Holiday apartment in Haren: nature, history and discoveries

Holiday apartment in Haren between garden and woodland

Hortus Botanicus Haren was established in 1642 and covers more than 14 hectares. The Hortus includes a Chinese Ming garden that is unique in Europe. Next to the botanical garden is the former Biological Centre of the University of Groningen, which is now a place for creative activities. In this part of Haren, garden culture, historical development and a modern creative focus therefore come together.

The approximately five-hectare Scharlakenbos is located on the southern side of the Groningen village of Haren. The woodland was created around 1900 in an area that around 1850 consisted of poor moorland and heathland and was then known as Pieperspoelen. Scharlakenbos contains a small pingo remnant. A nature education trail for children and adults provides information about nature and history; you can also walk along the remains of the former open-air swimming pools. These details give a walk through the woodland a historical and natural-history setting.

Experiences with children and by the water

De Mikkelhorst is an organic farm on the edge of the green village of Haren. It has an inclusive playground where children with and without physical disabilities can play together. At De Mikkelhorst’s farm shop, you can find regional products, including honey from its own bees and vegetables from its own garden. The De Oosterpolder nature reserve borders De Mikkelhorst in the area around Haren. A varied stream-valley landscape characterises the area and invites you to go hiking.

The archaeological walking park De Vork lies on the edge of Haren. It provides information about local finds and former ways of life; the park also contains a reconstruction of an Iron Age farmhouse. Boardwalks lead through the greenery, and various birds can be observed by the water. For families with different interests, De Vork therefore combines exercise, nature observation and a tangible connection with the past.

Culture, market and cycling ideas

The churches of Haren also offer their own historical highlights. The former Sint Lambertuskerk in Haren is a three-aisled Neo-Gothic pseudo-basilica with a western tower and contains a carved Neo-Gothic altar dating from the period in which it was built. The Hervormde kerk Haren is also known as Nicolaaskerk, was built in the first half of the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. A weekly market takes place every Friday on Raadhuisplein in the centre of Haren.

Two differently themed routes are particularly suitable for cycling tours: the historic Groene Parels cycle route is 42 kilometres long and leads through the city of Groningen and the surrounding area of Haren. The Genieten van het Gorecht cycle route runs from the Oosterhaars residential neighbourhoods via the Onnerpolder past the Harener Wildernis nature area, which consists of swamp woodland and grassland. The different distances and landscapes help you adapt your day-trip plans to your preferred daily rhythm.

Getting there and the town centre

From Haren NS railway station, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the centre of Haren. Qbuzz bus route 50 stops at Raadhuisplein in the centre of Haren.

To the main travel overview: Haren.

More destinations

More places at the same destination:

Noordlaren.