Experience Harderwijk

Culinary Hanseatic city

You don't expect it until you're there

In Harderwijk, your day begins in the charming town centre. You stroll past historic façades, sit down at a terrace on the Vismarkt and end up staying a little longer than you’d actually planned. It’s lively, yet easy to navigate – just right.
Fancy getting out and about? Then you’ll be by the water or in the heart of the woods in no time at all. Take a walk along Lake Veluwe, cycle towards the Veluwe, or simply find a quiet spot surrounded by greenery. Everything is close by, so you can easily switch between the town, nature and the water.
Whether you’re popping in for a few hours or staying for a few days, there’s plenty to do in Harderwijk. Tomorrow is a new day with new plans.

Harderwijk: the ideal summer destination

Harderwijk is a lovely summer destination on Lake Veluwe. The charming harbour, with its fishing boats and cosy terraces, is the perfect place to enjoy an ice cream or a delicious fish dish. The historic town centre, with its Vischpoort and ancient city walls, is a wonderful place to stroll through on a sunny day. From the beach or the promenade, you can enjoy a swim, go sailing or simply take in the view over the water. The Veluwe is also nearby, meaning that the woods and the beach are just a stone’s throw apart. For those who love cycling or walking, there are countless beautiful routes through the woods and along the water’s edge. In short, Harderwijk combines nature, culture and beach fun in a single town, making it the perfect summer destination.

Plan your summer visit

Hanseatic city

In Harderwijk, you’ll find yourself walking through a town with a Hanseatic history. The town has held town privileges since as far back as 1252, and trade was conducted here with other towns around the Zuiderzee. That spirit of initiative, daring and enterprise is still very much alive in the town.
You can see this reflected everywhere in the town centre. Old buildings are being transformed into boutiques, concept stores, restaurants and cafés. In and around the Vischmarkt, it’s easy to pop in for a good coffee, lunch on a terrace or a leisurely dinner. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy spots where you can simply pull up a chair.
Take a stroll through the narrow streets, pop into a shop or linger on a terrace. Harderwijk is compact, lively and there’s always somewhere where something’s happening. That’s perhaps exactly what has characterised the town for centuries.

The Hanseatic town of Harderwijk

By the water

Water and Harderwijk are inextricably linked. The trade we conducted with other Hanseatic cities took place by water, and we were, of course, also a town of fishermen. An interesting fact in this regard is that the church tower was also used as a lighthouse. Branches were set alight at the top of the tower so that the fishermen knew which way to go.
Anyway, back to water. Our town once lay on the Zuiderzee, but times change and now it lies on the Veluwemeer. Of course, that’s completely different, but at the same time exactly the same. Because even today, water forms the backdrop to the town and sets its rhythm.
You can see that and feel it when you’re in the old harbour, when you’re paddleboarding past the new Waterfront residential area (highly recommended!) and when you’re sitting on the promenade watching sailors sail past. All that water brings tranquillity and space, a sense of freedom. Who wouldn’t want that?

Out on the water

In the Veluwe

Put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike. From Harderwijk, you’re literally just a few minutes away from the Veluwe, the Netherlands’ largest nature reserve. And if we may offer a tip: the Veluwe Gate on Boekhorstlaan is the ideal starting point for your exploration of the woods, heathland and sandy paths.
There’s a huge choice. From short loops around the town to challenging routes that really test your stamina. But whichever route you choose, the tranquillity of nature will recharge your batteries.
And oh yes, another important thing to know: there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a tasty lunch. Because however lovely it is to get some exercise in the fresh air, taking a break now and then makes it just that bit more enjoyable.

In the Veluwe

Ontdek de dorpen rondom Harderwijk

Rondom Harderwijk liggen verschillende dorpen en steden met ieder een eigen karakter. Van historische Hanzesteden tot Veluwse dorpen waar natuur en gezelligheid samenkomen.

Bezoek vestingstad Elburg met zijn middeleeuwse straten, ontdek de Veluwse dorpskernen van Ermelo en Putten of ga naar Nunspeet, bekend als kunstenaarsdorp en perfecte uitvalsbasis voor wandel- en fietstochten.

Samen met Harderwijk vormen deze plaatsen een veelzijdige regio waar historie, natuur en dorpsleven dicht bij elkaar liggen. Ontdek wat er allemaal te zien en te beleven is in de dorpen rondom de stad.

Dorpen