Laren combines sacred architecture, artists’ history and heathland. To plan your visit, you can first decide whether the Sint Jansbasiliek and its procession, the art around Singer Laren or the landscape will be your main focus. There is also public art and local architectural history. When looking for a hotel in Laren, these themes can help you tailor your stay to your interests.
Sint Jansbasiliek: Building History and the Jansprocessie
The Sint Jansbasiliek was built in 1924–1925 to a design by architect Wolter te Riele. In 1936, Pope Pius XI elevated the basilica to the status of a Basilica Minor because of the great importance of the Jansprocessie, held annually in Laren in June. The building and the procession belong to different points in time: the construction dates the building, while its elevation followed eleven years later and was linked to the significance of the procession. If you choose the Jansprocessie as the occasion for your trip, plan your stay for June and check the specific event dates. The stained-glass windows offer another artistic connection: they were designed by Han Bijvoet, and those above the main altar tell the story of John the Baptist.
Art and Culture around Singer Laren
Singer Laren brings together a museum, a theatre and a sculpture garden in the heart of the artists’ village of Laren. Its permanent collection includes works from 1880 to 1950 by Anton Mauve, Piet Mondriaan, Jan Sluijters, Kees van Dongen, Leo Gestel and Bart van der Leck. This defines the collection’s period clearly; individual displays may change. The sculpture garden was designed by Piet Oudolf. The museum, theatre and garden represent different cultural aspects of Singer Laren, while the collection focuses on works spanning several decades.
Another art form can be seen along the Kunstbordenroute Laren - Blaricum: 16 information boards in public spaces display works by artists who lived and worked in the two villages. This is separate from the “De schilders van Laren & Blaricum” walking route. It starts and ends at Singer Laren, Oude Drift 1 in Laren. The differences between these offerings are clear: the Kunstbordenroute is characterised by its 16 boards; Singer Laren is named as both the starting point and the destination of the walking route.
Historic Buildings and Two Heathlands
Lindenhoeve is home to Historische Kring Laren and is one of Laren’s oldest longhouse farmhouses. Changing exhibitions are held in the deel (threshing barn). Landgoed Nardinclant adds its own chronology to this picture of architectural history: the estate was established in 1916, while the present house dates from 1939. The two dates therefore refer to different things—the establishment of the estate and the present house.
The landscape can also be understood through specific locations: Westerheide stretches across Laren and Hilversum, while Zuiderheide is in Laren. When choosing between the two, you can compare Westerheide’s connection to both places with Zuiderheide’s connection to Laren.
Getting Around by Rental Bike
Electric and conventional Voi rental bikes are available at various locations in Laren, including bus stops and residential areas. After use, you can leave the bike in a designated parking zone; you do not need to return it to the pick-up location. As locations, availability and parking rules may change, check the latest information if you plan to use rental bikes during your stay.
For the broader travel overview: Laren.
