Harderwijk hospitable city
Harderwijk is with annually more than two million visitors a popular destination. According to research by the Dutch Harderwijk is known as open, relaxed and enterprising. It's enjoyment, a pleasant town with lots of squares, terraces and starred restaurants, surrounded by the extensive Veluwe and lakes.
History is now
Harderwijk has a rich history that you will taste anywhere in the city. Large parts of the city wall are still standing proud, just like the old university buildings, the monastery and some wonderful houses of prominent merchants. Many old buildings have been assigned as a shop, restaurant, gallery or residential complex these days. There are also plenty of fishing boats in the harbor, a reminder of the fishing history of Harderwijk. City waterfront The time that the Zuiderzee was a rich source of fish is gone. Since fifty years you will find the polder province of Flevoland off the coast of Harderwijk. 'Zeepad' and boulevard offer sweeping views of the young Zeewolde (since 1984) and nearly two hundred contemporary windmills. The Wolderwijd and Veluwemeer between the old and the new country became a mecca for recreation and water sports: sailing, windsurfing and kite surfing, and for whom that is too heavy there is always the boat.
The Veluwe nearby
Less than ten minutes outside the city is a different world: the Veluwe, a wide world of green and calm. Woods, heaths and sand drifts form a counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of the city. There you find the Harderwijker forest but also the Beekhuizerzand, a sand drift with its own unique flora and fauna. The countryside around the Hierdense beek (brook) is impressive, as is the rustic village of Hierden with beautiful farms and country estates such as The Essenburgh.
Polite Town
Despite eight centuries Harderwijk is a modern city with excellent recreational facilities. Harders Plaza is a great entertainment center. The Zwaluwhoeve is one of the Netherlands most popular spas. Who wants to eat a Michelin star meal has to go to the Vischmarkt, where you can find two restaurants where a Michelin star shines. We invite you to come take a look in our beautiful city!
