3 tips from locals in Haarlem

Something different in Haarlem. Away from the beaten path and shopping district.

Enjoy the city as the locals like to do. Here are 3 tips from our employees at Stayokay Haarlem to discover the city in a different way.

1) Corrie ten Boom House

The home of Corrie ten Boom is Haarlem's equivalent of the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The house of the Ten Boom family is located in the heart of the historic center of Haarlem and was a shelter for Jews and resistance fighters. Step back in time and discover what the house looked like during World War II. For example, you can see the “Schuilplaats”, a narrow space behind a false wall in Corrie ten Boom's bedroom. Here the Jewish people in hiding and resistance fighters were safe from the Nazis.

2) Jopenkerk Beer Brewery & Tasting

What many people don't know is that Haarlem has always been a real beer city. From the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, Haarlem's beer was extremely popular. In the 15th century, the Haarlem Koyt beer was even the most consumed beer in Antwerp! In addition, Haarlem had no fewer than 52 breweries between 1620 and 1640. The Jopen beer is named after a 112 liter Haarlem beer barrel. The beer is now brewed in the Jopenkerk. In this church converted into a brewery, you can experience the brewing process up close and taste the different types of Jopen beers. The perfect place to start or end a day in Haarlem!

3) Zuid-Kennemerland National Park

Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is located close to Haarlem. In this beautiful park you can go hiking, cycling, swimming and horse riding. The extensive dune area is characterized by young, calcareous dunes with associated rare flora and fauna. There are also wide beaches, beautiful inner dune forests and peat polders. Go on an adventure and also meet the Haarlem "Big 5": bison, deer, wild horse, Scottish highlander and deer!

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