Last summer, I found myself wandering through the narrow, cobblestone streets of Hattem, a small yet captivating town nestled in the eastern Netherlands. While Amsterdam and Rotterdam typically steal the spotlight in Dutch tourism, this charming Hanseatic town on the banks of the IJssel river offered me an authentic glimpse into the heart of Dutch history and culture.

First Impressions

Arriving in Hattem feels like stepping back in time. The moment I crossed the old city limits, I was greeted by well-preserved medieval architecture, colorful facades, and an atmosphere of tranquility that’s increasingly rare in our fast-paced world. With fewer than 12,000 residents, Hattem exudes a warm, community-centered vibe that immediately made me feel welcome.

The town square (Markt) captured my heart instantly with its historic buildings and the imposing church tower of the Sint Andreas Kerk watching over everything. Locals gathered at sidewalk cafés, sipping coffee and exchanging pleasantries – a scene that perfectly encapsulates the Dutch concept of gezelligheid (coziness and conviviality).

A Rich History

Hattem’s history stretches back over eight centuries, having received city rights in 1299. As a member of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trading alliance, Hattem prospered through commerce along the IJssel river. This prosperity is evident in the magnificent town hall (Stadhuis) dating from 1619 and numerous merchants’ houses that line the streets.

Walking along the remaining sections of the old city walls, I couldn’t help but imagine the bustling medieval port that once stood here. Hattem’s strategic location made it an important defensive position throughout Dutch history, something I later learned more about at the town’s museums.

What struck me most was how Hattem has preserved its heritage without becoming a museum piece itself. It’s a living, breathing community that honors its past while embracing the present.

Museum Treasures

For a town of its size, Hattem boasts an impressive cultural offering with three distinct museums that each tell a different story about Dutch heritage.

The Anton Pieck Museum (highlighted photo above) quickly became my favourite. Housed in a beautifully restored building, it celebrates the work of Anton Pieck, a beloved Dutch artist whose nostalgic illustrations of 19th-century street scenes shaped the Dutch visual imagination. His detailed drawings of old-world charm transport visitors to a romanticized past. The museum itself feels like stepping into one of Pieck’s illustrations, with its intimate rooms and thoughtful exhibitions.

Just a short walk away, I discovered the Voerman Museum, which showcases the work of father and son painters Jan and Dirk Voerman. Their luminous landscapes capturing the light and atmosphere of the IJssel river region left me spellbound. The museum also houses fascinating archaeological finds and historical artifacts that tell the story of Hattem through the ages.

The Bakery Museum completed my cultural exploration with its aromatic journey through Dutch baking traditions. Housed in a former bakery dating from 1861, the museum features original equipment and demonstrations of traditional techniques. The best part? Visitors can sample freshly baked goods made according to centuries-old recipes.

Hidden Corners and Highlights

Beyond the museums, Hattem revealed its charms to me slowly, rewarding my curious explorations. The town’s surroundings offer natural beauty that complements its historical center. A short bike ride took me to the edges of the Veluwe, one of the Netherlands’ largest nature reserves, where forests and heathlands stretch as far as the eye can see.

The historic windmill De Fortuin (The Fortune) stands proudly at the edge of town, still functioning as a grain mill after four centuries. I was fortunate to visit on a day when volunteer millers were demonstrating the traditional milling process, the massive wooden mechanisms creaking impressively as they turned.

For culinary delights, I followed locals’ recommendations to Restaurant De Korenmolen, where I enjoyed regional specialties featuring ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside. The mustard soup – a local delicacy – was a revelation I still dream about.

Final Thoughts

As I reluctantly departed Hattem, I realized that the town had offered me something increasingly precious: an authentic experience of Dutch heritage in a setting untouched by mass tourism. While it may not have the grand museums or iconic landmarks of Amsterdam, Hattem possesses an intimate charm and cultural richness that rewards those willing to venture beyond the familiar tourist paths.

For travellers seeking to experience the Netherlands beyond the postcard images, I cannot recommend Hattem highly enough. Its accessibility (just a 90-minute train journey from Amsterdam, connecting through Zwolle) makes it perfect for a day trip.

Hattem reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful travel experiences come in small packages – historic towns where time moves a little slower, where cultural heritage is lovingly preserved, and where visitors can still feel like they’ve discovered something special. In our era of overtourism, such places are true treasures to be cherished.