A warm welcome to Harderwijk
Gerda and Piet are a familiar sight at the tourist information office. They complement each other perfectly: Gerda with her infectious energy, Piet with his endless stories about the town. There’s always a touch of humour in the air. “We have a good laugh here,” says Gerda. “And people can sense that too.”
A True Harderwijk Local at the Vismarkt
Gerda was born and raised in Harderwijk, growing up on the Vismarkt as the butcher’s daughter, between the harbour, the boulevard and the city walls. “I’m just proud of Harderwijk. Volunteering is my life,” she says firmly. “When you’re on your own, you need to have a purpose. Otherwise, you’ll get nowhere.” The energy people bring never fails to move her. “I always enjoy coming here. I really do.”
City guide Piet and his world of stories
Piet wasn’t born in Harderwijk, but he has taken the town firmly to his heart. After a career as a professional soldier, he settled in Harderwijk upon his retirement. “Harderwijk is lovely and small,” he says with a smile. “You can do everything on foot, but you can keep discovering a lifetime’s worth of history here.”
With 22 years’ experience as a city guide, Piet is known for his stories about Harderwijk’s urban farmers, the university and famous figures such as Linnaeus. “Many people don’t even know we used to have a university here. And that’s what I love most: surprising people.”
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
The best thing about volunteering: the people
They don’t have to think twice. “It’s all about connecting with people,” says Gerda. “You can tell straight away if someone’s up for a chat.” The most frequently asked question? Visitors ask with a smile: “Do you have a map of Harderwijk?” Then the magic begins. Gerda shows visitors on the big screen how to walk from the Vispoort to the Vismarkt.
Piet takes people to the council chamber. “A lady said recently: ‘I got married here 16 years ago.’ Well, of course I take her there. It makes people so happy.”
Encounters that stay with you
The tourist information centre is sometimes more than just an information point. Visitors also come here to share their stories. “It can be quite moving,” says Piet. “People who just want to get their story off their chest.” Gerda nods: “Then you’re also a bit of a listening ear.”
There’s always something new to discover in Harderwijk
‘The seasons make the city,’ says Gerda. ‘Walking through the city and along the water in the evening – that’s when I’m the happiest person of all.’ Piet agrees: ‘History is everywhere here. But many people walk right past it. If you’re not interested, you don’t see it. That’s exactly what I love to show people.’
Gerda sums it up simply: ‘Harderwijk is in your heart.’ Piet adds: ‘It’s a town with a rich history, yet at the same time warm and compact. You don’t need to go anywhere else here.’
