Haarlem City Map Poster

About Haarlem

The city is located on the river Spaarne, about east of Amsterdam and near the coastal dunes. It has been the historical centre of the tulip bulb-growing district for centuries and bears witness to Holland's Golden Age, as described in annual flower shows. Haarlem has a rich history dating back to pre-medieval times; it is mentioned in a document from 820 as "Hara(h)loem". The settlement probably grew around a small stronghold situated on an earthen mound (the "Haarlemmerhout"). In Frankish times Haarlem was first ruled by Saint Eligius (died 659 or 660), then by Sweder van Utrecht (died 719). As such, it was initially part of Frisia.