Last year, the Dutch Heritage Days were lovely. The weather was SO good, I saw so many beautiful buildings I had never ever seen before, there were a lot of extra activities (I learned a LOT), plus, we got free coffee, tea, cake and beer that day. As a Dutchman I can always appreciate everything that is free. Let's hope this year will be just as gezellig as last year.
Today, it's all about Haarlem!
Today, it's all about Haarlem!
1. HOFJE VAN BAKENES

Haarlem is a great city for a 'hofjes' tour. Hofjes are courtyards that used to provide housing for poor families, the elderly, and mostly single or widowed (poor) women. Hofjes in Haarlem were usually commissioned by wealthy families, maybe not so much out of generosity, maybe more because such a hofje would be named after them. There a plenty of hofjes left in Haarlem, but this hofje was built in 1395, and is therefore the oldest hofje in the Netherlands.
Address: Wijde Appelaarsteeg 11k
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 10:00 - 17:00 and Sunday 15 September 12:00 - 17:00
How to get there: It's an 11 minute walk from Haarlem station.
Address: Wijde Appelaarsteeg 11k
Opening Hours: Saturday 14 September 10:00 - 17:00 and Sunday 15 September 12:00 - 17:00
How to get there: It's an 11 minute walk from Haarlem station.