The Oude Buitenhaven is the oldest outer harbour of Harlingen, with its first wooden harbour heads constructed in 1503.

It sits directly between Station Harlingen Haven and the ferry terminal on the Waddenpromenade, and connects to both the Noorderhaven and the Zuiderhaven.

The harbour is a well-known landmark in the city, surrounded by distinctive buildings and popular with photographers.

The wooden jetty known as the Plankenpad serves as a mooring for vessels of the historic Bruine Vloot, and a small sculpture called the Tobbedanser stands on the northern side of the harbour.