Zutphen, Vorden, Wichmond

In the Hanseatic era, the people of Zutphen transported herring, butter, beer and wine. Wood, which was transported along the Berkel and over land, was also very important. Zutphen and Deventer had wood markets. Everything came and went via the harbour on the IJssel. You can cycle past it today.

The King of Denmark even granted Zutphen the right to its own settlement in Schonen. Zutphen's wealth is reflected in its monumental buildings: along the winding paths in the centre you will find beautiful churches, houses and parts of the fortress. One of these buildings is the library, located in the Broederenkerk. But the Berkel ruins, the Kruittoren and the Sint Janskerk are also traces of the Hanseatic past. Be sure to also look for the cosy courtyards in the city.

The immediate surroundings of Zutphen also benefited from the prosperity. The small village of Vorden, for example, grew into a place with nine castles.