The Hanseatic Route: medieval trading cities along the IJssel
In the Middle Ages the towns along the IJssel belonged to the Hanseatic League, an international alliance of merchant guilds. Zwolle, Kampen, Deventer and Zutphen owed their wealth to trade by river and sea, and the prosperity is still visible in the merchant houses, churches, city walls and warehouses.
By day you cycle through the river landscape — floodplains, wide polders and old dikes — while Josefien sails to the next town. In the evening she moors in the historic centre, so after dinner you walk straight into the city for a drink on a terrace or a stroll along the old harbour.
The route can be booked two ways. The 8-day week trip makes a wide loop from Zwolle via the Veluwemeer, the Vecht, the Lek and the Nederrijn, and returns down the IJssel. The 5-day long weekend stays close to Zwolle and visits Elburg, Kampen and Vollenhove. Both start and end in Zwolle.
The itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Zwolle – embarkation
Board at 16:00 in the Hanseatic capital Zwolle. You are shown to your cabin and meet the crew and your fellow travellers.
- 2
Day 2: Harderwijk
Across the Veluwemeer to the old Hanseatic town of Harderwijk, known for its fishing harbour, town wall and old centre.
- 3
Day 3: Muiden
Sail and cycle towards Muiden, known for the Muiderslot castle at the mouth of the river Vecht.
- 4
Day 4: Wijk bij Duurstede
Through the Vecht and Lek area to picturesque Wijk bij Duurstede and its windmill Rijn en Lek.
- 5
Day 5: Arnhem
Upstream on the Nederrijn to Arnhem, a riverside city with museums, terraces and the John Frost Bridge.
- 6
Day 6: Zutphen
Down the IJssel to Zutphen, one of the oldest Hanseatic cities in the Netherlands, with a well-preserved medieval centre.
- 7
Day 7: Zwolle
Back to Zwolle along the IJssel, with time to explore the Hanseatic capital or to relax on board.
- 8
Day 8: Zwolle – check-out
After a last breakfast on board you say goodbye to Josefien and her crew at 11:00.
The 5-day long weekend
- 1
Day 1: Zwolle – embarkation
Board at 16:00 in Zwolle and meet the crew and your fellow travellers.
- 2
Day 2: Elburg
Sail and cycle to Elburg, one of the best-preserved fortified towns in the Netherlands.
- 3
Day 3: Kampen
Through the polder landscape to Kampen, a Hanseatic city on the IJssel with imposing merchant houses and a riverside boulevard.
- 4
Day 4: Vollenhove
To Vollenhove on the Zwarte Water, a former Hanseatic town with a rich history and a charming harbour.
- 5
Day 5: Zwolle – check-out
After a last breakfast you say goodbye to Josefien and her crew at 16:00.
Departures
- 21 – 28 July 20278-day week trip€1,460 p.p.
- 29 July – 2 August 20275-day long weekend€890 p.p.
Prices are per person in a double cabin. E-bike rental: €140 for the week, €80 for the long weekend. Availability is confirmed by Ship Josefien when you enquire.
Check availability on schipjosefien.nl →What's included
- Double cabin with private shower and toilet
- Made-up beds, towels, shampoo and soap
- Breakfast and a packed lunch for the road
- Three-course dinner on board (on most routes one evening is left free to eat ashore)
- Touring bicycle with gears, pannier, helmet, safety vest and phone holder
- Cycling routes on paper and on your phone
- Unlimited coffee, tea and chilled water on board
About this route
- What is the difference between the week trip and the long weekend?
- The 8-day week trip loops from Zwolle via Harderwijk, Muiden, Wijk bij Duurstede, Arnhem and Zutphen and costs from €1,460 per person. The 5-day long weekend visits Elburg, Kampen and Vollenhove and costs from €890 per person. Both start and end in Zwolle.
- What are the Hanseatic cities?
- Trading towns that belonged to the Hanseatic League, a medieval alliance of merchant guilds. Along the IJssel these include Zwolle, Kampen, Deventer and Zutphen. Their merchant houses, churches, walls and warehouses date from that period of wealth.
- When does the Hanseatic Route run?
- It is new for 2027. The week trip runs from 21 to 28 July 2027 and the long weekend from 29 July to 2 August 2027.
- What time do you board and leave the ship?
- Boarding is at 16:00 in Zwolle on the first day. The week trip ends at 11:00 on day eight; the long weekend ends at 16:00 on day five.