Haarlem Cruise: Past and Present

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Travel through time

Travel through time and discover Haarlem’s two faces: then and now. During this 70-minute cruise along the River Spaarne, you’ll pass everything from historic industrial sites to elegant country estates.

We’ll take you on a journey through the city’s rich history, showing how trade, industry and art shaped Haarlem into the vibrant city it is today. See monumental factories and warehouses that have found new life as apartments, restaurants and cafés.

As you continue, the scenery becomes greener and more peaceful. This is where wealthy Amsterdam merchants escaped the bustle of the city during the 17th and 18th centuries. In this area, known as De Kom, they built the picturesque country estates that still line the river today. Even Napoleon sought refuge here.

From €17.98 per ticket

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Haarlem Cruise: Past and Present • Smidtje Canal Cruises Haarlem - Unieke vaartochten met lokale expertise

Cruise highlight

King Louis Napoleon purchased Paviljoen Welgelegen in 1808, now the Provincial Government Building of North Holland, just around the corner from his country estate Vlietzorg, which you will see during this cruise. Following the French tradition of owning multiple residences, he created a royal domain along the River Spaarne. His older brother, Napoleon Bonaparte, also visited Haarlem in 1811, including Paviljoen Welgelegen and the Teylers Museum.