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.

Strandhotel Vigilante

Strandhotel Vigilante

Holle Poarte 10 Makkum
The price is P4,330 per night from Nov 20 to Nov 21
P4,330
P5,520 total
Nov 20 - Nov 21
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Makkum. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (585 reviews)
"Couldn’t fault this hotel,fantastic view,excellent food and drink and the staff were very friendly"

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2026

Strandhotel Vigilante
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café

4 out of 5
Tweebaksmarkt 25-27 Leeuwarden
The price is P7,466 per night from Nov 22 to Nov 23
P7,466
P9,266 total
Nov 22 - Nov 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Leeuwarden. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Post-Plaza Hotel & Grand Café
Van Der Valk Hotel Sneek

Van Der Valk Hotel Sneek

Burgemeester Rasterhofflaan 1 Sneek
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,885 per night from Dec 8 to Dec 9
P6,885
P8,612 total
Dec 8 - Dec 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Sneek. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Houkesleat and Waterpoort are located ...
Van Der Valk Hotel Sneek
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

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 ...
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