Haarlem's Central Railway Station

'Haarlem Centraal' is the only Art Nouveau-style train station in Holland. Its unique early 20th century atmosphere has not been lost on some international film directors, who have used it as a backdrop for period scenes in their films.

The station, situated a couple of hundred metres north of the town's main square, is a listed building. A quick study of the restaurant and waiting rooms on the central platforms shows why. Their wonderful wood carvings and elegant stonework evoke a different age, with different waiting rooms for each class, for women and even for the insane!

The original station dates from 1839 and was a temporary affair built outside town for the first rail service in Holland between Amsterdam and Haarlem. The present-day building was built in three stages: the oldest is the entrance hall with its marvellous tiling work; a later extension, intended as the station exit, covers most of the platforms with its robust iron supports; and lastly, the early 20th century waiting rooms and restaurant on the middle platforms, so beloved of the film directors!


Sights in the Haarlem area


Haarlem's Central Railway Station from the inside! The Haarlem Central Railway Station Tiles in the Central Station The Central Railway Station from the inside!
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