Hanzerondje Cycling Hattem - Elburg - Hattem

Cycling in the Netherlands is a luxury. Especially compared to the Flemish patchwork, where the car is still king. In the Netherlands, we find mainly wide bike paths, which are mostly separated from car traffic and therefore very safe. The route between Hattem and Elburg leads us past majestic tree-lined avenues, old castles, and vast landscapes.

Hattem is a tiny town, hardly bigger than a handkerchief. It's incredible that this was once an important trading center. There’s no sign of this in the sleepy old center anymore. Although: some sights reveal the greatness of past days. For example, we see remnants of Dikke Tinne, a castle that once defended the town with 7-meter-thick walls. Now, almost nothing is left, and Dikke Tinne has become a distant legend. Another hint at the glorious past of Hattem can be found at Dijkpoort. This city gate from the 14th century has been embellished with corner turrets over time. This gives the tower a fairytale-like quality.

Speaking of fairytales. 150 kilometers from Kaatsheuvel, we still find a hint of Efteling. At the Anton Pieck Museum, which opened in 1984, the works of this artist are collected. The exhibition changes constantly, so there are always different drawings to see. The workplace of Anton Pieck was also donated to the museum after his death in 1987. As Efteling fans, we naturally have great respect for the work of Anton Pieck.

Feeling like visiting more museums? The Voerman Museum and the Dutch Bakery Museum are also located in Hattem. On the outskirts, we see the windmill De Fortuin, built in 1816. Walking along Noordwal, we stroll through well-kept city gardens and admire the beautiful houses with stepped gables. Even in the city center, we see many beautiful merchant houses that could come straight out of a fairytale book. Does it need to be said that Hattem is a picturesque place?

Nowhere is the past of the Hanseatic cities as palpable as in Elburg. This has everything to do with its proximity to the harbor, where once numerous ships docked. Until 1932, this was an important harbor on the Zuiderzee, but that has disappeared due to the diking. Today, the harbor of Elburg is a tourist attraction. We see wooden boats cruising around with tourists on board.

Through the Vischpoort, we enter the old town of Elburg. This should be taken very literally, as the town is still surrounded by pieces of city wall, ramparts, and canals. Those who think that only new American cities have a rectangular street plan must definitely travel to Elburg. Here, a strict street plan was chosen as early as the 14th century. This has been preserved to this day. This not only provides a view of centuries-old alleyways and houses but also creates an atmosphere in the town that is charming and cozy, not least due to its enclosed location. It is striking how lovingly the houses and streets are maintained. Everything shines neatly, and the front gardens are a model for any other city. The residents try to outdo each other with as many colorful flowers as possible in their front gardens. Those who don’t have a garden fill the sidewalk with beautiful plant pots.

Despite the rectangular street network, we still feel like we are wandering through a centuries-old labyrinth. We won't get lost quickly here, but at every corner, there is another romantic spot hiding. Elburg is definitely a cozy town with a rich past and a pleasant present.