In the Middle Ages, while Amsterdam was still a tiny fishing village, cities in the eastern part of the Netherlands flourished. They were part of the Hanseatic League, a trading network of cities in Central and Northern Europe. The wealth brought by trade funded painters, architects, writers and philosophers, and transformed these cities into amazing gems.Nowadays the 9 preserved Hanseatic Cities are one of our favorite day trips from Amsterdam.
Here are the list of our favorite Hanseatic cities:
The historical Sassenpoort. One of the 7 gates built to protect the city.
Zwolle is the biggest hanseatic city, with magnificent monuments, handsome squares and old museums, with a very pleasant atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for those who like to experience a city through its shopping streets, cafes and restaurants.
Stroll around the city and see the beautiful Theater de Spiegel. Visit monuments like the Sassenport, a medieval gate**,** and Pepperbus, an old tower that offers one of the best sights of the city.
Best known for its annual Dickens festival during the winter holiday season, Deventer is a picturesque city with gorgeous architecture, great cafes, and a very old kettle with a blood-soaked past.
As you wander through the old town, you'll be transported back in time by its well-preserved medieval streets, lined with quaint shops and historic buildings. De Waag, a magnificent 16th-century weighhouse, stands as a testament to Deventer's trading heritage and is a centerpiece of the town's architectural beauty.
Gaze upon the Deventer skyline and be mesmerized by the harmonious blend of historic spires and contemporary structures, offering a captivating visual tapestry.
Kampen has an ancient tradition of commerce and shipping, and you can tell. This Hanseatic town has over 500 monuments, including the Church of St Nicholas, the Gothic House, the town gates and a replica of the Medieval merchant ship De Kamper Hanze Kogge.
With all these impressive monuments to behold, the best way to explore the historic town center is on a walking tour. From Korenmarktpoort gate, head to the old Vispoort gate on IJsselkade quay, close to the old town hall, where the fish market has been held since the 14th century.
Hattem is an 800-year-old town with gorgeous monuments to admire, such as St. Andrew’s Church, a Romanesque edifice whose foundations were laid as far back as 1200 and that still has many elements from that time. The 17th-century town hall and the town’s characteristic entrance gate, the ‘Dijkpoort,’ are also among the icons of this charming town.
Hattem is situated in the Veluwe area, well known for the wonderful hikes and cycling trips to be taken there, for instance, across the estate of Castle Molecaten.
The Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands were primarily located in the eastern part of the country, along major rivers and trade routes.