The Hanseatic League, often simply referred to as the Hansa, was a powerful economic and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe. Formed in the late 12th century, the league reached its zenith in the 14th and 15th centuries, wielding considerable influence over trade and politics in the Baltic Sea region.
It originated from the need for commercial cooperation and mutual protection against piracy, banditry, and other threats that plagued medieval traders. The Hanseatic League’s expansive network spanned from the North Sea to the Russian Novgorod, fostering a robust trade environment that included major cities such as Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bremen, which became pivotal hubs of commerce.
The Hanseatic League started in these cities in the area known as Germany today and played a big part in its history. This is what we are concentrating in this bite-sized history lesson.
In our bite-sized history lessons, you can learn important parts of Germany’s long, varied and super interesting history.
In today’s lesson, we’re specifically learning about the Hanseatic League by exploring Germany’s northern cities from the air. In their architecture, access to the sea and more, you can see this history come alive.
If you don’t know much about the Hanseatic League, I suggest you watch the quick video here first which will give you a good overview.
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The video below is an interesting way to learn this history. I love how viewing these cities today can still show you exactly why and how the Hanseatic League worked hundreds of years ago.
Even if you aren’t interested in the history side, you get a great view of Germany’s northern cities which is perfect preparation for a trip to this part of Germany as well. You are able to see Hamburg, Lübeck, Bremen, Wismar, Stralsund and Lüneburg from the air.
Watch the video to see all this now and find a summary underneath.
A Flying Guide: Germany’s Hanseatic Cities | From Hamburg to Wismar by DW Travel
This video explores the rich history and contemporary charm of Germany’s northern Hanseatic cities. These cities, including Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck, flourished during the Middle Ages under the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of merchants that promoted trade and economic security.
Hamburg, one of the oldest members, boasts the largest seaport in Germany and landmarks such as the Speicherstadt warehouse district and the Elbphilharmonie Concert Hall. Lübeck, once the “Queen of the Hanseatic League,” features the European Hanseatic Museum and the iconic Holstentor Gate.
The video also highlights Bremen’s historic marketplace, featuring the town hall and the Roland statue, and Wismar’s impressive brick churches and half-timbered houses.
Stralsund, another Hanseatic city, is noted for its medieval center and Brick Gothic architecture, while Lüneburg, known as the “Hanseatic City on the Salt,” played a crucial role in salt production.
Despite their shared heritage, Hamburg and Bremen stand out as independent federal states, maintaining their unique identity and historical significance as Hanseatic cities.
You can learn more about these places in our guides to Hamburg here, Bremen here and Lübeck here.
Want to learn more about Germany’s history? Find our guide to the Holy Roman Empire which also operated at the same time here and the Weimar Republic here. You can also find all our history lessons here.
