COFFEESHOP Hofnar

In Harlingen we started off with coffeeshop Kaya, as a fully licensed pub with authorization for the sale of soft drugs, way before the current national policy regarding coffeeshops became effective. The name Hofnar at Franekereind in Harlingen was established in this historical port town since then. Hofnar transformed from ‘farm shed’ to a coffeeshop with an authentic old tavern atmosphere. For a period of almost 2 centuries the frothy delights are connected with this property.

In what was once the Groninger Veerhuis and ‘ main depot for De Haan brewery ‘ Ype Sipma a ‘coffeehouse’ keeper started Café Sipma in 1906, which was run by the family until 1970. The properties side wall still features the original old painted advertisement, as there are many old murals in Harlingen, restored by the Vereniging oud Harlingen. What once started off as “coffee house” is over a century later, a “coffeeshop”. A typical Dutch “canal belt area” atmosphere and a pleasant terrace make the centrally located Hofnar an intimate coffeeshop for the current and older generations. Located at a stone’s throw from the old town centre, the Harlingen harbour and ferry service to the Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling.