Harlingen Travel Guide

Tourist 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.

Boutique Hotel De Eilanden

Boutique Hotel De Eilanden

3.5 out of 5
Noorderhaven 24 Harlingen
Stay at this guesthouse in Harlingen. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a marina and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (171 reviews)
What a beautiful surprise.

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

Boutique Hotel De Eilanden
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿5,144 per night from 10 Jan to 11 Jan
฿5,144
฿6,346 total
10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026
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
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Harlingen

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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