HARLINGEN

After the closure of the Zuiderzee, Harlingen is the only remaining Frisian seaport. Harlingen is one of the oldest Frisian eleven cities. Already in 1234 Harlingen received city rights and since then it has remained a flourishing port city.
The northernmost of the three natural watercourses that ran through Harlingen from east to west became the Noorderhaven in 1578. This tidal port, which is in open connection with the sea, accommodated the many ships that came from the Frisian hinterland. Berths operated a regular service between a number of places.
Due to the activity, the prosperity of the city increased. Wealthy citizens had stately homes and warehouses built on the Noorderhaven. Many of the buildings with stately facades have been preserved.
Trade brought wealth and prestige to the town. Many stately houses in the old center of Harlingen still bear witness to this. Harlingen has more than 600 monuments.
On the shutters of various warehouses along the Noorderhaven are names such as Poland, Russia, Java and Sumatra. They recall the lively commercial shipping in these destinations.

Biker