Noorderhaven

In 1578, the most northern of the three natural watercourses that ran through Harlingen from east to west became the Noorderhaven. This tidal port accommodated many vessels that came from the Frisian hinterland and was connected to the sea. The Statenjacht, the ship of the Frisian Stadtholder, was often in the Noorderhaven. The port became a popular place to live for wealthy citizens. Many warehouses were also built along the water. Some names of the warehouses recall the destinations of the merchants, such as Poland, Russia, Java, and Sumatra. In 1730, town architect H.J. Norel started with the construction of the town hall, on the same site as the previous one.