Less than half an hour’s cycle from the Grote Markt , you stap in a village with a character all of its own. Ideal for a relaxing day’s shopping. Stroll past the many cosy boutiques and specialist shops where craftsmanship really shines through. Need help? No problem. Here, they’re happy to take the time for you. In between, you can settle down at one of the cosy outdoor cafés or take a stroll through the countryside. Now that’s what we call enjoyment.
A good start
On your route to Haren, you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you. In this cosy village they are in no hurry, here they like to take their time for you. Start your day off right and get yourself some goodies at Haafs Bakery. Even at the door, the smell of freshly baked bread welcomes you. But they do not only have delicious bread here. It is also the right place for the tastiest pastries and savoury snacks. From the bakery, you can walk straight into the city centre. Right in the centre is the Dorpskerk, a Roman Gothic church from the thirteenth century. Around the church you will find cosy shops, terraces and restaurants. A great starting point for a day of shopping.
A tasty lunch
Time for a break, at Raadhuisplein is Brasserie Intermezzo. A nice place for a cup of coffee or lunch. Fancy something refreshing? Iconic for Haren is ice cream parlour Italini. Not to be missed in the white corner building next to the church, where you go for a delicious ice cream or a coffee to go. For delicious sandwiches or a fresh salad, go to Bistro Heerlijk, also a tip for a delicious dinner. Sit in the sun on the terrace and unwind.
A trip into the countryside
Just outside the city centre, bordering a beautiful nature reserve, lies the De Mikkelhorst Ecological Care Farm. As an ecological care farm, they strive here for harmony with nature and the surrounding environment. For example, in the farm shop they sell produce from their own garden and the local area, they generate energy using solar panels on the roof, and people with disabilities or specific support needs work there in a safe environment. There’s plenty to do at De Mikkelhorst for young and old alike. You can cuddle the farm animals, let off steam in the large playground, and there’s a proper climbing trail around the farm. There’s also a market garden, a tea room and a wood-chopping area.
Another must-see during a day out in Haren is the Hortus Botanicus. The Hortus is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. Wander amongst unusual plants from all over the world and be surprised anew on every path. With the Hortus App, you can even ‘chat’ to special trees and plants. The highlight of the Hortus is the unique Chinese Ming Garden, the only one of its kind in Europe.
In the woods next to the Hortus is the former Biological Centre of the Rijksuniversiteit: De Biotoop. This is the place for creatives. The building houses 180 people, 150 artists and another 100 entrepreneurs found their home here. A nice and varied bunch, then. Fun activities and workshops, such as yoga and mindfulness, are often organised here.
A delicious meal
Fancy a bite to eat after such a busy day? There are plenty of options for a good evening meal in Haren. For example, you could head to Pizzeria Ristorante Sa Capanna. Here they serve delicious Mediterranean dishes, where you can certainly taste the passion for cooking. Or take a seat at Bodega y Tapas and enjoy delicious tapas in a Spanish atmosphere.
Prefer to cook at home? Haren has a number of lovely specialist shops and delicatessens where you can pick up the tastiest ingredients. You can get fruit and veg from Berends, for example. You can really tell that the potatoes and tomatoes have come fresh from the land. If you’re looking for a high-quality cut of meat, Keurslager Martin Dijk is the place to go. A little further on, you’ll find yourself in a paradise for cheese lovers. This is where you’ll find the Haren branch of De Kaaskop. For other delicacies, pop into Beans and Grapes, where you can also buy some lovely wines. Prefer coffee? They’ve got that too. Or pay a visit to the other expert in that field, De Koffie Winkel.
