Harderwijk is the sort of town where you occasionally feel like pausing for a moment, just to take it all in. From the Vischpoort, you step straight into history, with views of the harbour and the water. Fancy a bit of a climb? Then head up the Van der Valk Tower. It’s a bit of a climb, but at the top you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the town and the woods.
You’ll find lovely spots outside the city too. Climb the new observation tower at Beekhuizerstrand and be amazed by the view over the Veluwe. Or pause for a moment by the water. Climb the steps that mark the highest water level ever recorded. From here, you have a magnificent view towards Zeewolde. And then there’s the Kiekmure: a place with a story. Women used to stand here looking out over the water, hoping for the return of their husbands.
Whether you come for the view or the story behind it, these spots offer a slightly different perspective on Harderwijk.
Let yourself be amazed by the stunning views.
The Toekantoren
Just outside Harderwijk, you’ll find the Toekantoren, standing at a height of almost 50 metres! The tower has 226 steps, and from the top you can enjoy views across the north-west of the Veluwe. Weather permitting, you can climb the 226 steps every day to take in the view. Are you up for the challenge?
Beekhuizerzand Lookout Tower
On the edge of the Beekhuizerzand stands a brand-new observation tower that is definitely worth a visit. Climb to the top and you’ll look out over the vast sand drifts and the surrounding woods – a surprising patch of nature, right on the city’s doorstep. And with a bit of luck, you might even spot some wildlife. Just a quick climb, a moment’s silence… and, above all, a brief moment to enjoy the view.
Wijde Wellen Viewing Staircase
On the shores of the Wolderwijd, you’ll find a unique viewing point that looks like a slender balcony jutting out over the water. It’s a lovely spot to get some fresh air and take in the view across the lake.
But there’s a story behind it too. The height of the balcony shows how high the water rose here during the flood of 1916, when Harderwijk was still on the Zuiderzee. It’s quite impressive when you stand there…
Pause for a moment, feel the breeze in your hair, and you realise: this view isn’t just beautiful, it’s also a piece of history.
The Vischpoort
The Vischpoort is perhaps one of Harderwijk’s most iconic landmarks. What many people don’t know is that this city gate once served as a lighthouse on what was then the Zuiderzee.
Walk through it or pause for a moment and look out towards the water. You are literally standing at a spot where history and views converge. With the harbour in front of you and Lake Veluwe in sight, this is the sort of place where you naturally find yourself lingering for a while.
The Kiekmuur
At the Kiekmuur, you’re standing on a former bastion of the old city wall. Now a peaceful viewpoint, but once a place full of anticipation. Here, women would stand looking out over the water, gazing towards the horizon, hoping to see their husbands return home from the sea.
Take a moment here, look out over the water and imagine what it was like here in the past. A place with a view and a story that still lingers a little
