Haren: Garden Culture, History and Nature

If you are looking for a hotel in Haren, you can choose based on the topics that interest you in the town: botany and garden history, historic churches, landscapes or trails. Haren offers a range of attractions, from the Hortus Botanicus to nature areas and archaeological traces.

Botany and garden history

The Hortus Botanicus Haren was established in 1642 and covers more than 14 hectares. It includes a Chinese Ming garden that is unique in Europe. The combination of a long history of gardening and a clearly defined architectural theme makes the Hortus a special attraction for anyone interested in plants and gardens. The former Biological Centre, now a place for creative people, is located next to the Hortus.

Churches and historic architecture

Haren’s churches also tell the story of different eras. The former Sint Lambertuskerk is a three-aisled, Neo-Gothic pseudo-basilica with a west tower. It features a carved Neo-Gothic altar dating from the time it was built. The Hervormde kerk Haren, also known as Nicolaaskerk, was built in the first half of the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. Their architectural forms and dates offer a specific comparison between two historic churches, though they do not both belong to the same era.

Another historic stop is the former Yesse Monastery near Haren, whose grounds contain a visitor centre. The site adds a connection to monastic history to the churches. Those interested in archaeology can also visit De Vork archaeological walking park on the edge of Haren. A reconstruction of an Iron Age farmhouse stands there; the park shares information about local finds and ways of life in the past.

Woodland, water and landscape

Scharlakenbos lies on the southern side of the Groningen village of Haren and covers about five hectares. Its origins can be linked to the landscape of the past: around 1850, the area consisted of poor peatland and heathland and was called Pieperspoelen; Scharlakenbos was established there around 1900. There is a small pingo remnant in the forest. A nature education trail is intended for children and adults; its route details may change. You can also walk through the forest past the remains of former outdoor swimming pools.

In De Vork archaeological walking park, boardwalks wind through the greenery. Various birds can be observed by the water. The park thus combines a reconstruction of an Iron Age farmhouse with impressions of the landscape and birdlife. Near Haren, the De Oosterpolder nature reserve borders De Mikkelhorst. The area is characterised by a varied stream-valley landscape and is ideal for walking.

Trails and excursions

Cycling routes showcase a variety of landscapes. The historic Groene Parels cycling route is 42 kilometres long and runs through the city of Groningen and the surrounding area of Haren. The Genieten van het Gorecht cycling route leads from the Oosterhaars residential neighbourhoods past the Onnerpolder and the Harener Wildernis nature area. This area consists of swamp forest and grassland. The routes therefore differ in the sections and landscapes described; Groene Parels also has a specific total distance.

If you would rather explore nature and history together in a woodland setting, Scharlakenbos offers the nature education trail and the pingo remnant as points of interest. De Vork has a different focus: archaeological finds, past ways of life, boardwalks and birdwatching by the water. These differences can help you narrow down the themes for your stay without presenting the places as one combined circular route.

Market and getting around town

A weekly market is held every Friday in central Haren, on Raadhuisplein. Haren NS railway station is a short walk from the town centre; Qbuzz bus route 50 stops at Raadhuisplein. These give you two specific reference points for arriving and visiting the town centre. If the market is important to your plans, check the date in advance.

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