From Veluwe Hotel De Beyaerd
Hanseatic towns are cities that were members of the so-called Hanseatic League from the 12th to 16th centuries. The Hanseatic League was a collaboration between merchants and trading cities in Europe to promote and protect trade. Whereas Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still small villages during the Middle Ages, the Hanseatic cities fulfilled an important role. They traded mainly in grain, fish, dairy products, beer, wine, salt, wood, iron and furs. Dutch Hanseatic towns include Arnhem, Deventer, Doesburg, Elburg, Groningen, Harderwijk, Hasselt, Hattem, Kampen, Nijmegen, Oldenzaal, Ommen, Roermond, Stavoren, Tiel, Venlo, Zutphen and Zwolle. On the Veluwe, Elburg, Harderwijk and Hattem flourished thanks to their, at the time, favourable location on the Zuiderzee.
Where today nobody can ignore Amsterdam and Rotterdam, in the Middle Ages the Hanseatic cities were the most important cities in the Netherlands. One of these cities is Elburg, located on Lake Dronten and Lake Veluwe. Until 1932, Elburg was located on the Zuiderzee, the ideal starting point for a trading town. Because of the town's rich and thriving history, many monuments and historical buildings can be found in the centre:
Vischpoort The Vischpoort is the gateway to the port. This city gate dates back to the 15th century and was initially used as a defence tower. In 1592, the fortifications were extended and the gate was given a passageway.
The GruitHuis The Gruithuis was built around 1400 to trade in, you guessed it, gunpowder. Gruit were herbs used as flavouring for medieval beer. Initially used as a brewery, the Gruithuis later served mainly as a city farm.
Museum Elburg The Agnieten Convent, a women's convent from the 15th century, houses Museum Elburg. Museum Elburg houses extensive exhibitions on the history of the Hanseatic city. The museum also includes the Kazemats and the wall house. The Kazematten are among the oldest remaining canon cellars in the Netherlands. In the wall house, you are taken into the lives of the poorest inhabitants of Elburg around 1800/1900.
St Nicholas' church In 1337, the bishop of Utrecht gave permission to build a parish church in the then new town of Elburg. In 1693, the church was struck by lightning and the tower burned down. Due to lack of money, the tower was never restored.
This is just a selection of the many sights Elburg has to offer. Are you a history and culture buff? Then be sure to visit this Hanseatic city!
In the Middle Ages, Hattem was part of the so-called Hanseatic League. This alliance aimed to protect and promote trade in Europe. Thanks to this important role, many monuments and historical buildings can be found in this picturesque town. So this special town is definitely worth a visit. Stroll through the old streets, admire the old buildings and, finally, enjoy a terrace on the old market square.
Anton Pieck museum In Hattem, you can delve into the work and life of Den Helder-based artist Anton Pieck. Anton Pieck is mainly known for his designs for the fairytale forest in the Efteling amusement park. The creative and romanticising designs of this artist have contributed greatly to this, now the largest theme park in the Benelux. The museum houses a permanent exhibition and changing exhibits.
Bakery Museum HattemT Take a peek into the life of a baker at the 150-year-old bakery museum. A visit to this museum is also fun for children. On Saturdays and during school holidays, they can do their own work here. At Easter, for example, there is an Easter Bunny on the programme and at Sinterklaas they can make their own speculaas doll here. In 2020, the Bakery Museum was still named by Zoover as the most fun outing in the Netherlands.
City walk Sure you won't miss anything about beautiful Hattem? Follow a guided city walk. The guide will take you along the most beautiful spots of this fortified town. Among other things, you will walk along the city canals, the Sellers' Tower, the Dijkpoort and Molen de Fortuin.
Picture: RTV Hattem
Apart from a beautiful natural setting, the Veluwe also offers plenty of opportunities for shopping and culture. A 10-minute drive from the hotel is the medieval trading town of Harderwijk. Stroll through the picturesque streets, stroll along the city walls, picnic on the boulevard, grab a terrace on the Vischmarkt, discover unique shops and boutiques or go boating. The Hanseatic city has something for everyone.
Harderwijk is a city with a lot of history. With 92 national monuments, there are plenty of places of interest. The Vischpoort, the Catharina Chapel and the Great Church are certainly worth a visit. Do you like to visit museums? Take a look at the city museum or immerse yourself in the craft of eel smoking at the Eel Museum.
Do you like shopping? In the Donkerstraat, Hondegatstraat, Hoogstraat, Luttekepoortstraat, Smeepoortstraat and the fish market you will find plenty of nice shops and boutiques.
You can book your overnight stay easily and quickly online. For other questions, please contact us via the contact form or by phone at 0341 451 541.