Discover picturesque villages and towns near Harderwijk. From historic towns with well-preserved architecture to idyllic villages that seem to have defied time, this region exudes a unique atmosphere of nostalgia and beauty. Explore the cobbled streets, admire monumental buildings and enjoy the warm hospitality.
Giethoorn is also called the "Venice of the North" because of the many canals and bridges crisscrossing the village. Instead of roads, waterways are used to get from one place to another.
Giethoorn has as many as 176 wooden bridges. These bridges connect the mainland to islets created while digging for peat. On these islets stood the houses and farms of the inhabitants. This unique feature, together with the car-free part of Giethoorn, makes the village very popular with tourists, both from home and abroad.
Hattem proudly bears its own unique identity. The rich history of the Hanseatic League has left deep traces here, making the town an attractive destination today.
This cosy and compact town is embraced by beautiful natural landscapes: the vast floodplains along the river IJssel, the lush forests of the North Veluwe and the picturesque polder landscape in the north. Within the city walls, you will find numerous authentic shops exuding a rich flavour of the past, along with lovely terraces to enjoy. As if that were not enough, Hattem is home to not one, but three museums, each telling its own story.
Kampen, one of the Hanseatic cities like Harderwijk and Elburg, lies along the river IJssel and is steeped in history dating back to the Middle Ages. Kampen has a centuries-long tradition of trade and shipping. The city is characterised by beautiful architecture and historic buildings.
Notable attractions include the Bovenkerk, the Stadsbrug and imposing city gates. A must-visit is the Stedelijk Museum Kampen, where you can learn more about the city, explore the former town hall and enjoy the different activities they organise.
Deventer, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, is a surprisingly versatile city. The historic centre is a warren of streets, squares and terraces. The city is also beautifully situated on the river IJssel. There are 2 must-do's not to be missed. Climb the tower of the Lebuinus church. From this highest point you will enjoy breathtaking views over Deventer. And visit Museum de Waag. This historic building is the oldest weigh house in the Netherlands and used to serve as a weigh house for market traders.
As one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Deventer has an attractive city centre, cosy terraces, a rich history and the famous Deventer cake.
Zwolle boasts a medieval heart, a wide range of shops, several excellent restaurants and several beautiful parks. This city contains everything you would expect from a modern city, while at the same time retaining the cosiness of the past.
The centuries-old facades, city walls, the historic city gate called Sassenpoort that is a wopping 600 years old, and the star-shaped canal with impressive mansions and stately trees, typify Zwolle. The beautiful and imposing defences invite you to discover this lively student city.
In the heart of the Netherlands, located between Zwolle and Harderwijk, you'll find Elburg: a city also known as the fortress of the Veluwe. With its six hundred monuments and various museums, Elburg attracts numerous visitors each year. It's a city where, during a stroll, you seem to travel back in time with its old ramparts, beautiful trees, narrow alleys, and cobblestone sidewalks.
Until 1932, Elburg was situated along the Zuiderzee. With the construction of the Afsluitdijk, the formation of the IJsselmeer, and the land reclamation, the distance to open water significantly increased. Fishing gave way to other professions. The old wooden ships still present in the harbor, the botters, keep the memories of Elburg's fishing history alive.
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