Enjoy the Wolderwijd and follow a wooden clog trail from your holiday home in Harderwijk

The Hanseatic city of Harderwijk owes its popularity to many things! Located on the Beach Island, you can enjoy the Wolderwijd Lake and, if you’re interested in culture, visit the city museum and the exhibition of Marius van Dokkum. Discover the wooded and rural surroundings via the Heyrderpad walking trail, or cycle to Elburg from your holiday home in Harderwijk!

Visit the Dolfinarium from your holiday home in Harderwijk

Have you heard of the Dolfinarium but never been there? Take the opportunity to visit this unique marine animal park! The park is located on the edge of the city centre and can easily be combined with a day in town. But that’s not all — the Dolfinarium also has its own beach and a water playground with seven slides! While the kids have fun, you can relax on the sunbeds and enjoy the dolphin shows together. Despite its name, the Dolfinarium is home not only to dolphins but also to sea lions, seals, sharks, rays, and even a porpoise!

Head to the Beach Island and enjoy a drink on the picturesque boulevard

On a sunny day, a visit to Harderwijk wouldn’t be complete without a walk along the boulevard. The terraces offer views of the Vischpoort and the boats in the harbour. For one of the largest beaches, head to the Beach Island of Harderwijk! This sandy island features a beach pavilion nearby and offers wide-open views across Lake Veluwemeer — the perfect spot to relax on the sand and feel like you’re at the seaside. The spacious beach is also ideal for a game of volleyball or for playing guitar with friends as the sun sets.

Plan a museum day

Wondering what to do in Harderwijk when the weather turns rainy? There are still plenty of reasons to visit, with two charming museums right in the city centre. Step into Harderwijk’s history and learn about its former university, which once had a national reputation. Although the academy was closed in the early 18th century, traces remain — such as the Linnaeus Tower and the plane tree referring to the old botanical garden. The museum also sheds light on the Hanseatic city’s historical role in caring for orphans.

In the former anatomy room, where students once studied the human body, you’ll now find the Marius van Dokkum Museum. This permanent exhibition humorously portrays everyday life through paintings of older people and lively scenes.

Take a walk from Castle De Essenburgh

On the edge of Harderwijk, near the village of Hierden, lies a beautiful castle. Although the interior isn’t open to visitors, you can relax on the castle terrace. The estate also serves as a lovely starting point for various walking routes. Leave the lively city atmosphere behind and immerse yourself in peaceful nature. The walking trails range from short routes to longer hikes for the more adventurous. One of the highlights is the Heyrderpad clog trail, which leads through the park forest, along the Hierdense brook, and across the surrounding farmland.

Tip: If you want to explore the area even further, you can rent a bike at the castle reception!

Admire rustic farmhouses along the Zwaluwenburg walking route

Another recommendation for walking enthusiasts is the Zwaluwenburg estate. What makes this place unique is that you can walk right on the border between the higher Veluwe soil and the lower shores of Lake Veluwemeer. The estate of this classical manor also features old thatched farmhouses and colourful meadows that bloom beautifully in summer. The short 4-kilometre trail offers great views of the open landscape, fields, meadows, and mixed woodland.

Enjoy a varied cycling route from your holiday home in Harderwijk

A holiday home in Harderwijk is the perfect starting point for a cycling holiday full of variety and natural beauty. Explore the heathlands of Ermelo, the Leuvenum forests, and the famous “dancing trees” of the Speulderbos. The Veluwe reveals its full splendour here, but the farmlands around Putten or a scenic ride along the lake are also wonderful options. If you see your bicycle as the best way to discover attractions, museums, and historic towns, then a route to Elburg is a must. Stroll around the fortified town and wander through its charming old streets — it feels like walking through an open-air museum.

Marvel at world-class sand sculptures

Do you like to start early and cycle towards Elburg, spotting wildlife along the way and breathing in the fresh forest air? Then you’ll have plenty of time for a longer route. On the way there, cycle through the Leuvenum forests and across the Hulshorster sand dunes. On your return to Harderwijk, you could cross the dike in Flevoland and take the ferry back to the Gelderland side. And since you’re in Elburg anyway, don’t miss the local museum “Zandverhalen”, an indoor exhibition full of impressive sand sculptures depicting biblical figures, historical scenes, and animals.

Rent a holiday home in Harderwijk

From walking along the Hierdense brook to cycling on dike paths beside Lake Veluwemeer, a holiday home in Harderwijk offers endless opportunities to enjoy nature — from heathlands and forests to charming farmlands and estates. Relax with a drink at Castle Essenburgh or combine a day trip to Elburg with a visit to the covered sand sculpture exhibition “Zandverhalen”. Looking for a holiday where you can unwind on a wide sandy beach or a terrace by the water? Rent a holiday home in Harderwijk and enjoy a wonderful getaway on Lake Veluwemeer!