Hattem

A picturesque town on the IJssel with winding streets, historic buildings, and a strong pottery tradition showcased in local studios and shops. It's an ideal stop for visitors seeking artistic inspiration and quieter river-town experiences with excellent cycling routes nearby.

Things to do

• Pottery Studio Tours — Visit working pottery studios scattered throughout Hattem's old town to watch artisans craft ceramics using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
• IJssel River Cycling Route — Cycle along the scenic IJssel riverbanks on well-marked routes that connect Hattem to neighboring towns with views of water meadows and historic lock systems.
• Hattem Town Museum — Explore the local history museum housed in a 17th-century building, featuring pottery collections, maritime artifacts, and exhibits on the town's mercantile past.
• St. Andrew's Church — Admire this 15th-century Gothic church with its distinctive tower, located in the heart of the old town and offering insight into Hattem's religious heritage.
• Pottery Shopping on Zeestraat — Stroll the main commercial street lined with galleries and boutique shops selling handmade ceramics, tiles, and decorative pottery from local makers.
• Riverside Walks — Take peaceful walks along the IJssel dike paths with benches for rest, offering views of passing river traffic and adjacent polder landscapes.

Food to try

• Paling (Smoked Eel) — Fresh-caught IJssel eel smoked locally and served as a regional delicacy, often eaten with bread and mustard at waterside cafés.
• Kaasscaaf (Cheese Scraper) — A traditional Dutch pastry filled with sweetened cheese curds, reflecting the region's dairy heritage and best enjoyed warm from local bakeries.
• IJssel River Fish Platters — Restaurant menus feature freshly caught pike-perch, bream, and carp prepared simply to highlight the river's bounty.
• Stroopwafels from Local Makers — Hattem's confectioners craft these syrup-filled waffle cookies using traditional recipes, perfect with afternoon coffee.

Local customs & good to know

• Pottery Tradition Respect — Hattem's identity is deeply rooted in ceramics; asking artisans about their techniques shows genuine interest and often leads to meaningful conversations about their craft.
• Cycling Culture — Locals rely heavily on bicycles; rent a bike to blend in and access riverside villages and countryside that car tourists miss.
• Quiet Town Hours — Hattem is a peaceful, small town where shops close early (by 6 PM) and activities wind down; plan accordingly and embrace the slower pace as part of the experience.
• Dike Safety Rules — When walking or cycling on river dikes, stay on designated paths and respect private property; these are working flood-management structures, not public playgrounds.