Top things to do in Harlingen (The Netherlands)
Harlingen: A Travel Guide
Harlingen, located in the northern part of the Netherlands, is a charming city with a rich history and culture. It serves as an important port for ferries traveling to the Wadden Islands, making it a popular destination for tourists. Whether you're interested in exploring the local museums, enjoying the beaches, or taking a boat tour, Harlingen has something for everyone.
Museums
Harlingen is home to a variety of museums, where you can learn about the city's history and culture. The museums in Harlingen are great places to visit if you're interested in art, history, or science.
Museum Martena
The Museum Martena is a cultural museum that showcases local historical objects and photos, plus rotating art exhibits and events. The museum is located in a beautiful building on Voorstraat 35.
Eise Eisinga Planetarium
The Eise Eisinga Planetarium is an 18th-century planetarium and display. It is a canalside house with an accurately moving model of the solar system built by a wool carder in 1774-81. It is a fascinating place to learn about astronomy and the history of science.
URL: www.planetarium-friesland.nl/
Kaatsmuseum
The Kaatsmuseum is located on Voorstraat 76 and is dedicated to the national sport of Friesland, kaatsen. Here, you can learn about the history and rules of the game and see artifacts related to the sport.
URL: keatsmuseum.frl/
Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum
The Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum is located at 2425 Boxwood St and features exhibitions with historical relics and art. The museum showcases local history and culture through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and events.
URL: www.harlingentx.gov/page/mu...
Nature Museum Fryslân
The Nature Museum Fryslân is located on Schoenmakersperk 2 and features exhibits on Darwin, whales, and godwit birds. The museum is housed in a former orphanage and features a giant whale skeleton, courtyard, shop, and café.
Outdoor Activities
Harlingen is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with its beautiful beaches and parks. Here are some outdoor activities to enjoy in Harlingen.
Strand Harlingen
The Strand Harlingen is a public beach located near the city center. It's an ideal place to relax and soak up the sun, swim, and enjoy various water sports.
URL: www.harlingenwelkomaanzee.n...
Hugh Ramsey Nature Park
The Hugh Ramsey Nature Park is a woodland park located on 1000 TX-499 Loop. The park features a trail and gardens and covers 54 acres of woodlands with a walking trail, wildlife viewing, gardens, and water features.
URL: www.myharlingen.us/
Engelse tuin
The Engelse tuin is a beautiful garden located in a park near the city center. It's a lovely place to stroll and relax while enjoying the beautiful flowers and greenery.
Ligthartpark
The Ligthartpark is a park located on Joost van Den Vondelstraat 8862. It features a playground, basketball court, and a football pitch, making it a great place to spend time with family and friends.
Boat Tours
Harlingen is a port city, which means that there are plenty of boat tours available for tourists.
11Fountains - De Walvis
The 11Fountains - De Walvis is a sculpture located in the Nieuwe Willemshaven. It's a great place to take a boat tour and see the sculpture up close.
Cruiseport Harlingen
The Cruiseport Harlingen is located on Waddenpromenade 1 and offers a variety of boat tours that take visitors through the canals of Harlingen and the surrounding areas.
URL: cruiseportharlingen.nl/orga...
Havenkraan Harlingen
The Havenkraan Harlingen is a unique hotel located on a docked crane. It's a great place to stay if you're interested in a unique experience, but it also offers boat tours for visitors who are just passing through.
URL: www.havenkraan.nl/
Zeilschip Frans Horjus
The Zeilschip Frans Horjus is a beautiful sailboat located in the Zuiderhaven. It's a great place to take a relaxing boat tour and enjoy the beautiful scenery around Harlingen.
URL: www.franshorjus.nl/
Ouwe Seun - Boot verhuur
The Ouwe Seun - Boot verhuur is a boat rental service located on Jacob Backerstraat 39. Here, you can rent a boat and explore the canals and waterways around Harlingen at your own pace.
URL: www.ouweseun.nl/
Regina-Andrea
The Regina-Andrea is a boat tour agency located at the Vluchthaven. It offers a variety of boat tours that take visitors to nearby islands and through the canals of Harlingen.
URL: www.partyvaart-harlingen.nl/
Twee Gebroeders
The Twee Gebroeders is a boat tour agency located at the Nieuwe Willemskade. It offers a variety of boat tours, including fishing trips and tours of nearby islands.
URL: www.waddensport.nl/
Other Attractions
Harlingen has many other attractions that are worth exploring.
De Man
De Man is a historic building located on Westerzeedijk 45. It's a great place to learn about the history of Harlingen and get a sense of the city's past.
Willemshaven Harlingen
Willemshaven Harlingen is located on Dokkade 5 and is a beautiful harbor that's great for a stroll or a leisurely boat ride.
Harlinger Aardewerk & Tegelfabriek
The Harlinger Aardewerk & Tegelfabriek is located on Voorstraat 84 and is a pottery shop that sells locally-made ceramics and tiles. It's a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts.
URL: harlinger.nl/
Zuiderpier
The Zuiderpier is a hiking area located on an unnamed road. It's a great place to take a scenic walk and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and surrounding areas.
Harlingen Lighthouse
The Harlingen Lighthouse is located on a pier near the harbor and is a great place to take in the views of the sea and surrounding areas.
URL: www.vuurtoren-harlingen.nl/
Casemates Museum
The Casemates Museum is located on Afsluitdijk 5 and showcases the military history of the area. It's a great place to learn about the fortifications and defenses that were built in the area during the Second World War.
Westerkeyn
Westerkeyn is a nature reserve located just outside of Harlingen. It's a great place to explore nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area.
URL: oerol.nl/
B&B De Zeehoeve
The B&B De Zeehoeve is a campground located just outside of Harlingen. It's a great place to stay if you're interested in camping and exploring the surrounding area.
URL: www.zeehoeve.nl/
Conclusion
Harlingen is a charming city with a rich history and culture. Whether you're interested in exploring the local museums, enjoying the beaches, or taking a boat tour, Harlingen has something for everyone. We hope this travel guide has provided you with some ideas for things to do and see in this lovely Dutch city.