History of Harderwijk

Harderwijk has a rich history, which can be seen all over the town.The town wall still stands proud and strong, and remains of the town’s past can be seen everywhere. In the centre of the town are the buildings of the former university and cloisters, and the grand homes of prominent merchants can be seen at various locations throughout the town. In its long history, Harderwijk has been a member of the Hanseatic League, a seat of academia, a garrison town and a fishing port. Artefacts from this rich history are on display in the town museum (Stadsmuseum) in the Donkerstraat. However, what is even better is that many of these ancient buildings have found a new use as shop, restaurant, art gallery or residential complex. In this way these buildings have a new function and every right to exist in today's town. The sound of the blacksmith's hammer can once again be heard in the shipbuilding yard, and there are ships on the slipway once more. The lighthouse of the Vischpoort, formerly a beacon for fishermen, shines out just as it used to. Harderwijk may have changed a great deal through the centuries, but much that was beautiful has been retained.