Harlingen, Netherlands Cruise Port

Located in the province of Friesland off the coast of the Wadden Sea, Harlingen is a municipality and city in northern Netherlands. For local transportation, visitors can utilize one of two railway stations or take advantage of the ferry service that travels to the Wadden Island or Vlieland and Terschelling. Harlingen became a city back in the easy to remember year of 1234 and currently has a population of around 16,000. Its major economic contributors are agriculture, shipping, sea fishing, and tourism. The city’s sizable harbor is home to docking areas for large and small cruise ships, luxury yachts, and smaller sailing vessels. There are also designated areas for ship repair and sport fishing. In 2018, a multi-functioning floating pier allowed the acceptance of larger ships and therefore in influx of travelers. Sometimes referred to as the Jewel of northern Europe, Harlingen is packed with charming canals, beautiful old houses, and numerous shops.

• Move past the Netherlands to the cosmos and beyond at the Eise Eisinga Planetarium. This old, yet still functioning museum acts as a perfect guide to the stars in both English and German.
   
• Not far from the stunning canals lies the Het Hannemahuis, a delightful little museum that showcases the city’s history alongside the wonders of the surrounding oceans.
   
• St. Michaelskerk, a Roman Catholic church and national monument located directly on the canal, melds the old with the new since it was redesigned after being nearly destroyed during World War II.
   
• Venture to the Galerie de Vis to see extravagant and colorful art done by modern artists around Friesland who enjoy painting the many local landscapes.