Holiday apartment in Harderwijk – between the Veluwe, Wolderwijd and historic city centre
Harderwijk combines the natural landscape of the Veluwe, the waters of Wolderwijd and a cityscape shaped by history. Together with nearby Harderwijk and Hierden, whose character is shaped by northern Veluwe farmsteads, this creates a varied setting combining landscape, outdoor activities, urban history and maritime tradition.
Nature and trails
From Harderwijk, you can go walking and cycling in the natural surroundings of the Veluwe. In Hierden, the original character has been preserved thanks to the wealth of northern Veluwe farmsteads. The landscape also includes the Hierdense Beek, a natural stream that flows north into the Veluwemeer. In spring, the ditches along the Veluwemeer coast turn golden yellow with blooming marsh marigolds.
One specific route is the Veluwemeerkust-Hulshorst walk: it is just under 9 kilometres long and leads through the surroundings of Hierden. For mountain biking, the Harderwijk MTB Route is available, also known as the “Groene Lus”. The route is 21 kilometres long, includes 165 metres of elevation gain and features technical single tracks. The Groene Lus also offers views across the Beekhuizerzand.
The Harderwijker Toren- & Streekroute starts at the Vischpoort in Harderwijk’s historic city centre. On the section near the Toekantoren, 226 steps must be climbed to a height of 42 metres. The route passes through the approximately 200-hectare dune and drift-sand area of Beekhuizerzand.
Water and harbour
In Harderwijk, you can enjoy recreation on and around Wolderwijd. A SUP rental service starts at Strandeiland on Harderwijk’s promenade and allows you to explore Wolderwijd. Harderwijk’s city beach offers relaxation by the water, as well as a playground and trampolines for children.
The Bottermuseum & the Botterloods Harderwijk also highlight the connection with the former world of the water. They present the city’s sailing and fishing heritage; trips on authentic botters are also offered.
History and cityscape
In the Middle Ages, Harderwijk was an important trading centre on the Zuiderzee. The historic centre contains more than 100 listed buildings with beautiful façades. One of the most distinctive remnants is the Vischpoort, the only surviving town gate on the water in Harderwijk. It was built at the end of the 14th century, while its upper section dates from the 15th century. The De Hoop windmill is a historic monument in Harderwijk’s Historic Harbour District.
The “Stadswandeling open monumenten” is a walking tour through Harderwijk that starts at the Old Town Hall. It leads through the Vleeshouwersteeg and Grolsteeg and to historic buildings around the Vischmarkt, including the Agnietenklooster and the Burgemeestershuis. The archaeological cellar of the Dwangburcht is accessible year-round only as part of a city walking tour and can be visited during this tour.
Restored vault paintings can once again be viewed in the Grote Kerk. The audio tour of the Grote Kerk explains the unique vault paintings and is available in Dutch, English and German.
Museums and special places
The Marius van Dokkum Museum is located in the former Snijkamer of the University of Harderwijk and is dedicated to the work of a living artist. It displays humorous paintings, including works in which pears are recurring motifs.
The Dolfinarium offers eight educational animal presentations in which the keepers explain the marine animals. The park also has four playgrounds with slides, a zip line and themed play equipment. From Harderwijk railway station, the Dolfinarium can be reached by various buses to the Boulevard (Dolfinarium) stop; from there, it is less than a ten-minute walk to the park.
Thus, historic routes, waterscapes, challenging elevation gains, preserved urban architecture and museums covering different themes are all located close together in Harderwijk. The respective routes, places and sightseeing options provide clear direction for further planning.
For the broader travel overview: Gelderland.
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