In whatever way you go to Hasselt, by bicycle, on foot, by car or over water, the striking tower of the “Grote of Sint Stephanuskerk” can always be admired from afar. It is not the only eye catcher in the Hanseatic city on the Zwartewater. The rich history of the city clearly left its tracks. The protected city center is actually one big well-preserved monument with charming through views, beautiful bridges, attractive canalside houses and historic gables. Reasons enough to discover Hasselt for a change!
By the way, did you know about the relationship between the small Overijssel city of Hasselt and the metropolis New York? One Killiaen of Rensselaer, originally from Hasselt, appears to have been present at the birth of the development of New York, this is what recently was proven from historical research. So you see where a small town with entrepreneurship can be big!

The history of Hasselt has been closely connected with the Hanseatic history through the ages. It all began with the granting of city rights in 1252 by the bishop of Utrecht. The people of Hasselt received numerous privileges, one of them being the right to organize week markets and annual fairs. Hasselt could also boast a favourable location. On a river dune, exactly on the spot where Zwartewater and Overijsselse Vecht flow together. No wonder, that trade and activity increased enormously, especially in the 14th century and in the 15th century. The businesses that flourished were among other things: shipbuilding industry, cloth weaving industry and a little later, lime industry.

Hasselt was furthermore an important agricultural centre for the surrounding area. The butter trade and the hay trade were of great importance, something what is still reflected every year now in the traditional Euifeest (Hooi feest) in the middle of august. Streets and canals are festively illuminated and draw admirers from far and near. It is thanks to these festivities that Hasselt owes its nickname “Lichtstad van het Noorden” (city of light of the north)

By means of the remnants of the 17th century walling, the city park is transformed into a wonderful resting spot where you can eat your lunch. Take a leisure stroll along the canals, over bridges and through alleys and just walk into the Grote of St. Stephanuskerk.
Do not forget to visit the former city hall on the Markt. This late-gothic building from the 15th /16th century underwent a large-scale restoration in 1998 and now houses the VVV tourist office. It is also a visitor centre with – for the art lovers – a collection of paintings and old weapons, among which is one of the largest collections of hackbuts in the world!

The flourmill on the Stenendijk was restored in 1964 and 1997. When the blue ribbon flies, you can visit it.

An object of interest, which finally you may not let unvisited, are the limekilns on the Buitengracht. Around 1500 already there was a shell lime distillery. It was not until 1990 that an end was made to this line of business and that the last kiln was extinguished. The kilns have since been restored with the intention to preserve this industrial heritage for future generations.
You can now visit an exposition there on the history of the complex.