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

The Hanzeroute is the middle part of the LF3. Route signs point the way in both directions along the alternating valley of the IJssel and the Hanseatic cities. The Hanze valley has high river dikes with impressive views over the IJssel. Occasionally 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 a 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 in Doesburg, Zutphen, Deventer, Hattem, Zwolle, Kampen and Hasselt. Each city has its own charm. Beer, fish, wood, cattle, corn and roof tiles produced here were traded in Hasselt. Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It was first mentioned as a small settlement in the year 806. You pass the Bolwerksmolen, a sawmill from 1863.

Ancient trading cities
Kampen grew considerably in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, mainly due to its favorable location on the IJssel. Skippers sailed in and out and even now the water is still optimally used for recreation. Past and present go hand in hand in Zwolle. The cultural offer is varied and ancient monuments and modern buildings merge seamlessly.

Historic sites
You will also cycle through the Hanseatic cities of Hattem, Zutphen and Doesburg. Along the way you will come across the Wijhese Molen in Wijhe, the oldest still existing octagonal tower 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 house.
Buy the map'De IJssel\\\' at the VVV or Tourist Info and get on your bike along the Hanseatic cities.

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

Read more about the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands here