Less than half an hour by bike from the Grote Markt, you stap a village with a character all of its own. Ideal for a relaxing day of shopping, strolling along the many cosy boutiques and specialty shops where the craftsmanship radiates from. Need help? No problem. Here they will lovingly take the time for you. In between you sit down on one of the cosy terraces or take a trip into the greenery. Now that is 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 green
Just outside the city centre, adjacent to a beautiful nature reserve, lies Ecological Care Farm De Mikkelhorst. As an ecological care farm, they strive for harmony with nature and the environment. The farm shop sells products from their own garden and region, they produce energy by means of solar panels on the roof and people with disabilities or a specific need for help work here in a safe workplace. At De Mikkelhorst, there is plenty to do for young and old. You can cuddle farm animals, have fun in the large playground and there is a climbing trail around the farm. There is also a market garden, tearoom and wood splitting shop.
Something you really shouldn't miss during a day in Haren is the Hortus Botanicus. The Hortus is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. Wander around among special plants from all over the world and be surprised anew on every path. With the Hortus App, you can even interact with special trees and plants. The highlight of the Hortus is the extraordinary Chinese Ming garden, the only one 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
Got hungry after such a full day? There are plenty of options in Haren for a good dinner. For example, you can go to Pizzeria Ristorante Sa Capanna. Here they serve delicious Mediterranean dishes, where you can definitely taste the passion for cooking. Or take a seat at Bodega y Tapas and enjoy delicious tapas in a Spanish atmosphere.
Prefer to work at home? Haren has a number of great specialist shops and delicatessens where you can get the tastiest ingredients. Get your fruit and vegetables at Berends, for example. You can taste that the potatoes and tomatoes have come fresh from the land. If you are looking for a good quality piece of meat, Keurslager Martin Dijk is the right address. A little further on, you will find yourself in a Valhalla for cheese lovers. For other delicacies, visit Beans and Grapes, where you can also buy delicious wines. Prefer coffee? They have that too. Or visit the other expert in that field, The coffee shop.
