Discover Haarlem

Cycling and water routes can also be among the things that shape your stay.

Museums: art, city history and archaeology

The Frans Hals Museum is Haarlem’s art museum. In the historic old town, it displays art from the 16th and 17th centuries as well as modern and contemporary art. The Teylers Museum offers a different historical focus: it is the oldest museum in the Netherlands.

The exhibition “Allemaal Haarlemmers” at Verwey Museum Haarlem presents 1,000 years of city history. The specific exhibition may change. At the Archeologisch Museum Haarlem, urban archaeology comes to life through archaeological finds from the ground beneath Haarlem; the museum uses them to tell the city’s story. Those interested in Haarlem’s history can plan for a variety of perspectives: art, an exhibition on city history and archaeological finds.

Windmills and brewing culture

Molen De Adriaan combines a historic windmill with a permanent exhibition about the mill and various aspects of Haarlem’s history. It was rebuilt in Haarlem on 23 April 2002, seventy years after the fire, and used primarily as a museum windmill. A guided tour lasts 45 minutes; the mill can only be visited with a guide. Check the tour details again before your trip.

Jopenkerk also combines a historic connection with a visit centered on beer: the church was renamed Jopenkerk. From Monday to Friday, visitors can watch the brewing process while enjoying a Jopen beer. The day of the week is therefore part of planning this experience.

On foot and by bike

The Parkenpad hiking trail runs along Haarlem’s green southern edge from Oosterhout to Oosterduin, crossing four parks on its way to Aerdenhout. Nearby is Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, close to Haarlem. Visitors can hike and cycle through dunes, past lakes, and through forests and open areas to viewpoints.

Another cycling option is the Local Food Fietsroute in Haarlem and the surrounding area. It connects cyclists with local producers of regional products who work sustainably. The routes have different focuses: the Parkenpad is a hiking trail through four parks; the national park features dunes, lakes, forests and open areas; and the Local Food Fietsroute combines cycling with regional products.

Water routes in Haarlem

Haarlem is part of the Staande mast route. The city currently directs visitors to a waterway map that lists bridges and jetties, routes, moorings, toilets and showers. Those who include waterways in their travel plans will find these topics listed together there and can use the routes and facilities shown as a guide.

Whether you want to focus on art and city history or would rather set aside time for hiking and cycling routes, the museums, windmills and trails offer different ways to shape your stay in Haarlem. First decide which topics matter to you, then look for a hotel for your trip.

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