Hardenberg brings together art, town history and activities along the Vecht. Kunstwegen makes its mark across a wide area, while the Museum 't Stadhuus and the historic town wall offer insights into the town's history. There are also hiking trails, a mountain bike route and the white-water canoe course. When planning your trip, you can consider these activities as different focal points.
Kunstwegen and Hardenberg's history
Kunstwegen is a 180-kilometre art route through art and nature, featuring 80 works of art. Along the route, you can hike sections between NS railway stations. The chain of stations runs through Zwolle, Dalfsen, Ommen, Mariënberg, Hardenberg and Gramsbergen; white and blue markers indicate the route. This makes it possible to plan your hike in individual sections between stations.
Museum 't Stadhuus is housed in Hardenberg's former town hall, dating from 1805. Its archaeology section displays notable finds from the surrounding area. Another section is dedicated to Hardenberg's Jewish residents and the Jewish labour camp Molengoot. The former town hall and its various exhibition topics make the museum a specific place to visit for anyone interested in the town's history.
The town wall also connects historic traces with a later approach to heritage: a reconstructed section of the medieval wall uses original material. Hardenberg's town wall is a Rijksmonument, a protected national monument, and was fully restored in 2019. A guided historic town walk starts at Museum 't Stadhuus and lasts around two hours. As arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the current options in advance.
The “Historical Walk: 75 Years of Freedom” is a historic walking route through Hardenberg town centre focusing on Holocaust history in the town centre. An accompanying booklet can be downloaded. Check in advance whether the material is still available.
Hiking routes and directions
The Pieterpad stage from Coevorden to Hardenberg is 19 kilometres long. If you are planning this route, check for possible temporary changes before setting out. Markt 50 in Hardenberg is listed as the nearest address for the Hardenberg–Ommen stage. P+R Hardenberg at Gaardenstraat 2C is listed as a car park. As access and parking options may change, it is worth checking the latest information.
By the Vecht: De Koppel and the canoe course
Natuuractiviteitencentrum De Koppel is located in Hardenberg on the Vecht, near a weir and a lock, and is within walking distance of the town centre. The Koppeltuinen lie behind De Koppel in the Vecht floodplains. They cover almost three hectares. De Koppel's activity programme includes mushroom excursions; as the programme may change, it is worth checking the current offerings.
The white-water canoe course in Hardenberg uses the natural gradient of a river and is the first course of its kind in the Netherlands. It is 140 metres long and descends 1.5 metres. Individual canoeists and clubs can use it free of charge because no pumps are needed. Conditions of use may change; check the latest information before using it.
Out and about by bike
The mountain bike route in Hardenberg is 23 kilometres long and passes through a wooded area. It starts and finishes at the Oldemeijer car park. As route details and parking regulations may change, check the local information before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Schuinesloot, Dedemsvaart, Sibculo, Loozen, Bruchterveld, Slagharen, Gramsbergen, Diffelen
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