The Vischpoort is the only surviving waterside city gate in Harderwijk. It was built towards the end of the 14th century; its upper section dates from the 15th century. In the Middle Ages, Harderwijk was an important trading centre on the Zuiderzee. The historic centre has more than 100 listed buildings with beautiful façades.
Alleys, Gates and Architectural History
The “Stadswandeling open monumenten” (Open Monuments City Walk) starts at the Old Town Hall and leads through Vleeshouwersteeg and Grolsteeg to historic buildings around Vischmarkt. These include Agnietenklooster and Burgemeestershuis. The route links named alleys with buildings that reveal different aspects of the city’s history.
The restored vault paintings in the Grote Kerk can once again be viewed. Visitor access is seasonal; check visiting options before your trip. An audio tour explains the paintings in Dutch, English and German. As language availability may change, it is worth checking in advance.
Art and Maritime Heritage
The Marius van Dokkum Museum is housed in the former Snijkamer of the University of Harderwijk and is dedicated to the work of the living artist. His humorous paintings feature pears, among other recurring motifs. Which specific works are currently on display may vary.
The De Hoop windmill, a historic monument, stands in the Historic Harbour District. The Bottermuseum & de Botterloods Harderwijk showcase the city’s sailing and fishing heritage and offer trips on authentic botters. If you are planning a trip, check separately whether these outings are available.
Walking and Cycling
From Harderwijk, you can hike and cycle in the natural surroundings of the Veluwe. The Harderwijk MTB Route, also known as the “Groene Lus” (Green Loop), is 21 kilometres long, with 165 metres of elevation gain and technical singletrack trails. Along the way, it offers views across the Beekhuizerzand.
The Harderwijk Tower & Regional Route offers another perspective on the landscape. It starts at the Vischpoort in the historic city centre and passes through the Beekhuizerzand, an area of dunes and drifting sand covering about 200 hectares. On the section by the Toekantoren, there are 226 steps to climb to a height of 42 metres.
The Veluwemeerkust-Hulshorst walk is just under nine kilometres long and passes through the countryside around Hierden. This gives you a choice of different route formats: just under nine kilometres on foot or a 21-kilometre MTB route.
Hierden and the Water Landscape
Thanks to its wealth of traditional farms in the northern Veluwe, Hierden has retained its original character. The Hierdense Beek is a natural stream that flows north into the Veluwemeer. Along the Veluwemeer coast, flowering marsh marigolds turn the ditches golden yellow in spring.
Recreation is also possible on and around the Wolderwijd. A SUP rental shop opens at Strandeiland on the Harderwijk promenade, from where you can explore the Wolderwijd. Availability and operating conditions may change; check them before your visit.
More Activities by the Water
The Dolfinarium offers eight educational animal presentations in which the keepers explain the marine animals. Presentation times may vary. Four playgrounds with slides, a zip line and themed play features round out the offering; the facilities may also change.
Various buses run from Harderwijk NS station to the Boulevard (Dolfinarium) stop. From there, it is less than a ten-minute walk to the park. Check bus connections before travelling. The city beach offers relaxation by the water, as well as a playground and trampolines for children. As these facilities may change, check what is currently available before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Harderwijk, Hierden, Barneveld, Voorst, Heerde, Ubbergen, West Maas En Waal and Wijchen.
Return to the main travel overview: Gelderland.
