Harlingen (Harns)

Harlingen, or Harns in the Frisian language, is the port city of Friesland and an important centre of industry, shipping and fishing. There are also daily ferries to the Frisian islands of Vlieland and Terschelling from here.

Probably the most beautiful area of the city is the Noorderhaven (Northern harbour), dug in 1578. There are rows of houses and warehouses with typical gables dating from the 16th to the 18th century. Pride of place here is the baroque Town Hall, dating from 1730 and beautifully restored in 1956-57. As the industrial harbour is now on the outskirts of the city, the Noorderhaven is now a haven for tourists' yachts that find a safe and picturesque anchorage here.

The Zoutsloot, parallel to the west of the Noorderhaven, used to be an upmarket residential area of the city; in the early 20th century it gradually declined and many houses were due for demolition. But in the latter half of the century it was decided to restore this important and picturesque area; it is now one of the prettiest. parts of Harlingen.

	The Lion's bridge	View to Town Hall	Noorderhaven	Warehouse
	Dutch houses	The harbour	Streetside cafe	Zoutsloot
	Zoutsloot from dike	"'t Pypke" café	Houseboat	Harlingen rooftops

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