Haarlem, Netherlands

Haarlem, Netherlands
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haarlem-Bakenessergracht_vanaf_Het_Spaarne.jpg
Author: Jane023


Haarlem is the capital of the province of North Holland, in the Netherlands. It covers 32.09 sq km (12.4 sq mi) and has a populaiton of 151,000 (2011 estimate). This is the city that gave its name to Harlem in New York City. It is today the eighth largest city in the country, located in the northern part of Randstad, the sixth largest metropolitan area in Europe. Haarlem is about 20 km to the west of Amsterdam, on the river Spaarne. It is often called Bloemenstad, or "flower city", as it is in the heart of the tulip-growing region of the Netherlands.


St Bavokerk, Haarlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:De_Grote_of_St._Bavokerk_te_Haarlem.jpg
Author: Fc3003


The earliest mention of Haarlem was in the 10th century. In 1219, as a reward for conquering the Egyptian port of Damietta (present-day Dimyat), the knights of Haarlem were honored by Count Willem I. The early town, built mostly of wood, was burnt down in 1328. The fire also severely damaged the Sint-Bavokerk church, which has since been rebuilt.

In 1381 Haarlem was also struck by the Black Death, which killed half its population. Then that time, it was becoming the second largest city in the then Holland region, and the sixth largest in the Netherlands. Haarlem was captured by the Spanish after a long siege in 1573. The Spanish ruled the city until 1577 when under the Agreement of Veere, the Protestants and Catholics of the city were given equal rights.


Vleehals, Haarlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Haarlem_Vleeshal1_.jpg
Author: Welleschik


By the 17th century, Haarlem was becoming a center for the linen and silk industries. At the same time, the first tow canal between Haarlem and Amsterdam was built. The city attracted painters, particularly after the fall of Antwerp.

Haarlem's position as a trading town decline in the 18th century, as the center of trade shifted to Amsterdam. By then its textile industry was in decline, brought down by stiff overseas competition.

Haarlem was severely devastated by the Second World War. Its Jewich community was decimated, their trials documented by Corrie ten Boom. After the war, the city was repopulated by immigrants, the majority coming from the former Dutch colony of Indonesia. The city continued to reinvent itself.


Burgwal, Haarlem
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Burgwal_Haarlem.jpg
Author: Metro Centric


Today Haarlem is a center for printing, pharmaceuticals and the tulip-growing industries. The old market square, Grote Markt, is in the heart of the city, and most of the tourist attractions are within walking distance from there.

Visiting Haarlem

If you arrive in Schiphol Airport, you need to first take a train to Amsterdam main train station and then change to the train for Haarlem. Alternatively you can take a bus (the big red bus 300) from Schiphol direct to Haarlem Central Station.

Places of Interest in Haarlem

Haarlem is on the map of the Netherlands

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