We outline the many attractions that keep guests coming back to Harlingen time and time again
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Guest |
This article was first published in the Itinerary Planning Special Report 2016. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Harlingen is easily accessible by smaller luxury cruise ships, which can moor directly in the city centre just a few minutes’ walk away from numerous shops, galleries, antique shops and gift shops. Bigger cruise ships can take advantage of the anchorage spot available just 30 minutes away.
Despite its relatively small size, Harlingen has a huge amount to offer. Visitors to the port have an open view of the Wadden Sea which, because of its unique wildlife and its dynamic character, has been placed on the UNESCO World heritage list. The Wadden Sea is one of the last remaining large-scale, intertidal ecosystems where natural processes continue to function largely undisturbed.
There’s the famous pottery and tile factory, where visitors can paint their own tiles. Meanwhile, the Hannamahuis museum allows visitors to discover the fascinating story of how the last whale hunter of Harlingen ran aground on the polar ice, as well as see how Dutch gin was made in 1760, take a look at the shipping trade section or get some advice about buying a seventeenth century painting in the art gallery of 1800.
The Second World War also left its mark on Harlingen. A team of competent guides is on hand to tell the story of children carried here by ship, fleeing the horrors of the war and explain about the members of the local Jewish community who were unable to flee and were transported to the concentration camps.
In the immediate vicinity we can offer a visit to the world’s oldest functioning planetarium. Or visitors can see the Casemates (bunkers) in Kornwerderzand. There is also a possibility to visit a real Frisian horse stud or, via a fast ferry, we can take our cruise guests to one of the most beautiful islands in the Wadden Sea – Vlieland.
Looking ahead, we are excited about welcoming more than 80 Tall Ships from all over the world at the Tall Ships Races Harlingen which will take place in August 2018. For three whole days the ships will be in port and open for public to visit.