Haarlem

Cities like Delft and Haarlem are as old and as beautiful as Amsterdam is, but smaller and more relaxed to visit. Haarlem is one of the most interesting cities in the Netherlands, at just 11 miles from Amsterdam. Beautiful canals, history, great architecture and interesting museums.

Haarlem walking tour

The trains from Amsterdam station arrive at Haarlem station, at just a 10-minute walk from the market square. We can start the tour at the train station in Haarlem, or the train station in Amsterdam or even at your hotel in Amsterdam. This tour includes a walk through the old city centre and a visit to the Corrie the Boom house or the Frans Hals museum. During the walk we will visit some inner courtyards with almshouses, the Bavo church and other spots in the old city centre related to Frans Hals, the famous Dutch master who spent almost his entire life in Haarlem.

Corrie ten Boom house

The Corrie ten Boom House is an original Hiding place during WW2. Many visitors ask me what the reaction of the non-Jewish Dutch population was on the Nazis. Most people did not do anything. It was too dangerous. You would risk your own life and that of you family. A few people though, were very brave, and joined the resistance, or helped Jews with a hiding place. Corrie ten Boom hid Jews in her own house, behind a double wall. She was betrayed by a Nazi sympathizer and was sent to the concentration camp Ravensbruck. Come to my city Haarlem to hear her amazing story, her motivation and see the original hiding place.

Frans Hals museum is closed on Monday. The Corrie ten Boom is closed on Sundays and Mondays.