Harlingen

Travel Guide

Photo by Jan Lalkens

Discover one of the eleven cities on the famous Friesian ice skating route and enjoy the beach, the beautiful nature, the picturesque city centre and of course the harbour!

Visit the Friesian city of Harlingen, a lovely city on the Wadden Sea full of surprises. It has a picturesque harbour, quaint sidewalk cafés and a great shopping mall. Nature lovers will more than enjoy a day on the water or one of the nearby nature reserves.

Harlingen has a rich history and was an important harbour for hundreds of years. The harbour attracted people and the village quickly grew into a town with breweries, big houses and shipyards. Stroll through the city centre and take in the lovely sights of this old Friesian town.

There's more than enough to do and see in Harlingen! Stroll through the city centre, relax at one of the sidewalk cafés and go shopping. Visit the Grote Kerk, one of the oldest in Friesland with a rare organ.

Culture lovers must see ‘t Gouden Stoepke, an old building which dates back to the 16th century and still has some of its original details. Hannemahuis, a centre dedicated to the history of Harlingen, is also a must. Take time out between the cultural sights to head out to the beach at Westerzeedijk or nature reserve Hegewiersterfjild, a real paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

The centre of town is small making it easy to explore on foot. Explore the lovely harbour, visit the city centre and walk to the beach or hire a bicycle and explore the surrounding area. There is also a bus service. If you’re travelling by car, you can park for a fee in one of the indicated parking garages.

Harlingen is close to the Afsluitdijk making to easy to reach by car from North-Holland. It's also easy to reach from Leeuwarden via the A31. If you prefer to travel by public transport, there's a train to Harlingen Haven from Leeuwarden. A number of buses in the surrounding cities will also get you there.

The Friesian town of Harlingen is the perfect place for a great holiday. Enjoy cultural heritage, breathtaking nature and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Logement Garjen

Logement Garjen

2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven Harlingen FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
Location is fantastic - but you get the keys and breakfast at a different location. Building is really old but very authentic - though a bit cold in the room. Lovely breakfast though and staff were very nice.

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Logement Garjen
Grand Hotel Beatrix

Grand Hotel Beatrix

4 out of 5
Badhuisstraat 2-10 Huisduinen
The price is RM759 per night from 23 Jan to 24 Jan
RM759
RM933 total
23 Jan - 24 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Huisduinen. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (278 reviews)
A brilliant, well run hotel.

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

Grand Hotel Beatrix
Strandhotel Vigilante

Strandhotel Vigilante

4 out of 5
Holle Poarte 10 Makkum
The price is RM242 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
RM242
RM311 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Makkum. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (512 reviews)
Clean large room with terrace with a great seaview love come back here in the summer for walks and bike riding. Lovely area not been here for over 40 years since I left the Netherlands. Highly recommend this hotel for a longer stay, originally only booked for one night with booked another night straight ...

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

Strandhotel Vigilante
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Logement Garjen

Logement Garjen

2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven Harlingen FR
Stay at this aparthotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
8.4/10 Very Good! (21 reviews)
Location is fantastic - but you get the keys and breakfast at a different location. Building is really old but very authentic - though a bit cold in the room. Lovely breakfast though and staff were very nice.

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Logement Garjen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Harlingen

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Top destination
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5/5 - Excellent

ErikBurger

We liked Eetcafe Nooitgedacht, 3 Min walking from Anna Casparii, excellent food and a very, very good serving team