The first train to streets of gold

Haarlem was often the first. Examples? The first museum, the first newspaper, the first liberation festival. But more about this another time. Now we want to talk about the first railroad. It was festively opened on September 20, 1839. The locomotives "De Arend" and "De Snelheid" pulled nine passenger cars along the track at 38 kilometers per hour. An enormous speed for those days. And then they drove in the right direction, namely from Amsterdam to Haarlem (and not the other way around). You understand that the arrival was a festive event. And arriving at Haarlem station still is. Because anyone who has ever been to this 1908 station knows that it is an impressive building, a building with allure, one of the most beautiful stations in the Netherlands. In terms of location, too, it is a winner. For it is within walking distance of the Golden Streets, right in the heart of the city. This atmospheric shopping area offers everything but an average selection. From boutiques to concept stores and from vintage stores to artisan specialty stores and exclusive design. The Golden Streets are so special that we created a special booklet about them. With an overview of the stores and with beautiful stories hidden in the monumental buildings where they are located.

While you're there

In addition to the Teylers Museum there is also the Frans Hals Museum, with the largest collection in the world of this master painter, who lived in Haarlem for just about his entire life. Tip: Discover the Haarlem of Frans Hals with the special city walk, available at the VVV.

More stories

Crusade with green soap

For this story, we'll take you back to the early 13th century. The time of the Fifth Crusade, which lasted from 1217 to 1221, especially the conquest of Damiate, an Egyptian port city. The people of Haarlem played an important role in the conquest of this city.

On 33 rpm to an hour of Mozart

In recent years, just about every self-respecting band has been releasing new music on vinyl. So you could say that vinyl is back on the scene. That's not true of Haarlem.

Kenau in a city full of mosquitoes

When someone is called a kenau, it is usually not meant as a compliment. It means something along the lines of bossy woman. But that does the Haarlem namesake a disservice.

Scoring with Eef, Cajanus and Loutje

Anyone who watched the Olympic final 3x3 basketball can remember the last second of the game.

Squabbling painters on a royal soccer field

You undoubtedly know Frans Hals, but at the time there was another great living in Haarlem. Who? Judith Leyster. An artistic and enterprising woman.

Cocktails with a loose touch

Back for a moment to the end of the 16th century. From the Southern Netherlands many people came to our city. Among them the Hals family, consisting of father François, mother Adriana and their sons Joost, Dirck and Frans.

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