Hanseatic town of Elburg in Holland

The Hanseatic city of Elburg and its sights

The Hanseatic city of Elburg is one of the Town in Hollandthat have retained their charm. When you enter the town behind the city walls, which are almost completely preserved, you get the feeling you have stepped back in time. This may be because the main street attracts the masses of visitors. In the side streets you don't notice any of this. Elburg Tourism invited us on a research trip. We stroll leisurely through the cobblestone streets and admire the buildings from the Hanseatic League period. You won't find any cars here. They wouldn't even fit through some of the streets, which are too narrow for a car to drive through. This creates a heavenly peace in these streets and a charm that is second to none.

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Elburg's historic old town is small but beautiful

In the Hanseatic city of Elburg, the medieval old town is still very well preserved. A main street runs through Elburg's historic old town, which is where most visitors gather from late morning onwards. Instead, we follow our guide, who leads us through the town on side streets. Luckily, this allows us to get to know this charming town much better. To this day, it is surrounded by the medieval moats that protected the town from attackers. Behind them, the city wall provided further protection. This still exists today. The old town is not large. It stretches 250 meters wide and 415 meters long across Gelderland. This makes it all the easier to discover it on a walking tour through the side streets.

A Hasebol specialty from the Hanseatic city of Elburg

A culinary specialty in the restaurant De Haas

In Elburg, too, you can't do without culinary delights. In the De Haas restaurant on the main street we wait for our guide and try a Hasebol for our second breakfast. It is a kind of cream puff filled with cream and decorated with blueberries. Maybe a bit generous for a second breakfast, but you should try it.

In the cloister garden of the Agnieten monastery in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

Elburg Sights

The Agnieten Monastery and a wall house

Restaurant De Haas is located directly across from the Elburg Museum. The museum is housed in the former Agnietenkloster, a 15th-century nunnery. It features exhibitions on the history of Elburg and its surroundings. However, we prefer to see the town in its original form. After a brief detour to the monastery garden, we head to the Muurhuisje, or Wall House. This is a tiny residential building attached to the city wall. Eight or more people once lived in this tiny space. Hard to imagine today. But this is what it looked like:

Muurhuisje Hollands beautiful cities — Muurhuisje on the city wall of the Hanseatic city of Elburg

A walk through the old town of Elburg

We follow the city wall on our tour through Elburg. This path leads us through narrow streets that no car can fit through. Past small houses, interesting museums, a church that impresses, and houses that tell stories. On the way we come across water pumps from which city dwellers used to get their drinking water. For us, they are just right on this hot summer day. We can cool off there with fresh well water.

Holland flowered streets beautiful cities — Flower-decorated streets in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

The Botter Museum at Botterhaven

We leave the old town through the Vischpoort city gate at the other end of the city and cross the moat that surrounds it. Passing several restaurants, we walk to the Botterhaven. There, we find the Botter shipyard Just a few steps from the old town. Botters are the wooden boats that fishermen and merchants used to sail on the Zuiderzee. They sometimes stayed on the Veluwemeer for days or even weeks, until their stores were full and the trip back to the harbor was worth it. Today, you can get a glimpse of the life of the fishermen and merchants on board at the Botter Shipyard. With a bit of luck, a Botter will be in the shipyard, being refurbished for its next trip. Occasionally, there are also boat trips.

Botter shipyard in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

Opposite the shipyard Botter — only separated from the harbor entrance — is the small fishing museum of the city. This is set up in the former fish auction building and is reminiscent of the time when fishermen still brought their catch onto land here.

That has to be in your suitcase for your visit to the Hanseatic city of Elburg

Wear comfortable shoes, because in Elburg you will mainly be on foot. The old town is pedestrianized and there is a lot of cobblestone streets.
If you are planning an elegant evening in one of the city’s restaurants, you should also comfortable pumps .
A backpack, in which you can store all the utensils for a day, is also practical.

Lunch at Aan de Gracht

A stroll through town makes us hungry. So our lunch at Aan de Gracht suits us perfectly. In good time. During a heavy summer shower, we enjoy our lunch break even more. As always, I am curious about what is typical of the cuisine of the region and try a sandwich with smoked eel. Those who like smoked fish will love this one. Or do you fancy a tomato soup like Petar did?

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Other attractions in Elburg

We didn't have time to see all the sights during our visit to Elburg. These attractions are also worth a visit:

Sand traps: This impressive indoor sand project shows biblical stories in the form of sand sculptures and is one of the newest attractions in Elburg. You can find information about this here.
National Organ Museum: Housed in the historic Arent thoe Boecophuis, this museum offers insights into the history of organ music. Further information is available here.
Museum blacksmith “De Hoefhamer”: A traditional 17th-century blacksmith's shop that is still in operation and offers visitors an insight into the blacksmith's craft. You can find information about this here.
Herb garden “De Groene Kruidhof”: A historic herb garden in Ellestraat, which is freely accessible and presents the diversity of medicinal herbs. You can find out more about it here.

Activities in Elbung

Elburg has a lot to offer! How about a cozy boat trip on the Veluwemeer? Perfect for exploring the area from the water and enjoying the fresh breeze. Afterwards, you can walk along the old city walls and immerse yourself in medieval history – simply impressive! If you want to learn more about the past, it is worth to visit the Elburg Museum, housed in the former Agniet Monastery. There you'll discover exciting stories about the Hanseatic city. Sounds good? Then grab your camera and experience Elburg your way!

Restaurants in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

Elburg has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine! An absolute must is the Hanzebrok, a soft speculoos cake.

For a special culinary experience, I recommend the Restaurant Achter de Poorte. Here you can enjoy French-Mediterranean cuisine in a historic setting.
If you fancy Italian specialties, you should stop by Da Pietro . The restaurant offers authentic dishes with typical Italian flavors.
For a leisurely lunch at The Bakkersmolen you can enjoy fresh, artisanal products in this combination of brasserie, bakery, and chocolate shop.
Also the Aan de Gracht is worth a visit. This historic waterfront building serves classic dishes like stew or a big bowl of soup.

Enjoy your meal and discover Elburg’s culinary diversity!

Conclusion: take your time to visit the Hanseatic city of Elburg

Although the Hanseatic city of Elburg isn't large, there's plenty to discover here. The best way to do this is to take the time to discover even the little things along the streets. Visit the museum, for example. Check out the monastery. Take a look inside the Muurhuisje (House of the Mother) and get a glimpse into the cramped conditions that people used to live in these small houses. Be sure to stroll through the side streets. Only then will you discover the real Elburg.

A visit to the Botter Shipyard is also recommended. There, you can best imagine what life was like in this town during the Hanseatic League. We were enchanted by Elburg. With its narrow streets, its people, its courtyards and gardens. Not to mention its food. When do you ever eat eel? If you want to see everything, you should allow at least two days. Then you'll have time to delve deeper into the history and development of this town since the Hanseatic League.

Interesting sources about Elburg

Do you like to travel by motorhome?

Do you want to rent a mobile home? Then you will find information and a selection of booking options here. Rent a motorhome or a camper near you here. Or would you prefer to stay overnight instead in a roof tent on the car? In addition, the overnight stay in camping tents is possible.
Also check our packing list for campers to see whether you have packed everything for your motorhome tour.
For example, you can stay overnight at Recreation Veluwe Strandbad, Flevoweg 5, 8081 PA Elburg, Netherlands. But there are other campsites near Elburg where you can enjoy a relaxing break after a day trip. Dutch Oven or on the portable grill or maybe on a campfire after a day trip. You can also find Dutch oven accessories you can also find it here.
Find practical accessories for the mobile home here.
Why is a folding e-bike useful when camping?

FAQs

What makes Elburg so special as a Hanseatic city?

Elburg isn't just a pretty, old town—it's steeped in history. As a former Hanseatic city, it played an important role in trade during the Middle Ages. What makes Elburg special is its almost perfectly preserved, rectangular old town with its clearly visible city walls and canals. Strolling through the cobblestone streets, you'll almost feel the charm of bygone times. The narrow alleys, historic facades, and small bridges give Elburg an almost fairytale atmosphere. Add to that the harbor, which still recalls its maritime past. It's this interplay of history, architecture, and nature that makes Elburg so special.

Which sights in the Hanseatic city of Elburg should I definitely not miss?

An absolute must-see is the Vischpoort city gate – it's one of the last remaining remnants of the medieval fortifications and a great photo opportunity. The city wall runs right next to it, offering beautiful views of the surrounding area. Then there's the National Organ Museum, which is not only exciting for music fans but also offers insight into the craftsmanship of past centuries. If you're interested in life in the Middle Ages, you should visit the Elburg Museum – it's housed in an old monastery and shows how people lived back then. And of course, a stroll along the canals is a must. The city takes on a particularly romantic feel in the evening when the lanterns are lit.

Where is the best place to experience maritime history in Elburg?

Elburg's harbor is the best place to delve into the city's maritime past. Historic botter boats, once used for fishing, are still moored here. If you're lucky, you might even get to watch one of these boats being restored—the craft is lovingly kept alive here. A highlight is a boat trip on one of these traditional sailing boats. This gives you a feel for how the fishermen used to work and allows you to admire the city from the water. If you want to delve deeper into history, a visit to the Botter Museum is worthwhile, where you can learn how these vessels were built and what influence they had on people's lives.

When is the best time to visit the Hanseatic city of Elburg?

Elburg has its charm in every season, but it's especially beautiful in spring and summer. Then the town comes alive, the cafés open their terraces, and the flowers bloom in the small gardens. This is also the ideal time for boat trips. In autumn, however, Elburg reveals a quieter side—perfect if you want to explore the town without too many tourists. And if you're looking for a particularly atmospheric getaway, come in December. Then Elburg transforms into a winter wonderland with fairy lights, small Christmas markets, and a particularly cozy atmosphere.

Which culinary specialties should I try in Elburg?

When in Elburg, you should definitely try fresh fish – after all, the town has a long fishing tradition. The smoked eel, which you can get right at the harbor, is particularly famous. Enjoy it with a cool Dutch beer or a glass of genever, the region's traditional juniper schnapps. If you like something sweet, try a "stroopwafel," a caramel-filled waffle that's often still warm from the market. And for cheese lovers, a stop at one of the small delicatessens is worthwhile – here you'll find all kinds of Dutch cheese, perfect as a souvenir or to snack on yourself.

Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

How to reach it

Compare and book flights here* (Advertisement). KLM and Lufthansa fly to Amsterdam. From there, it's best to take a car, because that's the only way you're flexible enough to get to know the localities in the region better.

Rental car

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Accommodation in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

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Camping in the Hanseatic city of Elburg

There are several campsites in the Elburg area. One of them is Recreation Veluwe Strandbad, located at Flevoweg 5 in Elburg. It offers bungalows and a family campsite. Camping Motorhome Accessories You can find it here. With our Motorhome packing list Plus, you'll never forget anything again.

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Source for Hanseatic City of Elburg: On-site research. We would like to thank Das Andere Holland for supporting this trip. Our opinions, however, remain our own.

Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline

Hanseatic city of Elburg in Holland – Elburg sights