centerpiece is its lively harbor
This picturesque town, located on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee, offers a blend of old-world allure and modern comfort.
Middelharnis is celebrated for its well-preserved historic architecture, with cobbled streets winding through a delightful array of traditional Dutch buildings. The town’s centerpiece is its lively harbor, where fishing boats and sailboats gently bob in the waters, painting a scene straight out of a postcard. The 17th-century windmill that overlooks the town adds a touch of nostalgic beauty to the landscape.
Beyond its visual appeal, Middelharnis boasts a vibrant community and a sense of unity. Quaint shops, local cafes, and markets dot the streets, offering a taste of authentic Dutch life. The welcoming atmosphere invites visitors to immerse themselves in the culture, making it a haven for explorers and travelers seeking an escape from bustling urban life.
Whether wandering along the water’s edge, indulging in local delicacies, or simply relishing the tranquility, Middelharnis offers a serene retreat. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, allowing for a genuine connection with the essence of Dutch heritage. For those seeking an enchanting blend of history and charm, Middelharnis promises an unforgettable experience in every step through its cobblestone streets.
Rien Poortvliet Museum
The Rien Poortvliet Museum is a museum about the visual artist Rien Poortvliet on the island of Tiengemeten.
The museum was located in the Marguerita Hoeve, a characteristic farmhouse from the beginning of the 19th century on the natural island of Tiengemeten. The museum is located near the harbor, right next to the nature information center of Natuurmonumenten. The museum contains dozens of original works by Poortvliet as a visual artist. In addition, there are some personal objects on display in the museum
Middelharnis was the middle part of a salt marsh area known as ‘Vier Hernissen’.
So the place name is a composition of ‘means’ and ‘hernis’, which means flock, compare ‘shepherd’, someone who herds the flock.
A salt marsh (also: gorse, groeze/groes, plaice or salt marsh(er), the different names are regional) is an overgrown land growth outside the dikes that no longer floods at an average high tide. The plant community that can arise on a salt marsh is Puccinellion maritimae (salty grasslands).
The Oudeland of Middelharnis was published for diking in 1465
The first coat of arms of Middelharnis was confirmed in use on 24 July 1816 by decision of the High Council of Nobility to the Municipality of Middelharnis in South Holland. In 1908 the coat of arms was changed. After a municipal reorganization in 1966, in which Nieuwe-Tonge, Sommelsdijk and Stad aan ‘t Haringvliet were added to the municipality, the coat of arms was changed again. Since 1 January 2013 Middelharnis is part of the municipality of Goeree-Overflakkee. As a result, the coat of arms of Middelharnis has lapsed.
