Plenty of water

In the olden days the Zuiderzee was a rich source of fish. The sails of the fishing smacks have now disappeared, replaced by the silhouettes of wind turbines and new villages on the far banks of the Veluwemeer. This lake - formed by the creation of the Flevopolder in the former Zuiderzee - has been given a new purpose as a recreation and water sports area. Sporting types who enjoy a challenge will find plenty of opportunities for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, and those who find this just a little too exciting can enjoy a relaxing boat trip. Harderwijk has three marinas, and the fishing harbour provides a popular berth for chartered sailing and traditional motor vessels. Each year during Visserijdag the harbour is restored to its former glory and the smell of the traditional tarred vessels fills the air. The harbour offers much more enjoyment for visitors on warm summer evenings, and the Dolfinarium with its marine celebrities is always a popular place to visit, as its sealions, walruses and dolphins steal the show time after time.