Harderwijk received city rights from Count Otto II of Guelders in 1231.

Around 1315 the city was expanded southwards, which included the construction of what is now called the Grote Kerk (Great Church).

It lies on what used to be the Zuiderzee shore (Southern Sea, now the IJsselmeer) and consequently its economy was strongly based on fishing and seafaring in general.

An annual event illustrating the former importance of the fishing industry to Harderwijk is Aaltjesdag, which translates to Eel day.

Tourists are common customers, but local people no longer make their living from the fisheries.