Harderwijk: Zuiderzee history, nature and water

Harderwijk combines its history on the Zuiderzee with routes into nature and experiences on the water. In the Middle Ages, the city was an important trading centre on the Zuiderzee. The historic centre is home to more than 100 listed buildings with beautiful façades. The Vischpoort is the only surviving city gate on the water in Harderwijk. It was built at the end of the 14th century; its upper section dates from the 15th century.

Old Town and historic buildings

The “Stadswandeling open monumenten” city walk starts at the Old Town Hall and passes through Vleeshouwersteeg and Grolsteeg. Historic buildings stand around Vischmarkt, including the Agnietenklooster and the Burgemeestershuis. The route thus provides specific landmarks for a walk through Harderwijk’s architectural history. The archaeological cellar of the Dwangburcht is accessible year-round only as part of a city walk; special opening events may be an exception.

The Grote Kerk also combines historic details with a visitor experience: its vault paintings have been restored and are once again open to view. An audio tour explains the paintings in Dutch, English and German. Access is seasonal, and language availability may change. So check both before your trip.

Art and maritime heritage

The Marius van Dokkum Museum is located in the former Snijkamer of the University of Harderwijk and is dedicated to the work of a living artist. Its collection includes humorous paintings; pears are recurring motifs in some of the works. The De Hoop windmill is a historic monument in the Historic Harbour District. The Bottermuseum & de Botterloods Harderwijk showcase the city’s sailing and fishing heritage and offer trips on authentic botters. Check the availability of trips separately.

Nature near Harderwijk and Hierden

From Harderwijk, you can hike and cycle in the natural surroundings of the Veluwe. Hierden also has its own distinct landscape character: its traditional character has been preserved thanks to its wealth of farms typical of the northern Veluwe. The Veluwemeerkust-Hulshorst hiking route, just under nine kilometres long, passes through the countryside around Hierden. The Hierdense Beek is a natural stream that flows north into the Veluwemeer. In spring, flowering marsh marigolds turn the ditches along the Veluwemeer coast golden yellow.

The Wolderwijd is another option for a visit to the water: in Harderwijk, you can enjoy recreation on and around the water. A SUP rental service starts at Strandeiland on the Harderwijk promenade, making it possible to explore the Wolderwijd. Availability and operating conditions may change; check the offer before your trip. Harderwijk’s city beach offers relaxation by the water, as well as a playground and trampolines for children. These facilities may change.

Routes and excursions

For a walk through Harderwijk, the “City & Foodwalk” is an option covering about four kilometres. The Harderwijk MTB route, also known as the “Groene Lus”, is a different, longer activity, with 21 kilometres, 165 metres of elevation gain and technical singletrack trails. It offers views over the Beekhuizerzand. The Harderwijker Toren- & Streekroute starts at the Vischpoort in the historic city centre and passes through the Beekhuizerzand dune and drifting-sand area, which covers about 200 hectares. On the section near the Toekantoren, you have to climb 226 steps to a height of 42 metres.

The Dolfinarium offers eight educational animal presentations in which the keepers explain the marine animals; presentation times may vary. There are also four playgrounds with slides, a zip line and themed play equipment. This offer may also change. Various buses run from Harderwijk NS railway station to the Boulevard (Dolfinarium) stop; from there, it is less than a ten-minute walk to the park. Check bus connections before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Harderwijk, Hierden, Tiel, Barneveld, Bronckhorst, Overbetuwe, Montferland, Zutphen.

Go to the main travel overview: Gelderland.