Haarlem Railway Station | Haarlem

Haarlem Railway Station (Station Haarlem) is the only railway station in the Netherlands built in the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style. It serves as a major transit hub and a national monument (Rijksmonument), marking the site of the first railway line in the country.

Visual Characteristics

The station is noted for its decorative brickwork, extensive use of stained glass, and ornate wood carvings. The interior features lacquered wooden galleries, colorful murals, and original 19th-century tilework. On the platforms, decorative iron girders and arched glass roofs create an airy, industrial-organic aesthetic. Many visitors recognize the platform architecture from the film Ocean's Twelve, where it doubled for Amsterdam Centraal.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Stationsplein 11, 2011 LR Haarlem.

Connectivity: 15–20 minutes from Amsterdam Centraal; 35–45 minutes from Den Haag Centraal; 15 minutes to the coastal town of Zandvoort.

Pedestrian Access: Located 600m north of the Grote Markt (city center).

Public Transit: The station serves as the primary bus terminal for the region, including direct R-net connections to Schiphol Airport (Bus 300).

Historical & Ecological Origin

The original wooden station opened in 1839 as the terminus for the first railway line in the Netherlands (Amsterdam–Haarlem). The current building was designed by architect Dirk Margadant and constructed between 1906 and 1908. The tracks were elevated during this period to prevent the disruption of growing city traffic at street level.

Key Highlights & Activities

Tile Tableaus: Look for the 1939 tile mural commemorating 100 years of Dutch railways, depicting the first locomotive, De Arend.

The Island Platform: Unlike most stations, the waiting rooms and the historic "First Class" restaurant (now a café) are situated on the central island platform.

Architecture Tour: The entrance hall and tunnels contain high-fidelity Art Nouveau details, including original woodwork and masonry motifs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The station includes multiple bicycle storage facilities (both underground and street-level), luggage lockers, a "StationsHuiskamer" (waiting lounge), and several retail/food outlets like Starbucks, AH to go, and the kiosk. It is fully accessible with elevators serving all six platforms.

Best Time to Visit

To appreciate the architecture without crowds, visit during off-peak hours (10:00–15:00). The stained glass and platform galleries are best illuminated by natural light in the late morning or early afternoon.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical detail is that the original broad-gauge tracks (1,945 mm) had to be narrowed in 1866 to 1,435 mm to meet international standards. Locally, it is often debated whether it is the "most beautiful" station in the country, competing only with Amsterdam Centraal and Groningen for the title.

Nearby Landmarks

Kenaupark (0.2km West)

Jopenkerk Brewery (0.8km South)

Grote Markt (0.6km South)

Teylers Museum (0.9km Southeast)

Amsterdamse Poort (1.2km Southeast)