Hanseatic Cities Path

Daytrip H

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From Zwolle to Hattem and Back to Zwolle

After a good night’s sleep and an excellent breakfast, we are well-prepared for another day of walking. Zwolle – Hattem – Zwolle was our round trip today.

We left at half past nine. It was a beautiful, foggy, frosty morning. Zwolle seemed to be still asleep; the streets were empty. We only saw the vague contours of the “Peperbus.” We walked to the railway bridge via the young city park “Spoolderbos” (1980) and the older park “Het Engels Werk” (1828). It is always wonderful to discover green areas so close to the center of a city. We crossed the 1 km long, young railway bridge (2010) called “De Hanzeboog.” It was crowded with cyclists, all students probably heading to school in Zwolle. The fog over the IJssel created a beautiful atmosphere.

On this side of the IJssel, it became hilly due to the sand walls that were pushed up during the Ice Age. The Molecaten estate looked stunning, with frost on the trees. We were again spoiled with beautiful views over the IJssel floodplains.

Hattem’s old city wall with gateways was stunning. The area was thoroughly renovated. We ate and drank our coffee and sandwiches on a public bench, the “Markt,” while a watery sun showed itself. Because the ferry didn’t sail, we headed to the station in Zwolle via the alternative route, again over the “De Hanzeboog” bridge.

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While gliding through the winter landscape on the train, we said goodbye to the picturesque Hanseatic cities of Zwolle and Hattem. Even in the gloomy winter months, the Netherlands is beautiful.”