What to do in Harderwijk? Discover the best outings and activities
Anne RitmeesterHarderwijk isn't a town you just wander around: it's a place where you experience something. Between the Veluwe forests and the Veluwemeer lake you'll discover the best outings, activities and spots for an unforgettable day out.
Discovering Harderwijk
From historic charm to active outings
Walk through the Hanseatic town of Harderwijk and you'll notice it straight away. Historic streets with old façades, a lively waterfront and terraces where you stay just a little longer than planned. The atmosphere finds you without you having to look for it.
Stroll through the town centre, discover local shops or grab a spot on the town beach. Fancy more? Discover the outdoor activities in Harderwijk and head out on an e-bike, E-chopper or mountain bike. For fun group outings that mix relaxation and adventure, Harderwijk is just right.
Also read: What to do in Harderwijk with children
Discover popular activities in Harderwijk
Active in nature
Mountain biking on MTB-route Harderwijk
The mountain bike route near Harderwijk is one of the most popular on the Veluwe, and that's no coincidence. Narrow singletracks, gentle climbs and fast bends follow one after another. Challenging enough to keep you sharp, accessible enough for beginners. Along the way you ride through varied woodland with stretches of heath and open spaces where you can catch your breath.
The signposting is clear, so you can head out without a guide. It's the variety in surface and pace that keeps the route interesting from start to finish. No bike of your own? You can easily hire a mountain bike in Harderwijk and join the route straight away.
On the water
Paddleboarding on the Veluwemeer
Harderwijk isn't just forest and cycle paths: the water is at least as big a part of the story. On the Veluwemeer and the Wolderwijd you discover the area from a place where everything suddenly goes very quiet.
Step onto your board, paddle along the shoreline and feel the town slowly fade into the background. The water moves gently beneath you and the view keeps opening up. Whether it's your first time on a SUP or you already know the feeling: paddleboarding in Harderwijk is for everyone. Want to know more? Take a look at suphurenharderwijk.nl.
Art with a smile
Marius van Dokkum Museum
In the heart of Harderwijk you'll find the Marius van Dokkum Museum: a place where you end up lingering far longer than expected. Van Dokkum captures everyday situations with a sharp eye and a warm smile: recognisable, detailed and often disarmingly funny. Visitors easily recognise themselves in the scenes, which suddenly brings a painting very close.
But the museum is broader than you'd expect. Alongside his humorous work you'll see realistic portraits, serene landscapes and classic still lifes. Children discover the funny details, adults appreciate the technique and the layers. For families and art lovers alike.
You'll find more information on the website of the Marius van Dokkum Museum.
Nature around the corner
From Harderwijk into the Veluwe
Harderwijk sits on the edge of the Veluwe, and you can tell. Vast forests, heathland and drifting sands start literally just outside the town limits. Within minutes you're in the middle of one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands.
The Veluwe has many faces: quiet forest paths, open heath, winding singletracks for mountain bikers. What they have in common is the sense of space. You start your day in the historic town centre and a little later you're among the trees, further from the crowds than you thought possible.
On an e-bike you cruise calmly through the landscape, on a mountain bike you go looking for a challenge. Both are great. From Harderwijk you discover the Veluwe at your own pace.
Paddling in town
Strandeiland Harderwijk
On the Wolderwijd lies Strandeiland Harderwijk: a wide beach where sand, grass and water blend into one another. Families, groups of friends and colleagues come here for the same reason: to have nothing to do for a while. A relaxed family day, a summery outing with friends or simply being outdoors.
Children build sandcastles, friends spread out a blanket, and if you like you can play beach volleyball, grab a SUP or go for a swim. The atmosphere is open: views over the water, wind in your hair, space all around you. Combine the beach with a walk along the waterfront or end the day on a terrace by the water.
Culinary delights
Eating and drinking in Harderwijk
Harderwijk has long been known as a real foodie town. In the historic town centre you'll find cosy terraces, charming bistros and restaurants that put local produce and hospitality first. From a quick lunch to an extensive dinner: there's a place for every moment of the day.
Well-known restaurants include Restaurant ’t Nonnetje, a restaurant with two Michelin stars, as well as popular spots such as Bistro Vischmarkt 49 and Restaurant de Admiraal, where you can go for lunch, drinks or dinner. Harderwijk also has a lively waterfront where you can eat or drink with a view of the water.
Want to combine an active day on the Veluwe with good food? Then you can also head to the Outdoor Harderwijk restaurant for lunch, drinks or a BBQ after your activity. That way you round off a day full of outings and activities in a relaxed and tasty way.
The Vischpoort is the only remaining town gate in Harderwijk.
Experiencing Harderwijk on wheels
Harderwijk is made for exploring on wheels. From the historic town centre you're off towards the Veluwe forests or along the Veluwemeer in no time. Choose a comfortable e-bike, take to the singletracks on a mountain bike or have fun together on a tandem.
For a relaxed ride through town and countryside, an E-chopper is ideal: quiet, sustainable and perfect for cruising along the water and heath. Prefer something active and original? With an e-scooter you explore the area in a playful way. Families often choose a cargo bike, so even the little ones can come along safely.
Whether you're planning an outing with friends, a family day or an active company outing, there's always a suitable way to explore Harderwijk and the Veluwe.
A relaxed ride on the E-chopper
If you want to explore Harderwijk and the Veluwe in a relaxed way, you'll often see them whizzing past: the E-choppers. Quiet, comfortable and with wide tyres that roll effortlessly over tarmac and forest paths.
From the town centre you ride via junctions towards the Beekhuizerzand, the Ermelosche Heide or right through the Veluwe forests. The pace is relaxed, so you really take in your surroundings. No engine noise, just the wind, the rustling of the trees and the landscape slowly drifting by.
Before you set off you'll get clear route information and a short briefing, so you can head out without a care. Along the way you'll pass various terraces and cafés for a break by the water or in the middle of the greenery.
An E-chopper combines freedom, comfort and a touch of adventure. Perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors but wants to set their own pace. See the options for an E-chopper in Harderwijk.
Scooting through forest and heath
The Veluwe begins on the edge of Harderwijk, with forest paths, heathland and open drifting sands. A surprising way to explore this landscape is on an e-scooter with wide tyres, suitable for all kinds of terrain.
With a top speed of around 25 km/h you glide smoothly through the area. Fast enough to cover some ground, slow enough to really take in your surroundings. The scooter is road-legal in the Netherlands, suitable from age 16, and you don't need a driving licence.
Because you're standing, you experience nature more directly than on a bike. It feels playful, a little sporty and just that bit different from what you're used to. See the options for an e-scooter in Harderwijk.
Harderwijk is best experienced outdoors
Anyone wondering what to do in Harderwijk soon discovers that the best outings and activities mostly take place outdoors. Between the Veluwemeer, the Veluwe forests and the historic town centre, you can easily alternate nature, action and relaxation.
From sporty rides across heath and sand to relaxing moments by the water or a ride together on two wheels: here you set the pace of your own day. Whether it's an outing with friends, a family day or a company outing, Harderwijk offers room to experience something together.
Don't just look, experience it. That's Harderwijk.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently asked questions about Harderwijk
What to do in Harderwijk with children?
Harderwijk is an excellent destination for a day out with kids. Cycling on a cargo bike or tandem, building on the beach of the Wolderwijd, paddleboarding on the lake or a visit to the Marius van Dokkum Museum: there's something for every age. The town centre is compact and easy to walk, so you won't be trudging around endlessly. Read more here about what to do in Harderwijk with children.
What to do in bad weather in Harderwijk?
A bit of rain is part of a day outdoors and usually isn't a problem. In extreme weather such as thunderstorms, we're always happy to help: we'll adjust the programme or look for another date together. You'll never be left empty-handed.
What to do in Harderwijk this weekend?
Hire an e-bike or mountain bike and discover the Veluwe, spend a morning on the beach of the Wolderwijd or visit the Marius van Dokkum Museum. Combine it with a terrace in the historic town centre and your weekend is filled without any effort.
Does Harderwijk have a beach?
Yes. Strandeiland Harderwijk lies on the Wolderwijd and has a wide sandy beach with plenty of space. Swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboarding or just lying in the sun: you can do it all. One of the nicest spots in town, especially on a summer's day.
What's fun to do around Harderwijk?
Harderwijk sits on the edge of the Veluwe, one of the most beautiful nature areas in the Netherlands. From town you're in the forests, on the heath or by the water within minutes. Elspeet, Nunspeet and Ermelo are within cycling distance and well worth discovering. On an E-chopper or e-scooter you ride calmly through the landscape and stop off along the way at lovely terraces, such as at Staverden castle.
Does Harderwijk have a nice town centre?
It certainly does. Harderwijk is an old Hanseatic town with a historic centre full of narrow streets, old façades and local shops. On the Vischmarkt and along the waterfront you'll find terraces with views of the water. The centre is compact, so it's easy to walk around. Combine a stroll through the town centre with an activity in nature, and you'll have town and Veluwe in one day.
What should you see in Harderwijk?
The historic town centre, Strandeiland on the Wolderwijd, the Marius van Dokkum Museum and the Veluwe forests just outside town. Combine that with an active activity such as mountain biking or paddleboarding and you'll have a day to remember.
Is Harderwijk open on Sundays?
Some of the shops in the town centre are open on Sundays, although that varies by season. Outdoor Harderwijk is open seven days a week. You can come to us to hire a mountain bike, E-chopper, e-scooter or e-bike, and combine it with a lunch or BBQ if you like.
By Anne Ritmeester
Adventurous and mad about the outdoors. Anne knows the Veluwe and Harderwijk like the back of her hand and is happy to point you to the most beautiful spots and the most fun activities in the area. With a passion for people and more than 6 years of experience in hospitality, she always brings a smile and the best tips for your day out.
Ready for adventure? Discover our activities!
At Outdoor Harderwijk you'll enjoy the most fun outings with friends, family or colleagues. Choose your adventure and make memories.
