Hansa

About this board game

Hansa is a 2004 board game for 2–4 players, with play taking about 60 minutes. Players become merchants of the Hanseatic League, sailing between Scandinavian cities to trade goods and expand their market presence.

The game board presents a simple map of Scandinavia. Arrows connect locations and restrict where the ship can move, making each journey part of the merchants’ challenge. The active player takes control of the ship and must pay to move to each new city.

When the ship reaches a city, the active player may choose among important commercial actions:

• Buy goods
• Sell goods
• Expand market presence by establishing trading posts

Players want to collect sets of goods that can be traded for victory points. At the same time, establishing trading posts helps expand a merchant’s presence and generate revenue.

Hansa combines movement across a restricted network with buying, selling, and expansion. Players must manage the ship’s route, pursue valuable goods sets, and develop trading posts while searching for new markets. Its clear map and focused merchant theme put the Hanseatic League’s trading activity at the center of play.