Haarlem News in English
Haarlem news in English — local headlines from Haarlem and the wider Kennemerland region (Heemstede, Velsen, Beverwijk, Zandvoort, IJmuiden), translated daily for expats and English-speaking residents.

Three houses damaged after major fire, one person hospitalized
A fire broke out at a residence on Antje Breijerstraat in Hoofddorp early this morning, injuring one person and damaging three homes. Approximately 20 residents were temporarily evacuated to a nearby ...

One injured in Spaarndam shooting, suspect (68) turns himself in
A victim was hospitalized with a leg wound following a shooting at Zijkanaal C in Spaarndam on Tuesday afternoon. A 68-year-old suspect later turned himself in to the police, where a handgun was seize...

Gravestone found in thrift store returned to family: All's well that ends well
A gravestone belonging to a woman who died in 1989 was successfully returned to her relatives after being discovered among the inventory of a thrift store in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. Store owner Gideon ...

Unrest in Uithoorn over removal of sensitive Schiphol enforcement point
Residents of Uithoorn are protesting the removal of a key noise enforcement point used to monitor Schiphol Airport's aircraft noise, fearing it will mask structural violations and reduce financial com...

Memarian family makes royal carpets: formerly in Iran, now in the Netherlands
Sadegh Memarian, who fled Iran in 1995 to escape political repression, has established a renowned carpet restoration studio in Cruquius, Netherlands. Continuing a multi-generational family craft that ...

First wild baby rabbits arrive at shelter extremely early: 'Won't survive the freezing cold'
Three wild baby rabbits were brought to the Krommenie wildlife shelter after being discovered unusually early at a construction site in Hoofddorp, Netherlands. Experts believe their nest was disturbed...

Haarlemmermeer Lyceum discriminated against student by preventing prayer at school
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has ruled that Haarlemmermeer Lyceum in Hoofddorp discriminated against a Muslim student by preventing her from praying and refusing to establish a quiet roo...

Scent card to identify drug labs
Police and local authorities in Haarlem recently distributed specialized scent cards to business owners in the Waarderpolder to help them identify the anise-like smell associated with XTC production. ...

Poor condition of Leidsevaart quay
The municipality of Haarlem is implementing traffic restrictions at the Leidsevaart near the Prins Hendrikbrug to repair the quay's deteriorating condition starting in February. While initial safety m...

Love for Haarlem
The municipality of Haarlem and Stadmakers Haarlem are hosting "The Big Initiatives Day" on Saturday, February 14, at the PHIL to connect residents involved in local social and sustainability projects...

Haarlem takes extra step against discrimination
The city of Haarlem has introduced a new action plan for 2026-2028 aimed at preventing discrimination by improving reporting awareness, establishing an organizational "allies network," and honoring co...

Activities at the cemeteries
The Haarlem municipal cemeteries have announced upcoming activities, including a guided walk focusing on monumental trees at Kleverlaan Cemetery on March 29, 2026. Additionally, the chapel at St. Joze...

Disclosure of documents and information regarding diversity and inclusion Part 2
The City of Haarlem has disclosed documents and information regarding diversity and inclusion following a request made under the Open Government Act (Woo). The request was originally submitted by an i...

HaarlemPas helps with pet costs
Starting January 19, 2026, the municipality of Haarlem will provide financial assistance for pet care to low-income residents holding a HaarlemPas. The pilot program offers up to €200 annually for g...

Holocaust Commemoration Haarlem
The city of Haarlem will hold a Holocaust Remembrance ceremony on Sunday, January 25th, starting with a mayoral speech at the city hall at 1:00 PM. Participants will then join a silent march to the Je...

Business premises closed after discovery of drugs and fireworks
Mayor Jos Wienen has closed three business premises in the Waarderpolder industrial area of Haarlem after police discovered 666 hemp plants and nearly 1,100 kilograms of illegal fireworks. The illegal...

Vote on the name of the new gymnastics hall
The city of Haarlem is inviting residents to vote for the name of a new multifunctional gymnastics hall being built on Pim Mulierlaan. Residents can choose from a shortlist of five names until January...

Mayor closes house after drugs found
Mayor Jos Wienen has closed a residence in Haarlem for one year after authorities discovered nearly 10 kilograms of soft drugs, weapons, and evidence of trafficking following an anonymous tip. A court...

Police seek witnesses to double stabbing in Amstelveen
Police are investigating a double stabbing that occurred outside a gym in Amstelveen on Sunday evening, which left a 17-year-old seriously injured and an 18-year-old treated at the scene. One 37-year-...

Two injured in stabbing in Amstelveen
Two people were hospitalized following a stabbing incident at the Maalderij in Amstelveen on Monday evening. One suspect was later arrested in Haarlem after fleeing the scene in a car, with police rep...