Harbor view in Harlingen: A group of people watches ships and attractions by the water on a sunny day. A tall ship adorned with colorful flags docked in Harlingen with a Ferris wheel and crowds in the background.
Netherlands

Harlingen: A City of Sails

The Dar Młodzieży, Poland’s pride of the seas.
 Harlingen, Netherlands, July 2022

Harlingen was buzzing with people that day. No surprise—the Tall Ships’ Races had arrived, bringing with them a stunning armada of sailing school ships. The harbor was packed with visitors, cameras in hand, eyes fixed skyward. Masts reached into the sky, rigging creaked in the wind, and on deck, the crews were hard at work. A sail was being hoisted here, a rope pulled in there, while somewhere in the distance, a ship’s bell rang.

I let myself drift through the crowd, past stalls selling maritime souvenirs and food stands offering fish sandwiches and Frisian specialties. The water in the harbor shimmered, as small boats carefully weaved their way between the towering ships. It was a spectacle—one I couldn’t tear myself away from.

Does Harlingen have more to offer? Apparently, yes. Old warehouses, narrow alleys, a charming old town with little shops and cafés. But I didn’t see them. My time was spent among masts, sails, and the energy of the harbor.

But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. After all, it’s a good reason to come back someday.

Map of Harlingen
Sailing ship in Harlingen: A festively decorated ship rests by a calm canal as pedestrians stroll along the walkway.
Sailing ship in Harlingen: A large ship adorned with flags is docked, surrounded by people and outdoor dining areas.
Ships in the harbor of Harlingen: Two magnificent sailing vessels docked in the harbor, surrounded by colorful flags and a picturesque backdrop.
Harlingen harbor: A tranquil waterway lined with sailing boats and a wooden jetty, surrounded by trees and historic buildings.
Canal in Harlingen: A serene canal lined with sailboats and historic buildings under a cloudy sky.
A scenic harbor in Harlingen lined with trees, cafes, parked bicycles, and sailboats, reflecting the lively atmosphere of the area.
Train station in Harlingen: A train stops on tracks near a harbor, surrounded by modern buildings and a ferris wheel.
Harbor view in Harlingen: A group of people watches ships and attractions by the water on a sunny day.
Harbor in Harlingen: A ship with masts and colorful flags is docked, surrounded by historic buildings and crowds of people.
Sailing ship in Harlingen: A classic sailboat with billowing sails glides over the water, with wind turbines visible in the background.
Harbor in Harlingen: A traditional sailing ship with a purple sail glides gently through the water, surrounded by boats and a harbor.
A tall ship adorned with colorful flags docked in Harlingen with a Ferris wheel and crowds in the background.
The Dar Młodzieży, Poland’s pride of the seas, docks in Harlingen for a tall ships festival.
Harbor in Harlingen: Several boats are in the water, historic ships docked at the quay, with colorful buildings of the town in the background.
Sailing ship in Harlingen: A tall ship adorned with colorful flags glides across the water, surrounded by a clear sky and clouds.
The Eendracht, a Dutch three-masted schooner, glides through the North Sea. A training vessel built for adventure, it offers young sailors a taste of life on the open water.