The "Artlenburger Privilege" of 1161, exhibited by Henry the Lion to pacify Dutch merchants and Gotland rivals, can be regarded as a predecessor of the Hanseatic League. In the mid-thirteenth century, North German seafaring merchants joined together to form the Hanseatic League as a way to pursue their shared economic interests. Throughout the North Sea and Baltic Sea region, up to 200 towns and cities were members of the League, as were several large trading houses.

The Hanseatic League, 400 years of trading power

For over 400 years, the Hanseatic League played a major role in shaping economies, trade and politics in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The long-distance trade makes important Hanseatic cities prosperous at this time, and makes up a self-confident merchant team. The hanseatic days were established from 1356 onwards.

The downfall of the Hanseatic League

The Hanseatic League lost its importance in a creeping process from the middle of the fifteenth century until 1669, where the last hanseatic day took place.

The new Hanseatic League was created in 1980

Today, the Hanseatic League has been brought back to life. The “new” Hanseatic League was revived in 1980 in Zwolle, and set itself the task of keeping alive the spirit of the League as a social and cultural alliance.

The hanseatic days of the modern era as a feast of cultures

By cultivating traditions and encouraging a vibrant exchange between its members, especially in the hanseatic days of modern times, the Hanseatic League aims to bring about closer economic, cultural, social and national ties across Europe.