Become part of the Hanseatic League

Cycling along the Hanseatic cities!

8-day Hanseatic cities and the pearls of the Veluwe

From €739.

  • 8 days

  • Luggage transport

  • Individual

  • Veluwe

Experience the history of the Hanseatic cities by bicycle

8-day cycling vacation along the most beautiful medieval towns in the Veluwe.

It is hard to fathom but in the 15th century, the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands were the most important trade centers and Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still villages. Merchants in northern Europe formed an alliance and gave each other all kinds of trade privileges such as exemption from paying tolls. Rivers and seas were the main transport routes from salt and beer to timber and animal skins.

The river IJssel was an important link between trade from the Baltic Sea and the North Sea area. On the Veluwe, Harderwijk, Elburg, Kampen and Hattem flourished due to their favorable location on the Zuiderzee.

During this cycling vacation you will get to know the rich past of this part of the Veluwe and cycle through the most beautiful medieval towns , interspersed with beautiful nature such as heathlands, endless sandy plains, forests and Veluwe villages.

You will stay overnight at 3 different locations with starting and finishing point the beautiful Elburg Of course, we provide luggage transport during your cycling vacation.

City walls, city gates and historic city centers

Your cycling vacation begins In picturesque Elburg, located on the Veluwe Lake. Elburg is a Hanseatic city with a walled historic center, ramparts and iconic city gate. The harbor is full of beautiful authentic botters and it's great to wander through all those old streets.

From Elburg, take a scenic tour through the northern part of the Veluwe and visit the Hanseatic town of Hattem. Cycling through Hattem, you can understand why this town on the river IJssel, has (had) a great attraction for centuries to painters. Dutch skies, estates and vast forests provide the perfect backdrop. On the way to Harderwijk, you will cycle through Hanseatic city Kampen with its enchanting downtown of ornate merchant houses and impressive facades. A bustling Hanseatic city, Harderwijk has a historic downtown and a rich history. Picturesque streets are interspersed with atmospheric squares.
The vast forests and nature reserves surrounding Epe are the habitat of boar, deer, roe deer and foxes. Nature here is truly beautiful and so versatile. Chances are you will encounter the shepherd with his flock of sheep on your bike. Kroondomein Het Loo belongs to the most beautiful forest area of the Veluwe.

Through the nature reserve the Renderklippen you cycle back to Elburg, where you started this cycling vacation.

.

Day 1

Arrival Hanseatic city of Elburg

You will travel on your own to the beautiful historic Hanseatic city of Elburg. A 5-minute walk away, you can use free parking throughout your cycling vacation.

Today is a great opportunity to explore this ancient fortified town. Hanseatic city Elburg is a nice little town on Veluwe Lake with a walled historic center, city walls and iconic city gate. The authentic botters in the harbor are the silent witnesses of Elburg's rich fishing past.

Wander the medieval streets with beautiful historic buildings. No matter where in the fortress you stand, everywhere you will see something special. The beautifully preserved city moat and defensive walls still surround the city center. One of Elburg's former entrance gates has been preserved. When you walk underneath it, you step into a world of monuments. Or enjoy on one of the many terraces by the harbor.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 2

Elburg – Hattem – Elburg (62km)

You leave Elburg in a northeasterly direction and cycle through a vast polder landscape, along the Lummerwetering, towards the IJssel River. You can't get a more Dutch setting: dikes, polders and water. After about 20 km you will reach Zalk, a village on the river IJssel and a nice place for a coffee and a Boffert. Halfway along the route, you will arrive in the Hanseatic city of Hattem.

Sandwiched between the river IJssel and the edge of the Veluwe, this picturesque town has a picturesque center where you can stroll around or enjoy a moment on one of the many terraces. This town has been an inspiration to many artists for centuries. You can also visit the Anton Pieck museum in Hattem. Via the Apeldoorns canal you will dive into the woods near Wapenveld and Wezep and via Oldebroek on low-traffic country roads back to Elburg.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 3

Elburg – Kampen – Harderwijk (63km)

Before you descend to Harderwijk, make a loop and cycle along the eastern shores of Lake Dronter and reach Kampen nar about 20km. Nautical Hanseatic city Kampen is home to the Kamper Kogge; the trade ships of the 15th century. There is plenty to see and do in Kampen, and all the sights are within walking distance. You will find many craft stores and warehouses. Kampen is also the perfect place for today's first break. After Kampen, cycle through the beautiful Reve-Abbert forest in the Flevopolder. Strange to think that this relatively young forest area was part of the Zuiderzee over a hundred years ago. After about 40km you will cycle past Elburg again and the perfect place for lunch. You will cycle the last part of this route on a mostly free-laying bike path through a grand farm landscape with streams and ditches to your next overnight location in Harderwijk.
Harderwijk is an old Hanseatic city. Wander the medieval streets with beautiful historic buildings such as the monumental Old Town Hall and the picturesque Fisherman's House.

You can also join the city guide. Every day at 2 p.m. there is a city tour with your hotel as the starting point. The city guide tells about the rich history of the city in which the fortifications and fishing played an important role.
Enjoy a glass of wine on one of the many terraces and watch the sunset at one of the many beach pavilions of the city beach.

Overnight in Harderwijk.

Day 4

Round trip Harderwijk (46km)

During this route, you will be introduced to Veluwe villages such as Ermelo and Putten. Schovenhorst estate is a nice break spot. You will then cycle through the Speulder and Sprielder forest. These are among the oldest and most beautiful forests in the Netherlands , known for its "dancing" ancient trees. Ferns and half-grown logs create a special atmosphere. The springs and streams of the Leuvenum woods create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

The bike path right through the Beekhuizerzand where sand drifts have free rein is a nice conclusion to this versatile bike route.

Overnight in Harderwijk

Day 5

Harderwijk – Vierhouten (60km)

Today you will bike to the "smallest town" in the Netherlands: Staverden. On the Staverden estate there is much to discover including Uddelaer Beer Brewery in the coach house, where you can get acquainted with various special beers. The route continues through the villages of Wenum and Elspeet before cycling through the vast forests of Domein Het Loo.

"Het Verscholen Dorp" was a hiding place for people in hiding in the woods of Vierhouten during World War II. You can see the rebuilt cabins here. The route then continues on unpaved forest trails where you will see the tracks of wild boar everywhere as they have roamed the earth in search of food.

Your hotel for the next few days is located in Vierhouten A wonderful place to enjoy a well-deserved drink and delicious cuisine, in the midst of the Veluwe countryside.

Overnight in Vierhouten

Day 6

Crown Estate Loo route (47km)

Today you will be presented with one of the most extraordinary bicycle routes across the Veluwe and it runs right through the forests of the Royal Forest. The Royal Lumberyard is part of the Crown Estate het Loo and has been associated with the House of Orange-Nassau for more than 300 years. This estate with a rich cultural history is characterized by beautiful landscapes and belongs to the largest continuous forest area in the Netherlands. The Veluwe villages of Vierhouten and Elspeet are nice places to stop and take a break. From these villages you can drive right back into the silence of the forests; wonderful! On the way back you will pass the imposing 16th century Cannenburgh Castle in Vaassen. The estate and the restored castle can be visited and is highly recommended. In Epe, you will have another opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break before reaching your hotel.

Overnight in Vierhouten

Day 7

Vierhouten – Elburg (53km)

How quickly time goes by! Today, unfortunately, is already the last cycle route on the program, to the place where you started your cycling vacation: Elburg. You will cycle through nature reserve the Renderklippen. These heather-covered moraines were formed by ice and water many thousands of years ago. One of the beautiful regional farms around Epe houses the museum Hogendoorns Plaatse where you can learn more about regional history; highly recommended!
The area around Epe is the habitat of boar, deer, roe deer and foxes. Beautiful forests, heaths, streams and springs provide a great variety of this beautiful area.
Zwaluwenburg Castle dates back to the 14th century. A nice place to stop for a moment before reaching Elburg.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 8

Departure

After breakfast, the package ends and you will leave for home on your own.

.

Includes
  • 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast at 3 different **** hotels
  • 1 time dinner in hotel in Vierhouten
  • Day tickets and junction routes
  • Free parking at the hotel
Exclusive
  • Bicycle rental (optional)
  • Luggage transport (optional)
  • Drinks and other meals
  • Hotel tourist tax
  • Entrance fees
  • Single supplement
  • Travel, cancellation and bike insurance
  • Contribution Guarantee Fund VZR Garant € 7.50 per person
  • Contribution Calamity Fund €2.50 per booking

.

All prices listed are per person

8-day Hanseatic cities and the pearls of the Veluwe Individual
Prices are based on a minimum number of 2 people.
From € 739,-
Season surcharge 1 May to 30 September € 50,-
Single supplement € 235,-
Luggage surcharge € 95,-

Bicycle rental
Prices per person
Rental hybrid bike, 24 gears € 110,-
E-bike rental, 10 gears € 195,-
Helmet rental € 25,-

8-day Hanseatic cities and the pearls of the Veluwe

"Very cool that alternation between old land and new land"

Chris (Eye4Cycling)

The rental bikes and GPS

Customized travel

Group Travel

Become part of the Hanseatic League

Cycling along the Hanseatic cities!

Starting at: €739.

  • Individual

  • 8 days

  • Luggage transport

  • Drenthe

.

Experience the history of the Hanseatic cities by bicycle

8-day cycling vacation along the most beautiful medieval towns in the Veluwe.

It is hard to fathom but in the 15th century, the Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands were the most important trade centers and Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still villages. Merchants in northern Europe formed an alliance and gave each other all kinds of trade privileges such as exemption from paying tolls. Rivers and seas were the main transport routes from salt and beer to timber and animal skins.

The river IJssel was an important link between trade from the Baltic Sea and the North Sea area. On the Veluwe, Harderwijk, Elburg, Kampen and Hattem flourished due to their favorable location on the Zuiderzee.

During this cycling vacation you will get to know the rich past of this part of the Veluwe and cycle through the most beautiful medieval towns , interspersed with beautiful nature such as heathlands, endless sandy plains, forests and Veluwe villages.

You will stay overnight at 3 different locations with starting and finishing point the beautiful Elburg Of course, we provide luggage transport during your cycling vacation.

City walls, city gates and historic city centers

Your cycling vacation begins In picturesque Elburg, located on the Veluwe Lake. Elburg is a Hanseatic city with a walled historic center, ramparts and iconic city gate. The harbor is full of beautiful authentic botters and it's great to wander through all those old streets.

From Elburg, take a scenic tour through the northern part of the Veluwe and visit the Hanseatic town of Hattem. Cycling through Hattem, you can understand why this town on the river IJssel, has (had) a great attraction for centuries to painters. Dutch skies, estates and vast forests provide the perfect backdrop. On the way to Harderwijk, you will cycle through Hanseatic city Kampen with its enchanting downtown of ornate merchant houses and impressive facades. A bustling Hanseatic city, Harderwijk has a historic downtown and a rich history. Picturesque streets are interspersed with atmospheric squares.
The vast forests and nature reserves surrounding Epe are the habitat of boar, deer, roe deer and foxes. Nature here is truly beautiful and so versatile. Chances are you will encounter the shepherd with his flock of sheep on your bike. Kroondomein Het Loo belongs to the most beautiful forest area of the Veluwe.

Through the nature reserve the Renderklippen you cycle back to Elburg, where you started this cycling vacation.

.

Day 1

Arrival Hanseatic city of Elburg

You will travel on your own to the beautiful historic Hanseatic city of Elburg. A 5-minute walk away, you can use free parking throughout your cycling vacation.

Today is a great opportunity to explore this ancient fortified town. Hanseatic city Elburg is a nice little town on Veluwe Lake with a walled historic center, city walls and iconic city gate. The authentic botters in the harbor are the silent witnesses of Elburg's rich fishing past.

Wander the medieval streets with beautiful historic buildings. No matter where in the fortress you stand, everywhere you will see something special. The beautifully preserved city moat and defensive walls still surround the city center. One of Elburg's former entrance gates has been preserved. When you walk underneath it, you step into a world of monuments. Or enjoy on one of the many terraces by the harbor.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 2

Elburg – Hattem – Elburg (62km)

You leave Elburg in a northeasterly direction and cycle through a vast polder landscape, along the Lummerwetering, towards the IJssel River. You can't get a more Dutch setting: dikes, polders and water. After about 20 km you will reach Zalk, a village on the river IJssel and a nice place for a coffee and a Boffert. Halfway along the route, you will arrive in the Hanseatic city of Hattem.

Sandwiched between the river IJssel and the edge of the Veluwe, this picturesque town has a picturesque center where you can stroll around or enjoy a moment on one of the many terraces. This town has been an inspiration to many artists for centuries. You can also visit the Anton Pieck museum in Hattem. Via the Apeldoorns canal you will dive into the woods near Wapenveld and Wezep and via Oldebroek on low-traffic country roads back to Elburg.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 3

Elburg – Kampen – Harderwijk (63km)

Before you descend to Harderwijk, make a loop and cycle along the eastern shores of Lake Dronter and reach Kampen nar about 20km. Nautical Hanseatic city Kampen is home to the Kamper Kogge; the trade ships of the 15th century. There is plenty to see and do in Kampen, and all the sights are within walking distance. You will find many craft stores and warehouses. Kampen is also the perfect place for today's first break. After Kampen, cycle through the beautiful Reve-Abbert forest in the Flevopolder. Strange to think that this relatively young forest area was part of the Zuiderzee over a hundred years ago. After about 40km you will cycle past Elburg again and the perfect place for lunch. You will cycle the last part of this route on a mostly free-laying bike path through a grand farm landscape with streams and ditches to your next overnight location in Harderwijk.
Harderwijk is an old Hanseatic city. Wander the medieval streets with beautiful historic buildings such as the monumental Old Town Hall and the picturesque Fisherman's House.

You can also join the city guide. Every day at 2 p.m. there is a city tour with your hotel as the starting point. The city guide tells about the rich history of the city in which the fortifications and fishing played an important role.
Enjoy a glass of wine on one of the many terraces and watch the sunset at one of the many beach pavilions of the city beach.

Overnight in Harderwijk.

Day 4

Round trip Harderwijk (46km)

During this route, you will be introduced to Veluwe villages such as Ermelo and Putten. Schovenhorst estate is a nice break spot. You will then cycle through the Speulder and Sprielder forest. These are among the oldest and most beautiful forests in the Netherlands , known for its "dancing" ancient trees. Ferns and half-grown logs create a special atmosphere. The springs and streams of the Leuvenum woods create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

The bike path right through the Beekhuizerzand where sand drifts have free rein is a nice conclusion to this versatile bike route.

Overnight in Harderwijk

Day 5

Harderwijk – Vierhouten (60km)

Today you will bike to the "smallest town" in the Netherlands: Staverden. On the Staverden estate there is much to discover including Uddelaer Beer Brewery in the coach house, where you can get acquainted with various special beers. The route continues through the villages of Wenum and Elspeet before cycling through the vast forests of Domein Het Loo.

"Het Verscholen Dorp" was a hiding place for people in hiding in the woods of Vierhouten during World War II. You can see the rebuilt cabins here. The route then continues on unpaved forest trails where you will see the tracks of wild boar everywhere as they have roamed the earth in search of food.

Your hotel for the next few days is located in Vierhouten A wonderful place to enjoy a well-deserved drink and delicious cuisine, in the midst of the Veluwe countryside.

Overnight in Vierhouten

Day 6

Crown Estate Loo route (47km)

Today you will be presented with one of the most extraordinary bicycle routes across the Veluwe and it runs right through the forests of the Royal Forest. The Royal Lumberyard is part of the Crown Estate het Loo and has been associated with the House of Orange-Nassau for more than 300 years. This estate with a rich cultural history is characterized by beautiful landscapes and belongs to the largest continuous forest area in the Netherlands. The Veluwe villages of Vierhouten and Elspeet are nice places to stop and take a break. From these villages you can drive right back into the silence of the forests; wonderful! On the way back you will pass the imposing 16th century Cannenburgh Castle in Vaassen. The estate and the restored castle can be visited and is highly recommended. In Epe, you will have another opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break before reaching your hotel.

Overnight in Vierhouten

Day 7

Vierhouten – Elburg (53km)

How quickly time goes by! Today, unfortunately, is already the last cycle route on the program, to the place where you started your cycling vacation: Elburg. You will cycle through nature reserve the Renderklippen. These heather-covered moraines were formed by ice and water many thousands of years ago. One of the beautiful regional farms around Epe houses the museum Hogendoorns Plaatse where you can learn more about regional history; highly recommended!
The area around Epe is the habitat of boar, deer, roe deer and foxes. Beautiful forests, heaths, streams and springs provide a great variety of this beautiful area.
Zwaluwenburg Castle dates back to the 14th century. A nice place to stop for a moment before reaching Elburg.

Overnight in Elburg

Day 8

Departure

After breakfast, the package ends and you will leave for home on your own.

.

Includes
  • 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast at 3 different **** hotels
  • 1 time dinner in hotel in Vierhouten
  • Day tickets and junction routes
  • Free parking at the hotel
Exclusive
  • Bicycle rental (optional)
  • Luggage transport (optional)
  • Drinks and other meals
  • Hotel tourist tax
  • Entrance fees
  • Single supplement
  • Travel, cancellation and bike insurance
  • Contribution Guarantee Fund VZR Garant € 7.50 per person
  • Contribution Calamity Fund €2.50 per booking

.

All prices listed are per person

8-day Hanseatic cities and the pearls of the Veluwe Individual
Prices are based on a minimum number of 2 people.
From € 739,-
Season surcharge 1 May to 30 September € 50,-
Single supplement € 235,-
Luggage surcharge € 95,-

Bicycle rental
Prices per person
Rental hybrid bike, 24 gears € 110,-
E-bike rental, 10 gears € 195,-
Helmet rental € 25,-

8-day Hanseatic cities and the pearls of the Veluwe

Roadmap

"I now understand why so many tourists come to Holland "

Rob (Eye4Cycling)

The rental bikes and GPS

Customized travel

Group Travel

Other destinations

Fellow

Can we help you further?

Free and personal advice? We are happy to help you, via email or phone. Or check out the frequently asked questions. Our opening hours are Mon-Fri from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Is Saturday more convenient for you? Send us a message and we'll schedule a call appointment. If you are already all set then you can also book the trip. After your booking, we will contact you to discuss all the details. Only after this will you receive the invoice and the trip is final. So you do not charge when booking on this site!

Send us an email
Call me
Fellow

Can we help you further?

Free and personal advice? We are happy to help you, via email or phone. Or check out the frequently asked questions. Our opening hours are Mon-Fri from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Is Saturday more convenient for you? Send us a message and we'll schedule a call appointment. If you are already all set then you can also book the trip. After your booking, we will contact you to discuss all the details. Only after this will you receive the invoice and the trip is final. So you do not charge when booking on this site!

Send us an email
Call me

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