The historic little fishing town of Harderwijk, on the Veluwemeer (IJsselmeer), is best known for its marine mammal park that features dolphins and other marine life. The town received its municipal charter from Count Otto of Gelderland in 1231. Although frequently subject to flooding, it was a prosperous port on the Zuiderzee and a member of the Hanseatic League. Harderwijk had a university founded in 1645 (dissolved by Napoleon in 1811), among whose students were the celebrated Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave (1668-1738) and the Swedish biologist Linnaeus (1707-78), who is commemorated by the Linnaeus Tower in the former university botanic garden. During the 19th century Harderwijk was the port of embarkation for the Dutch Indian army, and officers and other ranks, adventurers and criminals from all over Europe flocked to Harderwijk to enlist. As a result the town became known as the "gutter of Europe".
The oldest part of the Grote Kerk (Reformed) is the 14th century choir. The original tower, 70m/230ft high, collapsed in 1797 and was replaced by a tower over the crossing, with a carillon. During the most recent restoration work fine wall paintings were brought to light.
The St Catharinakerk originally belonged to the convent of St Catherine, which after the Reformation housed the university. The church is now used for various cultural events.
Harderwijk has preserved two of its 14th century town gates, the Vispoort (Fish Gate) and Smeeport (Smith's Gate). The town's business quarter later grew up around the Vispoort.
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