Frans Hals was born in Antwerp, around 1582. He is the famous 17th-century Dutch portrait painter who worked, lived and spent the rest of his life here in Haarlem. Hals painted vast portraits of people smiling or laughing from all levels of society. He is known for his playful technique,…
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Haarlem
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Grote Kerk or Sint Bavokerk of Haarlem
There something about this big church towering over Haarlem’s market square. I would always look up and admire that beautiful lead covering wooden tower soaring high towards the sky. This is the Great Church or Sint Bavo Church of Haarlem. “Grote Kerk or Sint Bavo Kerk” in Dutch. Not to…
Day Trips
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Het Paard van Marken
At the very tip of Marken island … The iconic lighthouse Paard van Marken or Horse of Marken was built in the 1700 as a square beacon to mark the Zuiderzee route from the islands in the North through Amsterdam. The current round lighthouse tower designed by J. Valk in…
Food
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Eierballen
A Dutch culinary bucket list … ✨ Eierbal ✨ This is an Egg Ball. A local snack dish consisting of a boiled egg covered in a thick gravy seasoned with curry spices, wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb jacket. Typically Groningen! A quick bite from the snack wall vending machine costing…
Groningen
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Rooftop Forum
This has got to be the best rooftop terrace in Groningen! 📍Forum Groningen The Forum Groningen is a multi-functional cultural public space that opened in November 2019. The building has 17,000 m² spread over ten floors and was designed by various parties. A meeting place for everyone to come together, conveniently located…
Groningen
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Desk of Aletta Jacobs
I have encountered Aletta Henriëtte Jacobs (9 February 1854 – 10 August 1929) several times when visiting museums. But I never knew how significant her role is in the history of the Netherlands. Described as a true trailblazer being the first female doctor in the Netherlands – completed full academic…
Groningen
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Station Groningen
It was once voted “Most Beautiful Train Station in the Netherlands (2019)”. Of course, I need to take a closer look. 📍Station Groningen History has it, the first station building was completed in 1865, opened on 31 May 1866 but was demolished in 1894, because the building was too small….