Frequently asked questions

Harderwijk is situated directly on the A28 motorway and is easily accessible by car. Harderwijk station is on the Amersfoort–Zwolle railway line, with trains running twice an hour. It is a 15-minute walk from the station to the town centre. There are also several bus routes.

There are several car parks and multi-storey car parks in and around the city centre, including the Houtwal, Vuldersbrink and Nonnenstraat car parks. Paid parking applies daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

The parking charge is €2.10 per hour, with a maximum daily charge of €11.00. Payment can only be made by debit card or via a parking app; cash is not accepted. Free parking was abolished in 2026.

Free parking in Harderwijk has been completely abolished since 1 January 2026. Previously, the first hour was free at some locations. However, there is a free Park & Ride facility on Weiburglaan and near the station.

Yes, bus routes 103, 142, 144, 147, 148 and 159 run from Harderwijk station to the Boulevard (Dolfinarium). You can also walk there in 15–20 minutes.

Yes, you can hire a public transport bike at the station. There is also Fiets Huren Harderwijk (Landbouwlaan 1B), where you can hire e-bikes and e-choppers.

The Vischpoort (the only remaining city gate), the Grote Kerk, the Dolfinarium, the City Museum, the Marius van Dokkum Museum, the harbour with its botters, the Eel Museum and the historic city centre.

Take a city walk past historic Hanseatic monuments, visit the Dolfinarium, explore museums, go boating on Lake Veluwe, cycle through the Veluwe, shop in the city centre, and enjoy fine dining and outdoor cafés.

The Dolfinarium is Europe’s largest marine mammal park, home to dolphins, walruses, sea lions and seals. It features a variety of educational shows, play areas, water slides (in summer) and a beach. Standard opening hours: 10:00–17:00.

Dolfinarium, Harderwijk Tree Climbing Adventure, Monkey Town (indoor play centre), Kok eXperience (laser tag, film), city treasure hunts, pedal boating on Lake Veluwe, Escape Tours through the city centre.

Yes, StrandEiland on the Boulevard. It’s just a short walk from the city centre. It’s situated on the Wolderwijd (Lake Veluwe). You can also reach the beach from the Dolfinarium.

Yes, Scheepswerf Veluvia offers canal boat tours, botter sailing trips (Botter Sailing Experience), rowing boat hire and pedalos. The harbour has three moorings next to the historic city centre.

Yes, the Hanseatic Walking Route takes you past all the main sights, such as the town hall, the Vischpoort, the Boulevard and the Hortuspark. An app with an audio tour is also available. The Rondeel Foundation offers guided tours

Every Saturday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm on Kloosterplein in the town centre. In the Drielanden district, there is a weekly market on Wednesdays from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm.

Weekdays and Saturdays: 6 am–10 pm. Sundays: 12 noon–6 pm. We are open every Sunday. Late-night shopping is on Friday evenings.

Yes, every Sunday is a shopping Sunday. Almost all shops in the city centre are open from 12:00 to 18:00.

Harderwijk is a culinary Hanseatic town with restaurants on the Vischmarkt and the Marktplein. From Michelin-starred restaurants to seafood by the harbour. Hondegatstraat is home to charming specialist shops and patisseries.

At the Dries van den Berg & Zn. fish restaurant (which also houses the Eel Museum) and various fish stalls at the harbour. Smoked eel is a local speciality. An Eel Experience is also available.

The Vischmarkt and the Marktplein have the most outdoor seating areas. On the Boulevard/harbour, you can enjoy views over the water.

Harderwijk was granted town privileges in 1231 and was an important Hanseatic town on the Zuiderzee. The town had a university (1648–1811) and thrived on trade and fishing. Today, it is a tourist town with a population of around 50,000.

The Vischpoort is the only remaining city gate in Harderwijk, built in the 14th century. It is the town’s landmark and the gateway to the historic town centre.

The City Museum (Market Square), the Marius van Dokkum Museum (the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to a living artist), the Eel Museum (free admission), and the Butter Museum at the Fish Auction.

Cycling and walking in the Veluwe, Nunspeetse Heide, the forests of Hierden, wellness at De Zwaluwhoeve, Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet (Lelystad), or a visit to other Hanseatic towns such as Elburg and Kampen.

Yes, Harderwijk is situated on the Wolderwijd, one of the Veluwerandmeren lakes. The town used to be on the Zuiderzee. It has a promenade, a harbour and a beach.

Yes, there are various cycle routes through the Veluwe forests and along the Randmeren. You can hire a (e-)bike at the station or at Fiets Huren Harderwijk.

Visit the website heerlijkharderwijk.nl for all the tourist information, routes, events and accommodation options.

There are various hotels (including the Best Western Hotel Baars and Hotel Monopole on the seafront), B&Bs, holiday parks and a marina with moorings.

Harderwijk hosts events all year round, including the LaLaLand Festival, street fairs, the Saturday market and various cultural activities. Check out the events calendar on the Heerlijk Harderwijk website.

Yes, Harderwijk is ideal for a day out: combine a visit to the Dolfinarium with a stroll through the town, some shopping, a meal by the harbour and a trip to the beach. It’s also perfect for a weekend break, with the Veluwe nearby.

The City Museum is fully wheelchair accessible (lift available). The Dolfinarium has adapted facilities and pathways. If in doubt, please contact the specific venue in advance.