Historic boat trips, so called Bottentochten and whisper boats: The Dutch Hanseatic cities offer exciting water tours on the IJssel and the IJsselmeer. Instead of exploring by car or motorhome, simply explore the medieval charm of the Hanseatic cities in the form of day trips or short trips from the water. Just like the heyday of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. When the weather is nice, that's just the thing for a day trip.
Similar to Germany there were different cities in the Netherlands that made up part of the Hanseatic League in the 14th century. When Amsterdam was still a small town, the nine Dutch Hanseatic cities along the river IJssel were the country's main trade centers. Cities like Zwolle, Kampen, Hattem and Deventer are good examples for this and can be recognized by the beautiful buildings from the 14th and 15th century. The Dutch Hanseatic cities have a rich history, magical monuments and unique facades to offer.
In Elburg you take the sails in your own hand
In Elburg located by the Veluwemeer you can get into action yourself. On a historic sailing ship (called Botter) you can test your skills as a sailor. There are skippers and helmsmen who enrich the journey with their authentic stories and create an unforgettable and instructive memory. Afterwards, don't miss out on a visit to the Botter Museum, where there is much to learn about the fishing history of the city.
Address: Jufferenstraat 8, 8081 CR Elburg
Information: VVV Elburg, Tel .: +31 525 - 68 13 41, www.vvvelburg.nl (Dutch)
Dates: July to October, departure at 1.30 p.m. and 3.30 p.m.,
Prices: adults 10 euros, children 8 euros
Discover rivers and lakes from Kampen
In Kampen you can join different trips with the historic boat "De Veerman van Kampen" (The Ferryman from Kampen), for example a day trip to Harderwijk. The boat departs at 9:30 a.m. and travels downriver along large industrial ports and past small natural islands, through rivers and lakes, across aqueducts and under bridges. In Harderwijk you then switch to the "Jacoba van Reijer Dzn", a saloon boat from 1925, with which you sail through and around the city. Those who want to spend more time in Kampen can look forward to the Kamper Ui(t)dagen. Usually, this summer festival transforms the city center of Kampen into a large party zone every Thursday for five weeks from July 18. In 2020 however, it is unlikely that the festival will take place.
De Veerman van Kampen
Address: Oudestraat 216, 8261 CA Kampen
Information: VVV Kampen / www.deveermanvankampen.nl/ (Dutch)
Dates: Departure at 9.30 a.m.
Prices: Prices depend on the chosen tour
Round trip Harderwijk
Address: Veluvia Restaurant, Havendijk 1, 3846 AC Harderwijk,
Info: Tel .: + 31 341 701 468, www.veluvia.nl (Dutch)
Dates: Departure 1.30 p.m. (in high season also 12 a.m. and 3 p.m.)
Prices: Adults 11 euros
With the whisper boat through Zutphen
The canals of the city of Zutphen can be explored with a so called whisper boat. The so-called fluisteraars (whisperers) steer their boats over the Berkel - a tributary of the IJssel - and along the canals to the middle of the city center. The journey begins and ends at the jetty on the Rijkenhage in the center of Zutphen. The boat can be reserved for single trips and for small groups.
Address: Rijkenhage 1, 7201 LP Zutphen
Info: Tel. +31 575 544 510, www.fluisterboot-zutphen.nl
Dates: April to October, departure at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.
Prices: Adults 6 euros / children up to and including 9 years 3.75 euros / children up to and including 4 years free
From Deventer to north and south
Deventer can be used as a starting point to either sail south to Doesburg or north towards Kampen. On a boat tour to Doesburg, for example, a visit to a mustard factory is recommended, in which the famous farmers mustard from Doesburg is made. Alternatively, it is worth looking at the centuries-old fortress walls. Those who decide to take a boat tour to Kampen can look forward to the historic shopping center. During the trip, coffee and cake will be served followed by a lunch buffet.
Address: Brink 89, 7411 BX Deventer
Information: Tel .: +31 570 710 120, www.deventer.info
Dates & prices: Round trip Deventer - Doesburg: departure 10 a.m., adults 39 euros / round trip Deventer - Kampen: departure 10 a.m., adults 45 euros