Hanseatic Route: along the power and splendor of the Hanseatic cities

The Hanseatic Route is the middle section of the LF3. Route signs point the way in both directions along the varied valley of the IJssel and the Hanseatic cities. The Hanseatic Valley has high river dikes with impressive views over the IJssel. Every now and then the routes go a little deeper into the valley through wooded estates and past stately manors. At the end of the path there is always another Hanseatic city where you can go.

The illustrious history of the Hanseatic League
The glorious history of the medieval Hanseatic League has left its mark on Doesburg, Zutphen, Deventer, Hattem, Zwolle, Kampen and Hasselt. Each city has its own charm. In Hasselt, beer, fish, wood, cattle, corn and roof tiles produced here were traded. Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It was first mentioned as a small settlement in the year 806. You will pass the Bolwerksmolen, a sawmill from 1863.

Old trading cities
Kampen grew considerably in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, mainly due to its favourable location on the IJssel. Skippers sailed back and forth and even now the water is used optimally for recreation. In Zwolle, the past and present go hand in hand. The cultural offering is varied and centuries-old monuments and modern buildings merge seamlessly into each other.

Historical sights
You will continue cycling through the Hanseatic cities of Hattem, Zutphen and Doesburg. On your way you will come across the Wijhese Molen in Wijhe, the oldest existing octagonal smock mill in Overijssel. In the hamlet of Diepenveen you will pass Huis Nieuw Rande.'Oud Rande\\\' is already mentioned in documents from 1285 and the tower you see is the only remaining remnant of the old manor.
Buy the map 'De IJssel' at the VVV or Tourist Info and cycle along the Hanseatic cities.

This cycle route is offered to you by Hanzesteden Marketing. For more information, visit www.hanzesteden.info.

Read more about the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands here