# Hattem

> city and municipality in Gelderland, the Netherlands

**Wikidata**: [Q58797](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58797)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hattem)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hattem

## Summary

Hattem is a city and municipality in the province of Gelderland, Netherlands, located on the IJssel river near the Veluwe region. With a population of approximately 12,228 residents as of 2021, Hattem is a historic Hanseatic city that received town rights and privileges and has been a municipality since 1812. The city covers an area of 24.20 square kilometers and is known for its historic architecture, including the Grote of Andreaskerk founded in 1176, as well as being the headquarters of the Dutch political party More Direct Democracy.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: City in Gelderland province, Netherlands; coordinates: 52.474444444444°N, 6.0697222222222°E
- **Area**: 24.20 square kilometers
- **Elevation**: 5 metres above sea level
- **Population**: 12,228 (2021-01-01, preferred value from Statistics Netherlands)
- **Demonym**: Hattemer
- **Postal code**: 8050–8052
- **Local dialing code**: 038
- **Classification**: City, Hanseatic city, municipality of the Netherlands, cadastral populated place in the Netherlands
- **Municipality code (CBS)**: 0244
- **GADM ID**: NLD.4.29_1
- **UN/LOCODE**: NLHTM
- **Founded as municipality**: 1812-01-01
- **Shares border with**: Oldebroek, Kampen, Heerde
- **Located near**: Veluwe (physical feature), IJssel (body of water)
- **Website**: https://www.hattem.nl/
- **Mayor**: Office held by head of government

## FAQs

**What is Hattem known for historically?**
Hattem is a historic Hanseatic city that was a member of the Hanseatic League. It received town rights and privileges and has been established as a municipality since 1812. The city features the Grote of Andreaskerk, a church building founded in 1176.

**What is the population of Hattem?**
According to the most recent preferred data from Statistics Netherlands, Hattem had a population of 12,228 residents as of January 1, 2021. Historical census data shows growth from 2,531 in 1815 to over 12,000 by 2020.

**What organizations are headquartered in Hattem?**
More Direct Democracy, a Dutch political party founded on September 25, 2021, has its headquarters in Hattem. The party has a delegation to the European Parliament. Additionally, Boekhandel Schipper, a bookstore, is located in Hattem.

**What cultural institutions are in Hattem?**
Hattem houses the Voerman Stadsmuseum Hattem, which has works in the municipal collection. The city also has archives held at Streekarchief Epe, Hattem en Heerde.

**What are Hattem's administrative identifiers?**
Hattem has several administrative codes: CBS municipality code 0244, GADM ID NLD.4.29_1, BAG residence ID 2882, Amsterdam code 10673, and KVK company ID 8217553. Its Geonames ID is 2754767 (municipality) and 2754768.

**What is Hattem's relationship to other Dutch administrative divisions?**
Hattem is a municipality in the province of Gelderland, located in the Netherlands. It shares borders with the municipalities of Oldebroek, Kampen, and Heerde. The village of Hattemerbroek is located in the municipality of Oldebroek.

**What is the coat of arms of Hattem?**
Hattem has had two coats of arms. The first coat of arms was used from July 20, 1816 until November 25, 1991. The second (current) coat of arms has been in use since November 25, 1991.

## Why It Matters

Hattem matters as a preserved example of a historic Dutch Hanseatic city that maintained its economic and cultural significance through centuries of Dutch history. As a member of the Hanseatic League, Hattem participated in the medieval trade network that shaped northern European commerce. The city's continuous habitation since at least the medieval period, evidenced by the founding of Grote of Andreaskerk in 1176, demonstrates its enduring role as a settlement of regional importance.

The municipality's location on the IJssel river and at the edge of the Veluwe (the largest forest area in Western Europe) positions it as a gateway between the riverine and forested landscapes of Gelderland. This geographical position has influenced its economic development, from medieval trade to modern-day tourism and residential function for the region.

Hattem's administrative continuity since 1812, through various reorganizations of Dutch municipal structures, reflects its stable role in regional governance. The presence of More Direct Democracy as a political party headquartered in Hattem demonstrates the municipality's continued relevance in contemporary Dutch political life.

The city's population growth from approximately 2,500 in the early 19th century to over 12,000 today illustrates the broader pattern of Dutch urbanization and suburbanization, while maintaining its distinct municipal identity. This growth, particularly accelerating in the mid-20th century, shows Hattem's adaptation to changing economic conditions while preserving its historic character.

## Notable For

- **Historic Hanseatic League membership**: Hattem was a city in the Hanseatic League, the medieval commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in northern Europe
- **Medieval church architecture**: The Grote of Andreaskerk, founded in 1176, is a significant Romanesque/Gothic church building that has stood for over 800 years
- **Political party headquarters**: Home to More Direct Democracy (Meer Directe Democratie), a Dutch political party founded in 2021 with representation in the European Parliament
- **Historic coat of arms**: The city has used two official coats of arms, with the current version in use since 1991
- **Multiple administrative codes**: The municipality maintains identifiers across Dutch administrative systems (CBS, GADM, BAG, KVK) and international systems (UN/LOCODE, Geonames)
- **Multilingual Wikipedia presence**: Subject of articles in 48 Wikipedia language editions, indicating international recognition
- **Preserved archives**: Home to Streekarchief Epe, Hattem en Heerde, preserving regional historical records
- **Museum collection**: Houses the Voerman Stadsmuseum Hattem with municipal art and historical collections

## Body

### Geography and Location

Hattem is situated in the eastern Netherlands, specifically in the province of Gelderland. The municipality occupies a strategic position on the IJssel river, one of the major rivers in the Netherlands, which has historically facilitated trade and transportation. The city lies at coordinates 52.474444444444°N latitude and 6.0697222222222°E longitude, with an elevation of 5 metres above sea level.

The municipality shares its borders with three neighboring municipalities: Oldebroek to the north, Kampen to the northeast (across the IJssel), and Heerde to the east. The geographical context includes the Veluwe, the largest forest area in Western Europe, which lies to the south of Hattem and contributes to the region's recreational and ecological value.

The total area of Hattem encompasses 24.20 square kilometers, making it a moderately sized municipality within the Dutch provincial system. The postal code range for the municipality is 8050–8052, and the local telephone dialing code is 038.

### History and Administration

Hattem's history as an organized settlement dates back to the medieval period. The Grote of Andreaskerk, the city's primary church building, was founded in 1176, establishing Hattem as a place of religious and civic importance nearly 850 years ago. The city became a member of the Hanseatic League, the powerful medieval commercial network that connected cities across northern Europe, demonstrating its economic significance during this period.

The municipality of Hattem was officially established on January 1, 1812, during the French occupation period in Dutch history. This administrative creation has continued through subsequent political changes in the Netherlands, including the establishment of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. The city's administrative structure includes the position of mayor, who serves as the head of local government.

Hattem has been classified administratively as a municipality of the Netherlands, a third-level administrative division within the Dutch system. The municipality maintains several official identification codes: CBS municipality code 0244, GADM ID NLD.4.29_1, BAG residence ID 2882, Amsterdam code 10673, and KVK company ID 8217553 for business registration purposes.

### Population and Demographics

Hattem has experienced consistent population growth over the past two centuries. The earliest recorded census figure comes from 1815, when the population was 2,531 residents. Throughout the 19th century, growth was gradual but steady, reaching 4,525 by 1930.

The mid-20th century saw accelerated growth, with the population rising from 5,345 in 1947 to 10,667 by 1971—nearly doubling in just 24 years. This period coincided with broader urbanization trends in the Netherlands and increased suburban development around larger cities.

By the turn of the 21st century, Hattem's population had stabilized at approximately 11,500-12,000 residents. The most recent preferred figure from Statistics Netherlands indicates a population of 12,228 as of January 1, 2021. Additional population figures from recent years include: 12,209 (2020), 12,173 (2019), 12,154 (2018), 12,040 (2017), and 11,894 (2016).

The demonym for residents of Hattem is "Hattemer." Household numbers have also been tracked, with 4,884 households recorded in 2015 (the preferred figure), compared to 4,779 in 2010, showing a gradual increase in housing units.

### Governance and Politics

The municipal government of Hattem operates under the Dutch municipal system, with a mayor serving as the head of government. The municipal council is elected through Dutch democratic processes. The municipality is part of the provincial governance structure of Gelderland.

A notable contemporary political development is the headquarters location of More Direct Democracy (Meer Directe Democratie), a Dutch political party founded on September 25, 2021. The party has representation in the European Parliament delegation and is headquartered in Hattem, bringing national political significance to the small municipality.

The municipality maintains active communication channels with residents, including official profiles on social media platforms: Twitter (@gem_hattem), Facebook (gemeenteHattem), and Instagram (gemeentehattem). The official website is https://www.hattem.nl/, providing municipal services and information in Dutch.

Administrative contact information includes phone number +31384431616 and email address mailto:gemeente@hattem.nl. The municipality is registered in the Dutch trade registry with KVK company ID 8217553.

### Cultural and Historical Institutions

The Grote of Andreaskerk stands as Hattem's most significant historical religious building, founded in 1176. This church has served as a central landmark and spiritual center for the community for over eight centuries.

Hattem houses the Voerman Stadsmuseum Hattem, a municipal museum that preserves and exhibits the city's historical collections. The museum's holdings are part of the municipal cultural heritage, with works in the collection managed by the municipality. The museum is associated with the Collectie Gelderland regional art initiative.

The municipal archives are preserved at Streekarchief Epe, Hattem en Heerde, which serves as the regional archive for Hattem and neighboring municipalities. This institution maintains historical records, civil registry documents, and administrative archives.

The city has two official coats of arms: the first coat of arms was used from July 20, 1816 until November 25, 1991, while the second (and current) coat of arms has been in use since November 25, 1991. These heraldic symbols represent the city's official identity and historical continuity.

### Economic and Commercial Life

Boekhandel Schipper is a notable commercial establishment in Hattem, operating as a bookstore in the municipality. The business is registered with Dutch business records and participates in the local commercial ecosystem.

The municipality maintains an active business registration with the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), under company ID 8217553. The municipality also appears in the OpenCorporates global database under the identifier nl/8217553.

### International and Digital Presence

Hattem has significant international visibility through its presence on Wikipedia, with articles in 48 different language editions including Afrikaans, Arabic, Armenian, Catalan, Czech, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, and many others. This multilingual coverage indicates international interest in the city.

The municipality is registered on numerous international identification systems: Geonames ID 2754767 (for municipality) and 2754768, Freebase ID /m/0vk3d, VIAF ID 233842527, GND ID 4318124-7, and MusicBrainz area ID fa698341-4152-42b6-9a11-1074add6cc2c.

Digital mapping and location services include OpenStreetMap relation IDs 408104 (municipality) and 370767 (cadastral populated place), and OpenWeatherMap city ID 2754768. The municipality appears in Govdirectory as part of its listing of Dutch municipalities.

### Transportation and Infrastructure

The postal infrastructure of Hattem is organized under postal codes 8050–8052, covering all delivery addresses within the municipality. The local telephone dialing code is 038 connects to the regional telecommunications network.

The UN/LOCODE for Hattem is NLHTM, used in international shipping and logistics documentation. The municipality's location on the IJssel river historically provided waterway transportation, while modern road connections link Hattem to the surrounding municipalities and the broader Dutch highway network.

### Related Places and Entities

Hattemerbroek is a village located in the neighboring municipality of Oldebroek, named in reference to its proximity to Hattem. This settlement illustrates the geographical relationship between Hattem and its surroundings.

The municipality is located within the Veluwe region, a significant geographical and cultural area in Gelderland known for its forests, sand drifts, and cultural heritage sites. The IJssel river flows past Hattem, providing the city with its characteristic waterside location.

### Identification Codes Summary

Hattem maintains identification across numerous systems: Wikidata , CBS municipality code 0244, GADM ID NLD.4.29_1, BAG residence ID 2882, Amsterdam code 10673, KVK company ID 8217553, Geonames 2754767/2754768, Freebase /m/0vk3d, VIAF 233842527, GND 4318124-7, UN/LOCODE NLHTM, OpenStreetMap relation 408104, MusicBrainz fa698341-4152-42b6-9a11-1074add6cc2c, TOOOI identifier gm0244, RKD thesaurus 2754768, Archinform location 48302, and inaturalist place 17122.

## References

1. [Source](https://dans.knaw.nl/nl/over/organisatie-beleid/publicaties/DANSrepertoriumnederlandsegemeenten2011.pdf)
2. [Source](https://gemeentegeschiedenis.nl)
3. [Source](https://kiacommunity.nl/groups/135-archievenkaart-nederland/welcome)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. register of public bodies
6. [Source](https://almanak.overheid.nl/export/Gemeenten.csv)
7. [Woonplaatsen in Nederland 2021](https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/cijfers/detail/84992NED)
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://opendata.cbs.nl/statline/#/CBS/nl/dataset/70072NED/table?dl=2096B)
10. [Source](https://easy.dans.knaw.nl/ui/datasets/id/easy-dataset:76773/tab/2)
11. [Source](https://datasets.iisg.amsterdam/dataset.xhtml?persistentId=hdl:10622/RPBVK4)
12. StatLine
13. [Kerncijfers wijken en buurten 2021. Statistics Netherlands. 2021](https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/maatwerk/2021/31/kerncijfers-wijken-en-buurten-2021)
14. Flickr Shapefiles Public Dataset 2.0
15. waar staat je gemeente.nl
16. GeoNames
17. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/nl.htm)
18. [Source](https://www.govdirectory.org/netherlands/)
19. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
20. CollectieGelderland