Zeewolde, Biddinghuizen and Harderbos

Harderwijk is best known for the dolphinarium and wellness resort De Zwaluwhoeve, but the pleasant town has more to offer. Harderwijk is relatively small with an area of just over 48 square kilometers. More than one eighth of this consists of water. That water played a major role in the lives of the inhabitants, both in the past and now, who provided for their livelihood with it. With the reclamation of the IJsselmeer, the focus has now shifted from fishing and fish trading to tourism, industry and services, but the colorful history of the city is still clearly visible. Few city centers have been preserved as well as the historic center of Harderwijk, which is a protected cityscape. When you cycle in the direction of the Veluwemeer, you will pass through a semi-wild forest. The young Harderbos feels like a primeval forest, with a great diversity of residents, trees, flowers and plants. A swampy area is interrupted by grasslands where flowers provide a vast sea of colour. Birds chirp to their heart's content around the puddles, including the oriole and the kingfisher. The hawk and marsh harrier skim over the fields, looking for a tasty snack, while deer and foxes hide in the woods. The lucky cyclist suddenly comes face to face with a wild Scottish Highlander and those who pay attention also see gnawing marks on tree trunks, proof that beavers are nearby and working hard on their burrows. There is a Profile branch at the start and end of this cycle route. At Profile Westerlaken in Zeewolde, expert bicycle mechanics are happy to check your bicycle. They check it for technical defects and make sure it runs smoothly again. The chain is lubricated, the brakes are adjusted and your tires are inflated if necessary. You will receive a 10 euro discount on maintenance and repairs with your bicycle discount pass.