Hanseatic tour of Hattem-Elburg-Hattem through the eyes of Fanbassadors Bunnies Unleashed

Fanbassadors Bunnies Unleashed were set out to cycle the Hanseatic tour of Hattem-Elurg-Hattem. Check out their personal experiences here. You will certainly feel like taking this route. Here is their report:

What do Harderwijk, Elburg, Hattem, Kampen, Hasselt, Zwolle, Deventer, Zutphen and Doesburg have in common? It could just be a question on a quiz. These nine cities belong to the Dutch Hanseatic cities that formed an important trading center in the 12th century. Eight hundred years later, most of these places are virtually unknown. High time to discover two of these forgotten cities: Hattem and Elburg.

Tough bike ride from Hattem to Elburg

Anyone who knows us knows that we like to go out and often take long walks. On a bike, however, you will find us less often. If we take our bikes out of the gazebo once a year, it will be a lot. When we received the offer to undertake a two-day bike ride for NBTC Holland, we were shocked. Today's bike ride is no less than 55 kilometers. That's a lot for our untrained cycling legs. Not to mention saddle pain.

But cycling in the Netherlands is a luxury. Especially compared to the Flemish patchwork where the car is still king. In the Netherlands we mainly find wide cycle paths, usually separated from car traffic and therefore very safe. The connection between Hattem and Elburg takes us past stately tree avenues, old castles and vast landscapes.

Hattem, picturesque Hanseatic city

Hattem is a tiny town of barely a handkerchief in size. It is incredible that this was once an important trading center. There is now no sign of that in the sleepy old town. Although: a number of sights betray the greatness of yesteryear. For example, we see remains of Dikke Tinne, a castle that once defended the city here with 7-meter thick walls. Now there is virtually nothing left and Dikke Tinne has become a distant legend. Another glimpse of Hattem's glorious past can be found at the Dijkpoort. This 14th century city gate has been embellished with corner turrets over time. This gives the tower something fairytale-like.

Talk about fairy tales. At 150 kilometers from Kaatsheuvel we still find a touch of Efteling. In the Anton Pieck Museum, opened in 1984, the works of this artist are collected. The exhibition always changes, so that different drawings can be seen each time. Anton Pieck's workplace was also donated to the museum after his death in 1987. Unfortunately we cannot visit the museum, because on Sunday it only opens at 13h00. However, we are here in the morning and still have a big bike ride ahead of us. This museum is definitely a reason to come back when we are in the area. As Efteling fans, we naturally have great respect for the work of Anton Pieck.

Other things to do in Hattem

Fancy more museums? The Voerman Museum and Dutch Bakery Museum are also located in Hattem. Here too, however, we are faced with a closed door. We then decide to wander around the city and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. On the outskirts of the city we see the wind grist mill De Fortuin, built in 1816. On the Noordwal we walk through neat city gardens and notice beautiful houses with stepped gables. Also in the city center we see a lot of beautiful merchant houses that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale book. Does it need to be said that Hattem is a picturesque place? But beware: come here during the week or on Saturday. On Sundays, many sights are closed.

Elburg: charming fishing town

Nowhere is the Hanseatic city's past more palpable than in Elburg. This has everything to do with the proximity of the harbor where numerous ships once docked. Until 1932 this was an important port on the Zuiderzee, but this has disappeared due to reclamation. Now the port of Elburg is a tourist attraction. We see wooden boats sailing around with tourists in tow.

Via the Vischpoort we enter the old town of Elburg. You can take this very literally, because the city is still surrounded by pieces of city wall, ramparts and canals. Anyone who thinks that only new American cities have a rectangular street plan should definitely travel to Elburg. Here, as early as the 14th century, a strict street plan was chosen. This is still preserved today. This not only provides a view of centuries-old streets and ditto houses. The atmosphere in the town is also very charming and friendly, partly due to its enclosed location. It is striking with how much love the houses and streets are maintained. Everything is shining neatly and the front gardens are an example for every other city. Residents outdo each other with as many colorful flowers as possible in the front garden. If you don't have a garden, the sidewalk is full of beautiful plant pots.

Despite the rectangular street pattern, we still have the feeling of walking through an ancient labyrinth. We won't get lost here anytime soon, but behind every corner there is another romantic spot. Elburg is definitely a pleasant town with a rich past and a friendly present.

Reminisce in Bluefinger Restaurant

With 55 kilometers in the legs, it is wonderful to enjoy the evening at the dining table. This is neatly covered for us in the hotel where we are staying. Hotel Lumen features the classy Bluefinger restaurant.

You can choose between a 3-, 4- or 5-course menu, each with adapted wines. We go for the four courses and three glasses of wine. More than sufficient in both areas, we can guarantee that. The quality of the dishes and wines is also excellent. Perhaps restaurant Coperto, also in Zwolle, is just a bit more culinary. But Bluefinger Restaurant is also definitely recommended for those who love good dining.