Harderwijk Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Harderwijk is a picturesque town located in the IJsselmeer region of the Netherlands. With its rich history, charming architecture, and proximity to the beautiful IJsselmeer Lake, Harderwijk is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Dutch experience.

One of the highlights of Harderwijk is its historic old town, which dates back to the 13th century. Walking through its narrow cobblestone streets, visitors can admire the well-preserved medieval buildings and charming canals. The Vischmarkt (Fish Market) Square is a bustling hub of activity, where you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and enjoy delicious seafood delicacies at one of the many waterfront restaurants.

Harderwijk is also known for its rich maritime history, and a visit to the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) is a must for history enthusiasts. This 14th-century church is home to an impressive collection of maritime artifacts, including ship models, navigational instruments, and historical maps. Climb to the top of the church tower for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

For a taste of local culture, a visit to the Dolfinarium is highly recommended. This marine mammal park is one of Europe's largest and offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins, seals, and other marine creatures. Watch captivating shows featuring these intelligent animals and learn about their conservation efforts.

Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning natural landscapes surrounding Harderwijk. Take a leisurely bike ride or hike through the Veluwe Forest, a vast nature reserve with an abundance of wildlife and scenic trails. Explore the nearby IJsselmeer Lake, where you can indulge in a variety of water sports, such as sailing, windsurfing, and fishing.

In addition, Harderwijk hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the Visserijdagen (Fishery Days) and the annual Aaltjesdagen (Eel Days) celebration. These events showcase the town's rich maritime heritage and offer a unique opportunity to experience local traditions and customs.

Alternative names: Population: 47.6 thous. (2019)Area: 18.64 mi²Elevation: 16 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 52°21'1"N, 5°37'8"E

Location

IJsselmeerNetherlands

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Harderwijk Top Attractions

Harderwijk Attractions - What to See and Explore

Harderwijk offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dolfinarium, Vischpoort, Veluwemeer Aqueduct, De Hoop. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Marine animal park with regular shows
Dolfinarium
The Dolfinarium in Harderwijk, Netherlands, is a marine mammal park that offers an enchanting blend of entertainment, education, and conservation. As the largest marine mammal park in Europe, the Dolfinarium provides visitors with the unique opportunity to witness the...
Lighthouse
Vischpoort
The Vischpoort or Vispoort is a late-14th-century city gate and former lighthouse in Harderwijk, Netherlands. The gate, which is located on the historical seaside of the Zuiderzee, is the only one of five gates in the city walls that remains. Between 1851 and 1947 the Vischpoort served as a lighthouse.
Aqueduct
Veluwemeer Aqueduct
Veluwemeer Aqueduct is a 25-metre long navigable aqueduct located over Veluwemeer lake in Harderwijk, Netherlands. It was opened in 2002 and bypasses the N302 road. Where the aqueduct crosses the N302, the depth of water is three metres, which allows vessels to pass over the road safely, so long as their draft is less.

Windmill
De Hoop
Windmill De Hoop is located at Havendijk 2 in Harderwijk. The tower mill was built to replace an earlier 1911 mill on the Strandboulevard, which burned out in 1969. Although the plan to rebuild it at a different location soon came about, rebuilding...
52°20'18"N • 5°36'33"E
Dierenweide Harderwijk
Zoo • Aquarium
Universities and schools
University of Harderwijk
The University of Harderwijk, also named the Guelders Academy, was located in the city Harderwijk, in the Republic of the United Provinces. It was founded by the province of Guelders.

Day trips

Harderwijk – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Harderwijk, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Attractiepark Slagharen, Kröller-Müller Museum (De Hoge Veluwe National Park), Goliath.

44 milesNE
Amusement park, Theme park
Attractiepark Slagharen
Attractiepark Slagharen, located in the northeastern Dutch town of Slagharen, is a vibrant and family-friendly amusement park that has been delighting visitors since its opening in 1963. The park, which was initially known as Ponypark Slagharen, has evolved...
19 milesSE
Specialty museum, Museum, Modern art museum
Kröller-Müller Museum, De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Nestled within the verdant expanse of De Hoge Veluwe National Park in the Netherlands, the Kröller-Müller Museum stands as a beacon of art and nature intertwined. This exceptional art museum, located in the quaint village of Otterlo, is a must-visit destination for...
8.5 miNE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
Goliath
Goliath in the Netherlands is an exciting attraction that attracts adrenaline enthusiasts from all over the world. This gigantic roller coaster, located in the Walibi Holland amusement park, is one of the tallest and fastest in Europe.
16 milesSE
17th-century palace and formal gardens
Paleis Het Loo, Apeldoorn
Nestled in the verdant heart of the Netherlands, Paleis Het Loo is a regal testament to the grandeur of Dutch royalty. Situated in Apeldoorn, this former royal palace now serves as a national museum, inviting visitors to explore the opulence of the Dutch monarchy's...
23 milesW
Restored 13th-century castle and gardens
Muiderslot, Muiden
The Muiderslot is a quintessential medieval castle nestled in the picturesque town of Muiden, located near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. This impressive fortress, with its imposing stone walls, towers, and a moat, offers a glimpse into the Netherlands' storied past.

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Best Time To Visit Harderwijk

Learn when is the best time to travel to Harderwijk weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June and October.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in February and April. Most of it rains in June, September, October, November and December.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Harderwijk?

The top attractions to visit in Harderwijk are:

What is the best time to visit Harderwijk?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May, June and October. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.