Summary
The historical Hanseatic trading town of Hattem is located on the banks of the IJssel River and was granted city rights as early as 1299. The Grote of Andreaskerk showcases elements dating back even further, including a 13th-century Romanesque tower and baptismal font.
An exploration of Hattem’s protected cityscape can be accomplished in a short amount of time, revealing a charming network of historic pedestrian streets that lead to the Markt square.
This quaint plaza features a selection of restaurants, 17th-century houses, and a Renaissance-style town hall.
Hattem’s allure is enhanced by its local museums, which are brimming with character and delve into subjects such as the town’s history, renowned illustrator Anton Pieck, and the art of baking.
Situated at the northeastern edge of the scenic Veluwe region, Hattem provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, and visitors can cycle along the banks of the IJssel to explore other Hanseatic towns.
1. Voerman Museum
Situated within two historic edifices, the Voerman Museum chronicles various facets of Hattem’s history, encompassing art and archaeology.
Central to the collection are landscape painter Jan Voerman (1857-1941) and his son Jan Voerman Jr. (1890-1976), who is celebrated for his illustrations and lithographs.
The museum showcases a substantial collection of their works alongside contributions from other local artists such as Neo-Impressionist Jo Koster (1868-1944) and sculptor Bé Thoden van Velzen (1903-1984). Additionally, there are compelling artifacts, ranging from the era of the Hanseatic League to military figure Herman Willem Daendels (1762-1818). Notably, the archaeology section features a remarkable beaker and bowl from the Neolithic Beaker Culture, unearthed in a grave in 2012.
2. Anton Pieck Museum
Adjacent to the Voerman Museum is the showcase dedicated to the beloved painter and graphic artist Anton Pieck (1895-1987). His work featured an endearing cartoonish style, illustrating fairy tales and scenes from 19th-century domestic life.
In 1952, he designed the Fairy Tale Forest, the inaugural attraction at the renowned Efteling theme park in Kaatsheuvel, a collaboration that continued until the 1970s.
The museum at Achterstraat was inaugurated by Princess Margriet in 1984, featuring Pieck’s desk and drawing board from his extensive career, as well as a large vintage etching press.
The space is filled with numerous original works by Pieck, which are regularly rotated to maintain a dynamic exhibition.
3. Bakkerij Museum
The largest bakery museum in the Netherlands is housed within three national monuments on Kerkhofstraat.
The interconnected buildings feature an authentic bakery that dates back 150 years.
Visitors can explore the captivating history of baking and pastry-making.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of baking utensils, ranging from scales to jars, molds, and peels encompassing multiple centuries.
By appointment, participants can engage in hands-on baking experiences or witness special demonstrations in the museum theatre, with schedules available on the website.
A nostalgic store, adorned like a 19th-century baker’s shop, presents an irresistible shopping experience.
4. Grote of Andreaskerk
The church located at Markt, the central square in Hattem, traces its origins back to the 13th century as a Romanesque structure.
The only remnant from this era is the square tower, featuring pairs of circular-arched windows, contrasting with the pointed lancet windows of the aisles and choir that were constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries.
Unlike the hall churches in Deventer and Zwolle, the Andreaskerk consists of a central nave accompanied by lower north and south aisles.
Noteworthy are the intricately carved stalls from the mid-17th century, designed for Hattem’s city officials including magistrates and the mayor.
Additionally, there is a 13th-century baptismal font made from a single piece of Bentheimer sandstone, still in use today.
The older organ, the Slegelorgel, dates back to 1677, adorned with a 16th-century casing and exquisite shutter paintings from 1662 and 1667.
5. Stadhuis
On the northern boundary of Hattem’s central square, the town hall originated as a hospice dedicated to the Holy Spirit in the 14th century.
This structure underwent renovations in the 1620s, when it was integrated with the former Waag (market weigh house) and received a Renaissance facade.
A charming detail on the corner, featuring a white painted lantern, contrasts with Hattem’s coat of arms displayed on a panel above the cornice.
In front of the town hall, a functional water pump from 1776 stands beside Hattem’s tourist information center, which occupies another 17th-century monument.
6. De Dijkpoort van Hattem
Hattem’s last remaining Medieval gate protects the northern entrance to the historical center.
Erected in the 14th century, visitors can glimpse remnants of the old wall connected to a younger gate upon exiting through the portal.
Openings for cannons and arquebuses are still visible.
Remarkably, the brickwork transitions in color towards the top, due to modifications made by renowned Dutch neo-Gothic architect Pierre Cuypers in 1908, when the gate was transformed into Hattem’s city archive.
The building currently serves as a venue for arts and crafts exhibitions, and visitors are welcome on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00 to ascend the winding staircase, offering a splendid view of Hattem.
7. Molen de Fortuin
Established in 1852, Hattem’s picturesque smock mill was constructed to replace an earlier mill that was lost to a storm in 1808. The lineage of mills at this location can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
In Dutch, it is referred to as a stellingmolen (gallery mill), indicative of the wooden walkway situated above the mill’s brick base.
Following restoration in the early 1970s, the mill operates effectively and welcomes visitors on Saturday afternoons from 13:30 to 16:30. Attendees may meet with a member of the volunteer millers’ guild and observe the traditional grinding process.
The ground floor hosts a shop offering home-milled flour and artisan cake mixes.
8. Daendelhuis
Positioned at Kerkhofstraat 11-13, one can find the residence of one of Hattem’s most notable historical figures.
Herman Willem Daendels (1762-1818) had a remarkably eventful career.
He defended Hattem against the stadtholder’s forces in 1786, subsequently fleeing to France to engage in the Revolution, before returning to the Netherlands in 1794 as a General in the French revolutionary army.
His military involvement extended to Napoleon’s campaign in Russia in 1812, after previously serving as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies in Java.
The Daendelhuis is a gabled structure with mullioned windows, constructed in 1619, making it a worthy visit for those interested in European history.
9. Zwolle
The provincial capital, Zwolle, is located merely five minutes across the IJssel River from Hattem and is situated within a network of canals.
As a merchant city, Zwolle developed concurrently with Hattem and was also a member of the Hanseatic League during the Medieval period.
The city’s prominent feature is its well-preserved center, which reflects the historical affluence fostered by trade, still guarded by the formidable Sassenpoort (Saxon Gate) from the early 15th century.
Zwolle was subsequently fortified as a star fort, and the outlines of its bastions and moat can be discerned on historical maps.
During a brief visit, one should not miss the 74-meter Peperbustoren (Pepper Mill Tower) from the Basilica of Our Lady, along with the stunning late-Gothic hall church, the Grote of Sint-Michaëlskerk.
10. Dinoland Zwolle
Located in the southern region of Zwolle, this dinosaur-themed attraction opens in the spring and summer and is only a short drive or bus ride from Hattem.
Set within a landscaped park filled with lush foliage, attendees can explore over 100 life-sized models representing dinosaurs from the Permian period to the Cretaceous.
Inside, the T. Rexpeditie offers an interactive exhibition filled with engaging activities centered on the Tyrannosaurus.
Children can experience the role of real paleontologists at the Paleolab, while various other activities such as mini-golf, laser tag, and climbable playgrounds await young visitors.
11. Outdoor Activities
Hattem is located at the northeastern edge of the Veluwe, a series of sandy hills adorned with forests and heathlands extending down to Arnhem, approximately 60 kilometers to the south.
This picturesque countryside offers a refreshing contrast to common perceptions of Dutch rural landscapes and is ideal for exploration on foot via klompenpaden (clog paths) or by bike.
Cyclists can appreciate numerous sights along the IJssel River using the Hanseatic Route, which connects preserved cities that remain largely intact from their Medieval and Renaissance eras.
For aquatic adventures such as canoeing, kayaking, and pedal boating, along with various land-based activities including mountain biking or archery, the adventure company Vadesto, located in Hattem, offers excellent options.
12. Weekmarkt
To experience Hattem’s small-town atmosphere, the weekly market takes place on Stadslaan every Wednesday from 13:00 to 17:00. This event is not large-scale but features a respectable number of stalls selling a variety of items including cheese, poultry, confectionery, flowers, fruits, vegetables, nuts, dried fruits, preserves, and various home wares.
These products are offered from specialized vendors and trailers that circulate throughout the central and eastern Netherlands, making stops at other medium-sized towns like Brummen, Wezep, and Tiel.
