Things to see and do in Harderwijk
Harderwijk is a hidden treasure in the Netherlands, offering the perfect mix of history, nature, and leisure. The city’s medieval center is filled with beautiful old buildings, cobbled streets, and lively squares. At the same time, the waterfront location makes it an excellent place for water sports, boat trips, and relaxing by the lake. With the Veluwe National Park (it’s wow!) nearby, it’s also an ideal base for hiking, cycling, and spotting wildlife. Add to that a growing reputation as a culinary hotspot, and you have plenty of reasons to visit.
Top 10 things to do and see in Harderwijk
Harderwijk is made famous by Dutch parents to their kids by bringing them to the Dolfinarium, which started as a dolphin sanctuary and rehabilitation center. And who doesn’t like dolphins? Don’t skip the other highlights though as they are all worth the visit. Enjoy Harderwijk!
1. Explore the historic city center
Like Deventer and Zwolle, Harderwijk was a Hanseatic trading city, and much of its heritage survives. Wander through its old streets, admire the medieval gates and visit landmarks such as the Grote Kerk and the Vischpoort city gate.
2. Walk along the beautiful boulevard
The waterfront boulevard is a must-see, offering stunning views over the Wolderwijd lake and Veluwemeer. Take a relaxing walk, enjoy a drink on one of the many terraces, or watch the sunset over the water. This man made canal/lake encloses the artificially made island Flevoland, how cool is that.
3. Dolfinarium Harderwijk
The Dolfinarium is one of the city’s most famous attractions, home to dolphins, sea lions, seals, and even sharks. It’s a fantastic place for families and animal lovers. I must say the entertainment park is a tiny bit outdated, nevertheless the animals are great to watch!
4. Relax at the Strandeiland
Harderwijk has its own city beach, perfect for a summer day. Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or try water sports like paddleboarding, Strandeiland is a great spot to enjoy the lake.
5. Michelin-starred dining at ‘t Nonnetje
Harderwijk is known for its excellent food scene, and ’t Nonnetje, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, is one of its highlights. Indulge in fine dining with locally inspired dishes.
6. Visit the Stadsmuseum Harderwijk
Discover the history of Harderwijk and its Hanseatic past in this fascinating museum. The exhibitions cover everything from the city’s trading days to its fishing industry and former university. Read more on their own website.
7. Take a boat trip on the Wolderwijd lake
Enjoy a boat cruise or rent a sailboat to explore the waters around Harderwijk. Yes, this is definitely something you should do in spring and summer. The water is fairly calm and easy to sail.
8. Cycle or hike in the Veluwe
Just outside Harderwijk, you’ll find the Veluwe National Park, one of the most stunning natural areas in the Netherlands. Cycle through endless forests, spot deer and wild boar, and visit the famous Kröller-Müller Museum and its extensive Van Gogh collection.
9. Discover the Hanseatic Route
Harderwijk is part of the Dutch Hanseatic cities route, a journey through historic trading towns like Kampen, Groningen, Arnhem, and Zutphen. If you love history, this is a great way to explore more of the Netherlands.
10. Harderwijk’s local markets and events
On Saturdays, the city center hosts a fantastic market with fresh produce, Dutch cheese, and flowers. It’s a great way to experience local life and pick up some delicious souvenirs.
Best hotels in Harderwijk
Harderwijk has a limited choice of places to stay. Our three picks are Best Western Hotel Baars, Hotel Marktzicht and Boothuis Harderwijk, an unusual option for a smaller budget.
Food and local specialties
Harderwijk is known for its fresh fish, thanks to its past as a fishing town. Harderwijker smoked eel (gerookte paling) is a must-try delicacy, it’s also in our list of best Dutch Foods dishes. You’ll also find fantastic seafood restaurants along the waterfront. Local bakeries offer stroopwafels, and the city has a growing number of high-quality restaurants, including Michelin-starred dining options.
Events and festivals
- Aaltjesdagen (June) – A yearly festival celebrating Harderwijk’s maritime heritage, with boat races, music, and food.
- Harderwijk Live (summer concerts) – Open-air concerts in the heart of the city.
- Christmas Market (December) – A festive event with a cozy winter atmosphere.
- Harderwijk Light Festival (winter) – Stunning light installations throughout the city.
Living in Harderwijk: A fantastic choice for expats
Harderwijk is an attractive place to live for expats, offering a high quality of life with its waterfront location, excellent dining options, and proximity to nature. The city has a great mix of historic charm and modern convenience, with good schools, shopping facilities, and easy access to bigger cities.
Best areas for expats to buy a home:
- Drielanden – A newer neighborhood with modern family homes and green surroundings.
- Frankrijk – Close to the city center, perfect for those who want to be near restaurants and shops.
- Hierden – A beautiful village just outside Harderwijk, offering more space and nature.
A bit of history
Harderwijk’s history dates back to the Middle Ages when it was a powerful member of the Hanseatic League, a network of trading cities. It was also home to a university between the 17th and 19th centuries, attracting scholars from across Europe. Today, the city still embraces its Hanseatic past, with many historical buildings and traditions preserved.
How to get to Harderwijk
Things to do in the area
- Walibi Holland (20 min) – One of the biggest amusement parks in the Netherlands, perfect for thrill-seekers.
- Kampina & De Hoge Veluwe (30 min) – Stunning national parks with endless cycling and hiking trails.
- Elburg (15 min) – A beautifully preserved old fishing village.
- Apeldoorn (35 min) – Visit Paleis Het Loo, a stunning former royal palace.
- Batavia Stad (30 min) – A designer outlet shopping village.