There’s plenty to do on and around the water in Harderwijk. Whether you fancy a leisurely boat trip, want to get active on a stand-up paddleboard, or want to catch the wind with your surf sail — you can do it all here.
The water is literally just around the corner and invites you to get out and about. Whether you’re an experienced water sports enthusiast or just want to give it a go, there’s plenty of space and choice for everyone.
Choose what suits you and discover Harderwijk from the water.
Forgetting that you’ve forgotten your phone. Lovely Harderwijk
Boating
Boating in Harderwijk is surprisingly varied. You can take a leisurely cruise along the boulevard and admire the town from the water, or head further out onto Lake Veluwe towards the islands.
Those islands make it even more enjoyable: it’s easy to moor there, and in some places you can even stay overnight. A chance to get away from it all, yet still close by.
Don’t have a boat of your own? No problem. You can easily hire a sloop, or step aboard a botter for a trip with a bit more character. If you’re coming with your own boat, there are plenty of places to moor.
Whether you’re heading out onto the water for an hour or making a whole day of it, boating in Harderwijk offers all sorts of possibilities.
Surfing
If you love action, surfing in Harderwijk is the perfect choice for you. Head towards Horst and you’ll soon reach the first beach, which is ideal for both kitesurfing and windsurfing.
The wide, open water offers plenty of space and is suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers. If you want to learn or improve your skills, you can also take lessons here.
On the beach, you’ll find a cool beach bar where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink, and there are facilities such as showers. Parking is easy right by the water, so you’ll be on the beach with your gear in no time. And you can get there from Harderwijk itself in no time at all.
Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned surfer, this is the kind of place where you’ll love getting out on the water.
Surf paradise. Suit on and let's go!
Stand-up paddleboarding is a relaxing way to get out on the water, and in Harderwijk you can actually do it all year round. On a quiet day, you can paddle past the town or through the countryside, experiencing everything from a slightly different perspective out on the water.
It’s accessible and suitable for everyone, whether you’re trying it for the first time or are already a bit more experienced on a board. Scattered across the town and along the water, there are several places where you can hire a SUP or even take lessons.
A trip through the Waterfront also gives you the chance to explore this new district of Harderwijk. Modern architecture, clean lines and water all around you – a lovely contrast to the historic town centre.
Getting active, but at your own pace – that’s exactly what makes stand-up paddleboarding so much fun.
