Harlingen

Travel Guide

A marina with boats docked, a red van parked on the left, and a calm water reflecting the surroundings.
A white car entering a ferry terminal with a green gate and a red and white sign.

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.

Hotel 't Heerenlogement

Hotel 't Heerenlogement

3 out of 5
Franekereind 23 Harlingen
The price is P8,075 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
P8,075
P10,134 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Harlingen. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Hannemahuis Museum and Galerie de Vis are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (94 reviews)
"If you are looking for a bog standard corporate hotel this is not the place for you however if you are looking for an hotel with character and very helpful staff try this out. We were greeted by the manager who, on seeing that we were on motorbikes, very kindly opened her garage for us to store them ..."

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2026

Hotel 't Heerenlogement
Logement Garjen

Logement Garjen

2 out of 5
75 Noorderhaven Harlingen FR
The price is P6,230 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
P6,230
P7,810 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Harlingen. Enjoy free WiFi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Galerie de Vis and Hannemahuis Museum are located nearby.
Logement Garjen
Strandhotel Vigilante

Strandhotel Vigilante

4 out of 5
Holle Poarte 10 Makkum
The price is P5,055 per night from Jul 5 to Jul 6
P5,055
P6,395 total
Jul 5 - Jul 6
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Makkum. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (539 reviews)
"Fabulous location."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2026

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.
Vakantiepark In Style

Vakantiepark In Style

2 out of 5
5 Gralda Menaldum FR
Stay at this chalet in Menaldum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Popta Slot and Partycentrum Bloemketerp are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"We had a wonderful stay at Vakantiepark In Style! The accommodations were spotless, modern, and very comfortable, with everything we needed for a relaxing vacation. The park is beautifully maintained, peaceful, and in a great location for exploring the surrounding area. The staff were welcoming, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2026

Vakantiepark In Style
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.

Stay near popular Harlingen attractions

Things to do