It received city rights in 1362 from Jan van Arkel, Bishop of Utrecht.

The famous Pieterpad passes through Hardenberg, a municipality which is located on the German border.

A sizable portion of the population speaks Dutch Low Saxon as a native language.

The Great Hardenburg Bicycle Race takes place each August, with the top 3 victors being named the "Wheeler-Kings" of the town and given lifetime passes to the local museum.

Railway stations: De Boshoek is a sport park off the N34 in the outskirts of Hardenberg, near Ommen.