One of Harlingen’s finest places to enjoy the fresh sea air is the South Pier. Follow the pier all the way to the end for magnificent views across the Wadden Sea and a front-row seat to the constant flow of ships entering and leaving the harbour.
Location
Harlingen’s harbour is bordered by the North Pier and the South Pier. The South Pier is an excellent place to watch the traditional sailing vessels of the Dutch Brown Fleet, pleasure boats, and the ferries as they sail in and out of the harbour. In the harbour basin, you will also spot a whale. This is Harlingen’s artwork from the 11Fountains project. Don’t be surprised if the whale suddenly sprays water into the air!
Birdlife of the Wadden Sea
The South Pier is an especially important refuge for birds during autumn. At that time, you may encounter a variety of waders, including the ruddy turnstone, red knot, Eurasian curlew, and purple sandpiper. They often shelter among the vegetation growing between the basalt rocks. In winter, songbirds such as the European greenfinch, snow bunting, meadow pipit, and even the shore lark can occasionally be seen. During summer, northern wheatears, house sparrows, barn swallows, and black redstarts are regular visitors.
Throughout the year, many species of gulls can be found around the piers, while common terns are a familiar sight in summer. You are also likely to see great crested grebes, various species of ducks, and great cormorants fishing in the harbour.
With a little luck, you may even spot a harbour seal or a harbour porpoise in the harbour waters.
