Haarlem at a glance – a historical map of the city from 1906

by Nederlands Erfgoed

Discover Haarlem as it appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century. This remarkable city map from 1906 presents Haarlem from a striking bird’s-eye perspective, offering a fascinating glimpse into urban life more than a hundred years ago.

The map was created by lithographer J. Postma and published by the Haarlem-based firm H.D. Tjeenk Willink & Zoon. What makes this map so unique is its distinctive three-dimensional drawing style; prominent buildings are depicted as larger and more pronounced, ensuring that the city’s key landmarks immediately catch the eye—an original and decorative way to portray the city.

Furthermore, the map tells the story of a city in transition. At the time of its creation, the current railway station was still under construction, and the area surrounding the tracks is shown exactly as it appeared back then. Opposite the station, one can see the smoking factory of Beijnes—a recognizable piece of Haarlem’s industrial past.

Public transport also receives significant attention. Various tram routes are marked, including lines toward Zandvoort and Amsterdam, the horse-drawn tram crossing the Grote Markt, and the steam tram heading toward Velsen and Alkmaar. Near the Gedempte Raaks, one can even spot an electric tram in motion.

Also noteworthy is the largely undeveloped land south of the Raaks. Until 1902, this site had housed the former gasworks. In the years that followed, this area would gradually make way for new churches and school buildings. This historical map is much more than just a plan: it is a magnificent document of its time, revealing the development, architecture, and bustling activity of Haarlem.

A unique wall decoration for the people of Haarlem, history enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for historic cityscapes and cartography.

All our maps have been professionally edited and sharpened to ensure that the colors and details stand out even more beautifully! This sets us apart from other historical maps available on the platform.

Key features:
- High resolution for crisp, sharp details
- A wonderful gift for any Haarlem enthusiast
- Haarlem at its finest, captured in this map

Enjoy a piece of our Dutch heritage!