Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the name: Johan Enschede.
As the train slows down, you're passing through the Nether-
lands' biggest train-car-maintenance facility, and entering
Haarlem. Look left. The domed building is a
prison,
built in 1901
and still in use. The windmill burned down in 1932 and was rebuilt
in 2002.
When you cross the Spaarne River, you'll see the great
church
spire
towering over Haarlem, as it has since medieval times—back
when a fortified wall circled the town. Notice the white version of
the same spire capping the smaller church (between the prison and
the big church)—this was the original sandstone steeple that stood
atop the big church. However, structural problems forced its move
to another church, and a new spire was built for the big church.
Exit the train into one of Holland's oldest stations, adorned
with Art Nouveau decor from 1908. Welcome to Haarlem.
