Built at the end of the 14th century, the Vischpoort is the only remaining city gate on the waterfront in Harderwijk.
Fish to and from the boats were brought in through this gate. The large boats that transported the fish could not get to shore because of the shallows. The fish was therefore transferred to smaller boats. So these boats sail back and forth all day.
In addition, the gate also had a protective function against enemies and against the water. If the water got too high, it could be closed. The houses on the Vischmarkt are also built a little higher and or have a flood chamber in case the gate was closed too late.
The city walls run alongside the gate and there are some older houses.
In 1851 a lighthouse was built on the Vischpoort. After the Zuiderzee was closed, this light lost its meaning, so it was probably extinguished in 1947. Today the light is only on on special occasions.