Haarlem at 60 metres
For my work, I scour the Internet on a daily basis in search of undiscovered places and special events throughout the Netherlands. Despite the habit, I am pleasantly surprised every time I discover a location that I cannot believe is not yet known to the general public. I call such moments the 'alone on the Chinese wall moments': preferably you want to keep it a secret, but at the same time tell everyone about it. I discovered exactly such a location last week in Haarlem during the opening of the 'Klim naar het licht' event in Haarlem.
Climb towards the light
Personally, Haarlem is one of my favourite cities. I have been there many times. The city just has such a nice atmosphere. The locals are friendly, the city centre is a maze of historic streets and courtyards and just 15 minutes away I can get a breath of fresh air on the beach. So the decision to go was quickly made when the invitation to Klim naar het Licht appeared in my inbox. Haarlem, here I come (again)!
Haarlem holy water in the Jopen church
I left for Haarlem a little early on purpose. That way I can make some stops before the opening. Cycling through the narrow Haarlem streets full of people, I make my way to the Jopen church. This 'church' is a must-see place in Haarlem and I want to cross it off my wish list. After all, Haarlem is originally one of the biggest beer brewing cities in the Netherlands. Beer has been brewed here since the Middle Ages, and the recipes for the beer are still used (albeit a bit updated). It is bizarre to walk into a church and come face to face with huge copper brewing kettles. Jopen beer is even brewed in the church. Here I plop down for a while among the murmur of people. You can't avoid it here: everyone is drinking a glass of Jopen beer, sitting down to a whole tasting (I want to!) or enjoying a meal made with - what else - Jopen beer.
Tip: What I personally really like is that at the Jopenkerk you can also take a guided tour. The copper kettles up and close. If, like me, you are fascinated by the process from water-to-glass, this is highly recommended. And the fact that you get to taste is no punishment either.
“ That moment when you walk into a church and find a brewery. Priceless. ”
Amanda | 25 April 2019
The little sister of the Grote of St. Bavo Church
Not much later, I am on the Grote Markt right in front of the Grote of St Bavo Church. As always, it is huge and impressive. Am I going to climb up here soon? I scan the structure. There is no bridge in sight. To be sure, I grab the invitation again. I had not initially looked at the address, but just assumed that the bridge would be found on top of the city's most famous church. "In the Koepel Cathedral in Haarlem," it says. A little surprised, I get back on my bike and follow the directions to just outside the city centre. In front of me is a huge cathedral that reminds me of a mix between the French Sacre-Coeur and Notre Dame. Standing in front of the building, I see - with my head almost further down my neck than humanly possible - that a bridge has been stretched between the two towers. This must be it.
The Domed Cathedral
Upon entering, I am welcomed by the typical Haarlem Flower Girls. For those who didn't know: apparently the warmest welcome in town for over 60 years. I am pinned on a pretty daisy and allowed to walk through.
Only then do I really take a good look at the interior. Flashbacks to iconic cathedrals I have sought out abroad in the past shoot through my mind. I see row after row of wooden benches, an infinitely high ceiling and a bright dome decorated with gold ornaments. The walls are covered with decorations telling the story of Christ and the stained-glass windows provide natural lighting. This cathedral can rightly call itself beautiful.
Haarlem's best hidden secret
After the spectacular opening (think heavenly singing and abseiling hosts) the time has come. I get to do what I came to do: climb to the light and at 60 metres! One by one, we start our way up the narrow spiral staircases. Along the way, there are rooms where we can learn more about the cathedral (and take a break). The Dome Cathedralturns out to be almost as big as the Notre Dame I compared it to earlier. I find out that the cathedral is among the top five most important churches in the world built between 1850 and 1950, along with world names like the Sagrada Familia, Sacre-Coeur and Westminster Cathedral. How can the Dome Cathedral not be known to the general public?
“ The Dome Cathedral is one of the five most important churches in the world, alongside the Sagrada Familia and the Sacré-Cœur, amongst others. ”
Jurgen van Dorp | 25 April 2019
The best view of the city
Ten minutes later I am - but a little tired - at the top. The view from the bridge is incredible (also thanks to the typically Dutch weather that is just clearing up). You can see almost as far as Amsterdam. A 360-degree view. Can I stay here for a few hours?
Climb to the light yourself and visit the Dome Cathedral
Everyone who visits Haarlem between 1 May and 31 July 2019, I wholeheartedly recommend enjoying the most beautiful view of and of the city at a height of 60 metres. I wouldn't have wanted to miss it. But even if you spend time in Haarlem after 31 July, take a walk just out of that centre. Because even though I don't want Haarlem's best-hidden little secret to get huge queues, the Koepelkathedraal is something you definitely shouldn't miss.
Are you in Haarlem after 31 July 2019 and still want to enjoy the view? You can. In fact, there are plenty of guided tours organised in the Koepelkathedraal.
With love,
Amanda