Centrum in Haarlem, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Langt Vlaamse Wegen - Haarlem
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Along Flemish Paths in Haarlem
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2026
1. Langt Vlaamse Wegen - Haarlem Marker
De rijke geschiedenis van Haarlem is doorweven met gegevens over een sterke, boeiende aanwezigheid vanuit Vlaanderen. Reeds vanuit de Middeleeuwen vinden wij hier sporen van een vruchtbare wisselwerking met Vlaamse bouwmeesters (uit Antwerpen en Mechelen), pottenbakkers (uit Brugge), glazeniers (uit Brussel) en wandtapijtwevers (uit Oudenaarde) die aan het Spaarne gastvrijheid genoten.
Na de Spaanse belegering in 1578 deed Haarlem vele inspanningen om Vlaamse vluchtelingen aan te trekken en met hen de verwoeste stadsdelen weer op te bouwen. Mooier dan ooit, Vlaamse wevers bevolkten toen de omgeving van de Vlaming-, Laken-, Drapenier- en Wolstraat evenals de Gedempte Volders- en Raamgracht.
Ongeveer 150.000 migranten uit de Zuidelijke Nederlanden kozen de weg naar het noorden. De Spaanse herovering van onder meer Antwerpen (1585) veroorzaakte een massale exodus die ook in Haarlem merkbaar was: de bevolking nam toe van 18.000 in 1572 tot 40.000 inwoners in 1622. Hiervan waren er 22.000 (meer ran 51%) afkomstig uit grote Vlaamse steden als Brugge, Gent, Antwerpen, Menen enz.
Schatrijke Antwerpse koopliedenfamilies als Anselmo, Della Faille, Coymans en Van der Meulen vestigden zich aan het Spaarne. Zij brachten met hun kapitaal ook veel ervaring, vakkennis en een internationaal netwerk van relaties mee.
Bij de hervormde lidmaten was 48% van Zuidnederlandse afkomst. Belangrijk was ook hun invloed bij de lutheranen en vooral bij de doopsgezinde Vlaamse en Waalse gemeenten.
Beroemde Vlamingen in Haarlem waren de kunstschilder Frans Hals (Antwerpen). de architect Lieven de Key (Gent) en de kunsthistoricus, dichter en schilder Karel van Mander (Meulebeke in West-Vlaanderen).
Tijdens de oorlogsperiode 1914-1918 vluchtten méér dan 1 miljoen Vlamingen naar het eutrale Nederland. Haarlem zorgde, dan ook voor een onbaatzuchtig en hartelijk onthaal.
Als herinnering aan de Vlamingen begint deze wandeling in een omgeving waar hun sporen zeer talrijk aanwezig zijn.
De Vlaamse wandeling staat beschreven in een kleurrijke brochure ‘Langs Vlaamse Wegen Haarlem’ verkrijgbaar bij:
VVV Zuid-Kennemerland. Stationsplein 1. 2011 LR Haarlem.
tel 06/320.240.43
Vlaams Cultureel Centrum 'de Brakke Grond'. Nes 45. 1012 KD Amsterdam.
tel 020/622.90.14
Along Flemish Paths in Haarlem
Haarlem’s rich history is interwoven with evidence of a strong, compelling presence from Flanders. Traces of a fruitful exchange dating back to the Middle Ages can be found here, involving Flemish master builders (from Antwerp and Mechelen), potters (from Bruges), stained-glass artists (from Brussels), and tapestry weavers (from Oudenaarde) who were welcomed to the banks of the Spaarne. Following the Spanish siege of 1578, Haarlem made significant efforts to attract Flemish refugees and enlist their help in rebuilding the devastated parts of the city. Emerging more beautiful than ever, the area became home to Flemish weavers who settled around Vlamingstraat, Lakenstraat, Drapenierstraat, and Wolstraat, as well as along the Gedempte Voldersgracht and Raamgracht.
Approximately 150,000 migrants from the Southern Netherlands headed north. The Spanish reconquest of cities such as Antwerp (1585) triggered a mass exodus that was also felt in Haarlem: the population grew from 18,000 in 1572 to 40,000 in 1622. Of these, 22,000 (more than 51%) came from major Flemish cities such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Menen.
Wealthy merchant families from Antwerp—such as the Anselmo, Della Faille, Coymans, and Van der Meulen families—settled along the Spaarne River. Along with their capital, they brought extensive experience, professional expertise, and an international network of business contacts.
Among the Reformed church members, 48% were of Southern Netherlandish origin. They also exerted significant influence among the Lutherans and, above all, within the Flemish and Walloon Mennonite congregations.
Famous Flemings in Haarlem included the painter Frans Hals (Antwerp), the architect Lieven de Key (Ghent), and the art historian, poet, and painter Karel van Mander (Meulebeke in West Flanders).
During the war years of 1914–1918, more than a million Flemings fled to the neutral Netherlands. Haarlem provided a selfless and warm welcome.
As a tribute to the Flemings, this walk begins in an area where their traces are abundant.
The Flemish walk is described in a colorful brochure titled ‘Langs Vlaamse Wegen Haarlem’ (“Along Flemish Paths in Haarlem”), available from:
VVV Zuid-Kennemerland. Stationsplein 1. 2011 LR Haarlem.
Tel. 06/320.240.43
Flemish Cultural Centre 'de Brakke Grond'. Nes 45. 1012 KD Amsterdam.
Tel. 020/622.90.14
Erected by the
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1578.
Location. 52° 22.879′ N, 4° 38.187′ E. Marker is in Haarlem, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Centrum. It is on Grote Markt. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Grote Markt 16, Haarlem, Noord-Holland 2011 GM, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Vishal / "Fish Hall" (here, next to this marker); Vleeshal / Meat Market (within shouting distance of this marker); Hoofdwacht / Civic Guard Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Dirck Volkertszoon Coornhert (within shouting distance of this marker); Stadhuis / City Hall (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); May 8 1945 / 8 Mei 1945
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, June 3, 2026
2. Langt Vlaamse Wegen - Haarlem / Along Flemish Paths in Haarlem Marker - wide view
The marker sits at the north side of the Vishal at the base of the northwest corner of the church, inconspicuously placed.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 17, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
