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. Next to the Hortus is the former Biological Centre, now a place for creative people. Botanical history and contemporary creative use sit side by side here.
The landscape around Haren also tells a story of change over long periods. This story can be traced particularly clearly in the Scharlakenbos: from its origins as a peat bog and heathland to the creation of the woodland.
Gardens and landscape
The Scharlakenbos is a woodland of about five hectares on the southern edge of the Groningen village of Haren. It was created around 1900 on land that, around 1850, was still poor peat bog and heathland known at the time as Pieperspoelen. The small pingo remnant in the woods adds another distinctive feature to this landscape history. In this compact area, a specific local history and a named landscape relic come together.
The Scharlakenbos has a nature education trail for children and adults; its details may change. You can also walk past the remains of former outdoor swimming pools. 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. The woodland and stream valley therefore offer different landscape highlights.
Archaeological traces and architectural history
On the edge of Haren, the De Vork archaeological walking park provides insight into local finds and former ways of life. It features a reconstruction of an Iron Age farmhouse. Boardwalks lead through the greenery, and various birds can be observed by the water. The combination of archaeological reconstruction and nature observation gives the park a different focus from the garden and the landscape history of the Scharlakenbos.
The historic churches also differ in their construction dates and architecture. The former Sint Lambertuskerk in Haren is a three-aisled neo-Gothic pseudo-basilica with a west tower. Its carved neo-Gothic altar dates from the time the church was built. The Hervormde kerk Haren, also known as the Nicolaaskerk, was built in the first half of the 13th century and combines Romanesque and Romanesque-Gothic architecture. There is also a visitor centre on the site of the former Yesse monastery near Haren.
Everyday life, local produce and cycling routes
De Mikkelhorst is an organic farm on the edge of the green village of Haren. Its shared playground is designed for children with and without physical disabilities to play together. The farm shop sells local products, including honey from its own bees and vegetables from its own garden. A weekly market is held every Friday at Raadhuisplein in the centre of Haren. The farm, shop and market each offer a distinct focus on local produce.
Cycling tours offer a choice of different areas to explore. The historic Groene Parels cycle route is 42 kilometres long and passes 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 routes therefore differ both in their described itineraries and in the landscapes they take in.
For reaching the centre, Haren railway station is a useful landmark: the centre is just a few minutes’ walk away. Qbuzz bus route 50 stops at Raadhuisplein in the centre of Haren. If you want to fit the market, the centre and the nature or cultural attractions described here into your plans, you can use these details as different points of reference for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Noordlaren
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