Summary
During the Medieval era, Hasselt was situated on the Zuiderzee, a saltwater bay of the North Sea, and as an essential member of the Hanseatic League, it played a significant role in northern European commerce during the 15th century.
However, following a decline in trade due to competition from better-located trading posts in the 16th century, Hasselt faded into relative obscurity and is now a quaint fortified town housing approximately 7,000 residents. The historical center, once a notable pilgrimage destination, is abundant with Dutch heritage sites (over 70), and features a canal ring adorned with traditional Dutch sail barges.
The town’s church includes a tower that visitors can ascend, while an operational windmill and lime kiln provide a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship.
1. Town Tour
Hasselt’s town center is a designated “protected cityscape,” featuring over 70 national monuments (rijksmonumenten). Most of these landmarks are found within the compact core, which is still fortified on the eastern side by remnants of a bastion fort, partly transformed into a park.
There is no need for a map to explore Hasselt, as the city center is easily navigable, intersected by a picturesque canal ring, which will be discussed in greater detail below.
Ridderstraat offers a charming walk, winding through low brick residences that lie between the canal lock on the Zwarte Water and the historic town hall.
Further ahead, Nieuwstraat is the hub for most of Hasselt’s local commerce, including a florist, confectioner, and bicycle shop.
2. Grote of Sint-Stephanuskerk
No matter your location in Hasselt, the tower of this late-Gothic church, constructed during the town’s prosperous era in the 15th century, is visible.
The building has endured several incidents, including damage during an assault by troops from Zwolle in 1657 (further details can be found below at the Vispoort) and a lightning strike in 1725. The Grote of Sint-Stephanuskerk is celebrated for its acoustics and the Knol organ from 1806, with the city carillonneur frequently performing concerts on the newly refurbished carillon.
During the summer, stop by the Stadhuis to join a guided tour (Wednesdays 13:30-14:30), which includes climbing the church tower.
During the ascent, an unscheduled performance from the carillonneur can be enjoyed.
3. Oude Stadhuis
Adjacent to the central marketplace, visitors will find one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands.
Also late-Gothic in style, the Oude Stadhuis dates back to 1550 and is remarkably well-preserved.
Partially concealed by lime trees in the square, the monument showcases a stepped-gable adorned with intricate brickwork turrets, as well as bands of brick and stone framing its window openings.
The Oude Stadhuis serves as the venue for Hasselt’s Toeristisch Informatiepunt (TIP), allowing free access during business hours from Monday to Saturday.
If the schedule permits, visitors can view the stunning wedding hall adorned with 17th-century paintings and examine an assortment of original weaponry including a halberd, morningstar, and arquebus.
4. Molen De Zwaluw
This charming smock mill, operational since 1784, stands just east of the city walls. An earlier mill existed at this site dating to the 16th century, while the current structure required reconstruction after a fire in 1857. Following restoration in 2017, De Zwaluw boasts thatched upper levels, a wooden gallery, and a brick base.
The mill’s sails extend nearly 22 meters and are observable turning on Saturday afternoons, signifying that it is grinding, and visitors are welcome to observe the millstones in action and purchase organic flour.
5. Kalkovens Hasselt
Located on the northeastern outskirts of the fortified town, this pair of historic lime kilns has been preserved as a museum.
During the era of the Hanseatic League, lime kilns were vital to Hasselt, producing shell lime, an essential component of mortar and concrete.
To manufacture this material, sea shells were heated in the kilns to temperatures exceeding 1000°C.
Peat, required to fuel the ovens, was transported by boat from the nearby harbor town of Vollenhove, while the shells were sourced from the North Sea coast.
The resultant lime was exported throughout North and South Holland.
The museum operates Monday to Friday in the afternoons, utilizing antique tools and documentation to revive this forgotten industry.
6. Grachtengordel
Visitors to this quaint provincial town may find it surprising to encounter a stately canal ring reminiscent of a miniature Amsterdam.
Along Baangracht, Prinsengracht, Heerengracht, and Brouwersgracht, one can admire pollarded lime trees, elegant canal houses, locks, quays, and charming bascule bridges.
This locale may represent the most picturesque area of the town, featuring traditional Dutch botters (sail barges) in the water, wrought iron gaslights, and several picnic benches where one can pause and enjoy the scenery.
7. Christoffelpad
The optimal method for exploring the remarkably diverse landscapes surrounding Overijssel is via a two-day, 40-kilometer walking trail.
The Christoffelpad incorporates some pathways historically traveled by pilgrims on their journey to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, now leading into the Weerribben-Wieden National Park and the IJssel Delta.
Along this route, one may discover Medieval dikes, woodlands, marshes, canals, rivers, peat bogs, reed beds, modern polders, and numerous spiritual sites linked to the pilgrimage.
In addition to Hasselt, the hike encompasses charming and historic settlements such as Zwartsluis and Vollenhove, both featuring beautiful harbors and rooted in commerce on the former Zuiderzee.
8. Stenendijk
It can be fascinating to observe the techniques employed to prevent water incursion over centuries.
This becomes even more intriguing when one recalls that the sea, which this barrier was constructed to repel, no longer exists.
The Zuiderzee, part of the North Sea, was enclosed by the Afsluitdijk (1932), and the land to the west of Hasselt was reclaimed in the years that followed.
Currently recognized as a Dutch heritage site, Rijksmonument, the Stenendijk extends over a kilometer and was first mentioned in records from 1558. The area is lush with greenery alongside the wall, providing vistas of De Zwaluw and the Grote of Sint-Stephanuskerk, making it a worthwhile short walk.
9. Vispoort
In the 1650s, Hasselt became embroiled in a civil conflict within Overijssel, which led to an intriguing feature at one of the last remnants of the city wall.
During those times, the Vispoort (Fish Gate) provided access to the water and subsequently the fish market situated along the quay.
The monument is rather unassuming, apart from a stone cannonball embedded within the brickwork near the entrance, commemorating the siege of 1657.
