Located on the banks of the Vechte, Hardenberg is a historic city in the Dutch province of Overijssel. It lies a stone’s throw from the border with Germany and is traversed by the 500-kilometre-long Pieterpad walking route. In addition to its annual bicycle race, Hardenberg is known for its family-friendly zoo and sustainably-designed city hall.
Things to do in Hardenberg
Walking and cycling trails wind through the Vechtpark Hardenberg, a riverside green space that encompasses picturesque grasslands and bird-filled wetlands. You can test your skills on the whitewater canoeing course or take advantage of the bouldering routes. On the edge of the park is the Nature Activity Center De Koppel, which houses hands-on exhibits focused on environmental themes.
One of Hardenberg’s most prominent buildings is the City Hall, an energy-efficient building clad with recycled glass. Its interior is bathed in light to reduce the need for electricity consumption. Surrounding the City Hall are several restaurants inspired by global cuisines, with everything from New York-style pizza to Spanish tapas and Turkish kebabs on offer.
On the opposite bank of the Vechte is the Dierenpark Heemsermars, a family-friendly wildlife park. One of the smallest zoos in the Netherlands, it’s home to green iguanas, prickly pigs and rheas, as well as friendly goats and rabbits. You can go behind the scenes on the Zookeeper for a Day program or explore the park during a Scavenger Hunt.
Getting around Hardenberg
Hardenberg is around 30 minutes’ drive from Zwolle and just under two hours from Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Hardenberg railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Hardenberg can easily be explored on foot.