Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route: an international experience on two wheels

The Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route is an international themed cycle route covering approximately 450 kilometres, divided into 8 stages. The route connects historic Hanseatic cities in Germany and the Netherlands, running from Neuss (DE) via the Rhine and IJssel to Harderwijk (NL). This project demonstrates how a cycle route can develop into a powerful combination of tourism, heritage, economy and regional identity.

A route with history and impact

The Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route follows centuries-old trade routes along the Rhine, the IJssel, the Veluwe and the former Zuiderzee area. Along the way, cyclists discover characteristic towns, nature reserves and cultural heritage. The route is therefore not only attractive for recreational purposes, but also an important economic and cultural asset for the regions involved.

Role of Centrϕide

Centrϕide has played a broad and unifying role within this project, from concept to implementation and international coordination. Activities included:

Co-developing the thematic route concept
Design, production and installation of information panels in all regions involved
Coordination and dialogue with route partners in the Netherlands and Germany
Design of the visual identity and narrative
Facilitation of collaborations between local authorities, route agencies and tourism organisations

In doing so, Centrϕide has ensured coherence, recognisability and sustainable quality.

Hanseatic loops, local depth

In addition to the main route, loops have been developed for each city, known as the Hanseatic loops. These are shorter cycle routes averaging 30 to 40 kilometres that start and end in the same Hanseatic city. Each city has its own theme and story, allowing visitors not only to cycle through the cities but also to experience the surrounding landscape and heritage.

Benefits of the Hanseatic Loops:

Boosting local tourism
Spreading out visitor numbers
Enabling both multi-day and day trips
Strengthening regional identity

Collaboration and partners

The Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route was realised in collaboration with various organisations and local authorities. Centrϕide played a leading and coordinating role in this, working with, amongst others:

Achterhoek Tourism
Routebureau Veluwe
Routenetwerken Salland
Routenetwerken Noordwest-Overijssel
Routebureau Arnhem-Nijmegen
German partners and regional authorities
MarketingOost (thematic online positioning)
Toerisme Veluwe Arnhem Nijmegen

Experience and visibility

To give the route extra character, murals have been added. These works of art enhance the route’s recognisability and make it visually appealing to visitors and residents.

International and European character

The Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route has a distinct international appeal and has been made possible in part by European cooperation and strong German partners. Centrϕide has experience in managing EU grant applications and cross-border projects.

Result

The Hanseatic Cities Cycle Route has grown into a leading thematic cycle route.

A cycle route that:

connects regions and countries
stimulates tourism and the local economy
highlights cultural history
strengthens the identity of regions
enables sustainable cooperation between organisations
a fully digitised route, featuring all kinds of stories and photos that were provided.

This project demonstrates how route development, storytelling and design come together to form a powerful tool for local authorities, regional councils, route agencies and tourism partners.

Together, we’re bringing movement to the landscape!

Photography: Jurjen Drenth