Harderwijk tourist information
The dolphins, the fanatical water sport fans and the extremely sociable cafes will be predominant in this town. However the historical aspect dominates here too. Valuable cultural treasures from the distant past decorate the old ramparts of Harderwijk.
Nearly 800 years ago, in 1231, Harderwijk was granted a charter. After Arnhem, Harderwijk became the main city in the dukedom of Gelre, where city walls and city gates appeared. A shining coin of Gelderland was minted here in the 16th Century, which brought the academia such as the biologist Linnaeus, here as a result.
Terrible times of war, fires and epidemics, which tested the population, were experienced, and later on the fishermen lost their source of income when the salt sea tuned into fresh water.
The picturesque downtown area of Harderwijk was heritage-listed in 1969. Until the beginning of the 17th century the city was an imposing Hansa city with a central function in the region. From the 18th century onwards trading slowly but surely deteriorated. As a result of the enclosure of the Zuyder Zee and the reclamation of land from the IJsselmeer, fishery disappeared altogether. From this time onwards Harderwijk focused on pleasure craft and tourism.
The harbors of Harderwijk have always been of great importance to the city. In the old days for fishery, these days for pleasure craft. Because of the city’s location on Veluwe Lake and on the edge of the Veluwe Woods it is a great place to moor your boat. Harderwijk has four harbors; Harderwijk, Gemeentehaven, Strand Horst and Knar.
Marvellous houses with detailed doorframes and memorial plaques are to be discovered as you go on a tour in search of features of these stirring, emotive times. In the old Town Hall the sun beams dance on the well-conserved gold leather wall paper and you might perhaps hear the mutterings of mischievous Academy students in the Linnaeus tower where they used to be sent as punishment
If you pay a visit to Harderwijk the City museum and a photo of the City gate should be a part of your educational day to this former Zuiderzee village. Smooking eel the traditional way can be learned in the Eel curing museum. If you have a full day to spend in Harderwijk, you definitely have to meet the dancing dolphins in the Dolfinarium, the World of the sea. Many historical buildings are reminiscent of the glorious past. The 15th-century Grote Kerk (Great Church) boasts unique wall paintings from 1561. The Catharina Chapel dates from 1502. In 1913 this beautiful chapel was restored to its former glory.
Harderwijk aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Harderwijk aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Harderwijk.
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