On the way on the Hanseatic Cycle Path

If you want to combine cycling with nature, history, shopping and attractive gastronomy, you couldn't be more suitable here: on the 450 km long Hanseatic Cycle Path, which leads across borders to the historic centers of the Lower Rhine and Dutch Hanseatic cities. Here you can experience history up close and authentically: walk along medieval streets, touch the remains of ancient city walls and enter the former Hanseatic warehouses. The historical splendor of this powerful trading association is revealed in all its splendor in the Hanseatic cities.

The route starts in Neuss on the Lower Rhine and then leads downstream via Wesel and Kalkar until you cross the border to the Netherlands behind Emmerich. Here are the Dutch ones Hanseatic cities with melodious names like Zutphen, Deventer, Hattem, Zwolle, Hasselt or Elburg. A total of 13 of these picturesque towns are lined up like pearls one after the other on the Hanseatic Cycle Route - until the picturesque conclusion in Harderwijk. There is no shortage of enjoyment of nature on this varied route: it goes through species-rich meadow landscapes along the Rhine, the IJssel and the Zwarte Waters. On both sides of the border you can let yourself be guided by the respective junction system. In addition, all routes are also open Komoot a DAK Bungalow.

⇒ Click here for the Hanseatic cycle path on komoot.de

If you prefer it a little shorter, you can do just one of the eight stages. There are also sixteen additional ones Hans rounds: Circular routes where you come out again at the starting point. They lead through the hinterland of the Hanseatic cities and give a wonderful impression of nature. There is something for everyone. You can find out more at Komoot.

Stage 1 | Neuss à Wesel: 85 kilometers

The Hanseatic cycle path starts in Neuss, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where the Romans laid the foundation stone of the legionary base more than 2.000 years ago at the Erft-Rhine estuary Novaesium laid. From Neuss we continue to Wesel.

Stage 2 | Wesel à Kalkar à Emmerich am Rhein: 50 kilometers

From Wesel we continue to Kalkar, also called "the Rothenburg of the Lower Rhine" because of its completely preserved old town. The stage ends in Emmerich with its impressive bridge over the Rhine.

Stage 3 | Emmerich on the Rhine à Nijmegen: 40 km

Continue along the Rhine until you cross the border and finally reach the oldest city in the Netherlands: Nijmegen, founded by the Romans around 2.000 years ago. Whoever enters the city center via the Waal Bridge marvels at the waalcade, the representative street along the river, and the silhouette of downtown. Here the historic old town goes hand in hand with modern architecture. Be sure to take a look at the Sint Stevenskerk, the oldest church in the city, which houses an organ built by the famous Cologne organ builder Ludwig König in 1776. Before you continue, be sure to grab a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes on the beautiful Grote Markt drink.

Stage 4 | Nijmegen à Arnhem à Doesburg: 48 km

From Nijmegen we continue to Arnhem. A walk through the city center becomes a journey into a bygone era: winding cobbled streets and medieval houses, picturesque Renaissance buildings and the remains of the city fortifications. A special highlight is a visit to the late Gothic Eusebius Church: Here, a glass elevator takes visitors 73 meters up. From the glass balconies you have a spectacular view of the capital of the province of Gelderland and its surroundings. The bike tour ends in Doesburg. If you still have energy, take a stroll through the town and visit the Mustard Museum and Mustard Factory, where mustard is still made according to a centuries-old recipe.

Stage 5 | Doesburg à Zutphen à Deventer: 40 km

From Doesburg it goes to Zutphen: The panorama of the city, which is adorned with numerous large and small church towers, catches the eye even from afar. Arriving in the old town center, one feels transported back many centuries: warehouses, merchant residences, churches, inner courtyards, squares and alleyways convey a homely atmosphere. We continue to Deventer, the last town on this stage. Here you can really relax after an active day on the bike, surrounded by the impressive historical monuments of the city.

Stage 6 | deventer à Hattem à Zwolle: 42 kilometers

We continue past historic churches, centuries-old squares and monumental gabled houses. Then you leave Deventer and approach the picturesque town of Hattem. Worth seeing here are the merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries and the remains of the old fortifications. The stage ends in Zwolle. You should definitely check out the sassenpoort, the old city gate from 1409.

Stage 7 | Zwolle à Hasselt à Kampen: 43 kilometers

From Zwolle you continue on the Hanseradweg to Hasselt, a town that is sometimes described as Little Amsterdam - because of its beautiful house facades and hidden corners. Here, too, the historic old town has been preserved almost completely. Arrived in the port of Kampen, it is worth visiting the Kamper Kogge, a replica of a medieval Hanseatic cog. That was the name of the small sailing ships that the Hanse merchants used to transport their goods across the IJssel and the North Sea. You can book trips on it from April to October.

Stage 8 | camp à Elburg à Harderwijk: 39 kilometers

From Kampen, the tour continues to Elburg, a charming fortress and fishing town where you can embark on a journey into the past. The path through the medieval city gate leads you directly into the historic city center, which measures just 250 by 350 meters and is still more than worth a visit. Then it goes on to Harderwijk, the last point on the Hanseradweg. A visit to this fishing and port city is a wonderful end to a fascinating tour of the Hanseatic cities!