and explore more of the Netherlands. This would be a great start!
Claire
November 15, 2017 at 8:36 pmNever visited that part of the country, it looks pretty. Bookmarking!
Lydia
November 15, 2017 at 11:13 pmWe didn’t get to any of them but I wish we did. Your pics are very appealing!
Ruth
November 16, 2017 at 3:57 amI have heard about the Hanseatic League but didn’t know the term Hansa was used to describe towns that were part of it. It is difficult to choose favorites but i liked Zutphen a lot. I can see how this is a popular road trip route.
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:37 amAh yes, Zutphen is very cute!
Jules
November 17, 2017 at 1:09 pmIt is a nice roadtrip to take. We enjoy visiting the cities and seeing how much the Dutch love the water. It is really part of their daily live
Nell
November 17, 2017 at 1:45 pmWow – the legacy of the Hanseatic League was very much in evidence when I visited Bergen recenly, but I have to confess, I didn’t know much about its origins. And now I have another top destination in mind, for when we next travel to the Netherlands. Thanks for the introduction!
hilary
November 17, 2017 at 5:35 pmWhat a wonderful collection of towns! I loved our visit to The Netherlands last year, and sincerely hope I get back there soon! When that happens I’ll definitely be visiting some of these gems! Hasselt sounds wonderful, I’m choosing that one as my favorite.
Wendy Maes
November 18, 2017 at 3:34 pmIk leer op jouw blog zoveel over plaatsen die zo dicht bij huis zijn. Ik heb echt tijd te kort!
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:39 amHet leuke is dat je al een hoop op een weekend kunt zien 😉 (En hé, ik moet nog zo veel zien in Vlaanderen, hoewel ik er uit de buurt kom)
Anda
November 19, 2017 at 5:02 amThanks for letting me know about Hansa Towns. I’ve heard of the Hanseatic League, but not about these towns.
There seem to be so many interesting things to see in the Netherlands. I began making a list of places I’d love to visit there.
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:40 amI totally see why the towns get overlooked, as they are not as grand as the larger Hansa cities, like Hamburg. But oh, these small places are worth a visit!
Elaine J Masters
November 19, 2017 at 5:30 amThese villages are so full of history and beautiful architecture. I’ve never heard of the Hansa Towns. It’s time I get to the Netherlands.
Esther
November 19, 2017 at 9:41 amOh, I hope you make it here one day!
Moira
November 19, 2017 at 4:42 pmEsther, This is such a lovely guide! I loved reading it and will totally be referring back to it when I travel to the Netherlands.
Sherrie
November 19, 2017 at 9:26 pmWow! Is there any town in the Netherlands that isn’t picturesque? I feel like I need to go there and spend a month just wandering and exploring all these wonderful towns.
Esther
November 20, 2017 at 1:18 pmLOL! Don’t tempt me to make a list of soulless Dutch towns, I know loads. But then, I often just pretend they don’t exist and focus on the pretty ones 😉
Vanessa Brune
November 20, 2017 at 12:14 pmI’ve spent a week sailing on the JIjssel lake on a school trip and we visited lots of little villages along the way. I guess I need to come back one day to explore the area properly!
Esther
November 20, 2017 at 1:17 pmThat sounds like an awesome trip! Sounds like you know the area already!
Clare
November 20, 2017 at 3:05 pmI’d love to visit ALL of these, Esther! Doesburg and Hattem both look so pretty, I’ll pick those to visit first. Fabulous discoveries again for
Jim Boate
November 21, 2017 at 1:08 amWe first discovered Deventer while on a cycling holiday many years ago. We have been back several times, it is a great central spot to visit several of the Hansa towns that are less than a days bike ride away.
We love to go down to De Brink (city square) in the evening for a glass of wine. We are now fortunate to have friends living in this beautiful city.
Esther
November 21, 2017 at 8:15 amThat’s very cool Jim! The best way to discover The Netherlands is by bike (weather permitting!). And Brink is a great place for a drink!
Michelle
November 21, 2017 at 9:22 amOnce again, I’m left feeling inspired by these picturesque Dutch towns that I’d never heard of before! Thanks so much for sharing. Loved seeing the old-school sailboats on the water! Do you think it’s worth staying overnight in any of these towns or would a day trip suffice?
Esther
November 23, 2017 at 6:01 pmI think if you’d only want to visit one of these towns a day trip is enough, though it would be worth to see a couple more and stay one or two nights in one of the larger cities, like Deventer or Zwolle.
Agness
November 22, 2017 at 1:58 pmGoing on a road trip in the Netherlands sounds like an awesome idea, Esther. I’ve lived in Amsterdam for two years and exploring these hidden gems was not something I did. So, I’ve got another reason to go there soon.
Mini Travellers
November 23, 2017 at 10:57 pmI’ve never visited this part of the Netherlands but I think it looks incredibly pretty. I love the fact that you can be car less too if you lilke.
Travelling With Our Kids
November 24, 2017 at 9:32 pmThese towns look so pretty. We havent been to this part of the Netherlands but we plan to go back one day. We also love road trips so this is right up our street! Great article 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Kana
November 29, 2017 at 6:38 pmOk this is totally architecture heaven! The photos look absolutely gorgeous! I’d love to visit and do a road-trip out there! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, hope to see you again this week! xo
Catherine
November 29, 2017 at 11:43 pmWe visited the Netherlands this summer and loved it, lots of reasons to return and now the Hanseatic towns too #FarawayFiles
Janine
November 30, 2017 at 5:06 pmAll these stops on your road trip truly demonstrate unique charm and beauty in their own right. I would definitely explore each of them and take a heap of photos!
Erin Gustafson
November 30, 2017 at 5:44 pmOh this looks like the perfect itinerary to explore little town Netherlands. They are all adorable and I can’t pick just one. Love the harbor with the historic boats – looks just amazing. Thanks for sharing this lesser known part of your beautiful country.
Ray Anthony Pinoy
March 6, 2019 at 1:51 pmHi Esther, I came across your blog while reading about places to visit in the Netherlands in June-July 2019. We will be driving. We are a family with 8 year old daughter. If we would like to visit all the towns/cities you mentioned in your blog, which single town would be a good place to make as a base?
Esther
March 17, 2019 at 7:47 amHi Ray, I’d say Deventer or Zwolle are your best options as these are both the largest towns along this route. Check out my city page to find city guides on both cities: https://www.yourdutchguide.com/cities/