The Municipality of Hardenberg

It is a pleasant residential environment, with good facilities, which is situated in a lovely rural area. The municipality of Hardenberg is aptly called the beating heart of Northeastern Overijssel. Approximately 60,000 inhabitants are spread across nearly thirty municipality centres.

The municipality of Hardenberg is governed by the Municipal Council. This council is made up of two governing bodies: the city council and the board of the mayor and municipal councilors. Each governing body has its own tasks and jurisdiction.

History
Hardenberg's history begins long before recorded history. Many findings indicate that this area was already lived in or used as hunting grounds during the Dolmen period. In 1362 bishop Jan van Arkel granted city rights to Hardenberg. The city rights of the old, small town of Nijenstede were moved to the more western location of Hardenberg.

The municipality of Hardenberg has existed in its current form since January 1, 2001. On this day a municipal redevelopment of the former municipalities of Hardenberg, Avereest and Gramsbergen was put into place. The area has a rich history that goes back to prehistoric times. Thanks to the prominent presence of the Vecht River, Hardenberg could develop into an important city between Zwolle and Germany.

The municipality of Hardenberg
Hardenberg isn't the beating heart of Northeastern Overijssel for nothing. With its lovely residential environment, the beautiful landscape, varied shopping possibilities, good accessibility and the provision concentration in the areas of sport, health, culture and nightlife, Hardenberg is a wonderful place to live, to work, to study, but most of all, to live.

In addition, for people who work elsewhere in the region, the municipality of Hardenberg is a good place to live. Within half an hour you can be in Zwolle, Emmen or Almelo, for example. By car or by train.

Figures
Hardenberg is one of the largest municipalities in the province of Overijssel, based on its surface area. The main centres are the city of Hardenberg and Dedemsvaart. The large cores are Balkbrug, Gramsbergen, Slagharen and Bergentheim. Apart from these, there is a large number of small centres. The municipality of Hardenberg has 58,207 inhabitants.

Lifestyle
In the municipality of Hardenberg everyone can live comfortably. There are a number of very diverse homes available; from an apartment in downtown Hardenberg to a detached house in a lush rural area.

Work
Hardenberg offers many working possibilities. The municipality counts almost 3,300 companies and institutions as well as 23,000 jobs. Regarding employment the industrial, health and catering sectors are the most important areas. In general, for the past years employment in business and service areas has especially increased . Well-known companies in the municipality of Hardenberg are Wavin, Lensen Toppoint and Wehkamp.

Education
There are a large number of schools, education centres and other educative establishments located in the municipality of Hardenberg. Besides approximately 40 elementary schools, there are plenty of possibilities for secondary studies in VMBO, HAVO or VWO. Besides, professional education is also widely available as well as adult education.

Art and culture
In the summer months there are many kinds of activities and events organized in Hardenberg, such as the Dedemsvaria Feestweek, Gramsbergen Lichtstad or Hardenberg Klepperstad. For an overview of what you can do in Hardenberg and for an overview of all of these events and activities you can go to the tourist promotion offices in Hardenberg and Dedemsvaart.

There is a lot to experience in Hardenberg culture-wise. Do you want a night out? Then you can go to Theater de Voorveghter in Hardenberg. In the same building there is also a movie theater where the newest movies are shown. You can lend books at different library locations and anyone who wants to get active can go to the Muzerie for a guitar, art or photography class. The KNST SPR (kunstsuper) is also located in Hardenberg. Here you can find art on loan and a graphic workshop. Also, ArtCrew, a group of artists from the Baalderborg, the Muzerie operate from within the KNST SPR.

Landscape and recreation
Those who love nature and a beautiful environment have come to the right place. Hardenberg's location in the beautiful and full of nature Vechtdal, Overijssel and the Reestdal, has given the municipality of Hardenberg plenty to offer in this area. Therefore, there are plenty of possibilities to walk and to cycle. The Vecht River that winds through the landscape is characteristic of Vechtdal.

The Vechtdal offers space and peace, charming round villages, wooded banks, fields, forests and heaths. In the villages and in the city of Hardenberg there are nice terraces, cafés and restaurants. The Reestdal is a delightful and mysterious bit of nature on the border between Overijssel and Drenthe. The Reest River winds its way through this unique nature reserve. The pristine nature and the peace that can be found here, make the Reestdal an ideal cycling and walking area.