Harlingen originated around 800 from a Viking settlement, and the Frisian port town has held city rights since 1234. The city (with approximately 16,000 inhabitants) owes its unique character to its location on the Wadden Sea, a unique nature reserve with its ebb and flow, and its open connection to the sea. The water penetrates deep into the city center, making it possible to stroll along the piers, quays, canals, and ramparts.
Harlingen's authentic atmosphere is also largely determined by its many monuments. The large number of historic buildings reflects the pride Harlingen residents feel for their town. Various organizations, including the Vereniging Oud Harlingen (Old Harlingen Association), the Hein Buismanstichting (Hein Buisman Foundation), and the Hannemahuis (Hannema House), safeguard this historical heritage while also ensuring Harlingen remains a livable place. That's why Harlingen's past and present go hand in hand.
You can experience this on your own, or by taking a city walk with experienced guides. More information is available at the TIP kiosk at Grote Bredeplaats.
www.oud-harlingen.nlwww.heinbuismanstichting.nlwww.hannemahuis.nl
History
Art and culture
Harlingen is well worth a visit. But you probably already knew that. Incidentally, it's not just the photogenic facades, harbors, churches, and canals that demand your attention.
If you're strolling through the city anyway, pop into one of the many studios/galleries dedicated to "art on the coast," or perhaps the Harlingen Pottery and Tile Factory. Harlingen was the first place in Friesland to focus on pottery production. Of this history, only the factory/shop at Voorstraat 84 remains and can be visited. Visit the Simon Vestdijk room in the Hannemahuis. Harlingen offers many activities throughout the year. The Harlingen Street Festival, the Lanenkaatsen, the Fisheries Days, and the Zoutsloter Christmas Market are well-known examples.
The Noorderhaven and Zoutsloot areas have been designated as historic monuments due to their beautiful facades from the 16th to 18th centuries. www.zoutsloterkerstmarkt.nl
The Harlinger Pottery and Tile Factory
Town Hall at the Noorderhaven (1736; HJ Norel; with beautiful interior; can be visited)
www.harlingen.nl/redir.asp?targetID=60
Special facade stones in Harlingen:
www.gevelstenen.net/kerninventarisatie/plaatsenNed/Harlingen.htm
NH Church at the Grote Kerkstraat (built from yellow brick between 1771 and 1776 to replace the former Cathedral of Almenum; with tower from 1200; with Hinsch organ from 1778)
Municipal Museum Hannemahuis, birthplace of Vestdijk
St. Michael's Church (1881; Alfred Tepe; bombed on 5 November 1941; restored in the eighties/nineties)
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sint-Michaëlkerk_(Harlingen)
Since 1923, Doeksen Ferries to Vlieland and Terschelling. A stroll along the Wadden Promenade and the old Willemshaven harbor with a view of the Wadden Sea is not to be missed.
Studios/Galleries
As you stroll through the city, stop by one of the many studios/galleries dedicated to "art on the coast," the Pottery Museum, or visit the Simon Vestdijk room in the Hannemahuis.
www.harlinger-aardewerk-museum.nl
Typically Frisian
Friesland is a unique province. Just think of the Frisian language, the instantly recognizable Frisian flag, and the well-known Frisian sports and culinary specialties. Read here what is typically Frisian.
http://www.beleeffriesland.nl/typisch-fries?steID=6&catID=1338
Current program
A current program in the field of art and culture in Harlingen can be found at:
http://www.harlingenboeit.nl/nieuws/kunst-en-cultuur/kunst-cultuur