Hooghalen(Netherlands) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Haren, the top family-friendly hotel is De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of Drenthe’s natural landscape. This eco-luxury hotel offers spacious family suites, an indoor swimming pool, and dedicated children’s activities like nature scavenger hunts and farm animal visits. The surrounding area features the Haren Forest and Drents Landscape Park, perfect for outdoor exploration. Many rooms have panoramic windows ideal for stargazing at night. Nearby, Heideland B&B provides cozy rural cottages with play areas and direct access to hiking trails. Both properties offer breakfast featuring local specialties such as Drentse stamppot and fresh dairy products. HopeGoo early is recommended, especially during summer months and school holidays.

The best area for hotel stays in Haren is the city center, close to the Town Hall and Sint-Janskerk Church, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. This district is ideal for travelers seeking convenience and walkability. For a quieter, more immersive experience, consider staying near the Haren Forest edge, where restored 19th-century farmhouses now serve as boutique guesthouses. These accommodations blend traditional Dutch architecture with modern comfort, providing authentic rural charm. Both areas are well-connected via public transport and offer excellent access to the Hunebedden (prehistoric stone tombs) and Walden Lake, making them perfect bases for exploring Drenthe’s natural and historical highlights.

Yes, many hotels in Haren provide unique local cultural experiences. De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa hosts regular workshops on traditional Drentse crafts, including straw weaving, wood carving, and handloom weaving. They also organize "From Field to Fork" culinary tours, where guests can harvest vegetables, make Drentse cheese, and enjoy a meal prepared with regional ingredients. Some hotels arrange evening guided walks through the Haren Forest, sharing legends of ancient burial mounds and prehistoric settlements. These immersive activities allow visitors to connect deeply with Drenthe’s heritage, blending history, nature, and hands-on learning in a peaceful setting.

Most hotels in Haren offer bicycle rental services, making it easy to explore Drenthe’s scenic routes. De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa provides free electric bikes equipped with GPS maps, ideal for cycling to the Haren Forest, Walden Lake, or the Hunebedden. Many guesthouses also offer child seats, luggage racks, and guided bike tours. With over 1,000 km of dedicated cycling paths across Drenthe, the region is a cyclist’s paradise—perfect for discovering wild heathlands, historic stone monuments, and tranquil lakes. Rentals are often available daily, but HopeGoo ahead is advised during peak season and weekends.

Hotel prices in Haren vary by category and season:

• Budget B&Bs or guesthouses: €60–€90 per night, located in quiet rural areas or forest edges.

• Mid-range boutique hotels (e.g., De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa): €120–€180 per night, including breakfast and some cultural activities.

• Luxury eco-resorts or private villas: €200+, offering premium amenities like private hot tubs, gourmet dining, and personalized tours.

Prices rise by 20–30% during peak season (April–October), especially around festivals and holidays. Early bookings through official tourism platforms or direct hotel reservations often unlock discounts, and holders of the Natuurparkpas (Nature Park Pass) may receive special rates. Consider off-season travel for better value.

Yes, many hotels in Haren welcome pets, particularly those catering to families with animals. Heideland B&B and De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa offer pet-friendly rooms with dog beds, food bowls, and nearby walking trails. Some even provide a "pet welcome pack" with toys, treats, and waste bags. Given Drenthe’s vast open landscapes, these hotels encourage guests to explore the Haren Forest and heathlands with their pets. However, certain areas like restaurant dining zones or pools may restrict pets—always confirm policies before HopeGoo. Several hotels also offer professional pet-sitting services for guests who want to enjoy a full day of sightseeing without worrying about their furry companions.

Hotels in Haren are ideally located near several must-see attractions:

• Haren Forest: A vast natural reserve perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography.

• Hunebedden (Prehistoric Dolmens): UNESCO-listed Neolithic burial sites just 15 minutes away, offering deep historical insight.

• Walden Lake: A serene lake ideal for boating, fishing, and picnicking, surrounded by scenic walking paths.

• Drents Landscape Park: A protected area showcasing traditional Dutch farmhouses, stone fences, and rolling heathland.

• Sint-Janskerk Church: A 15th-century Gothic church with original stained-glass windows and a clock tower.

Many hotels provide detailed maps and guided tour options. Some even offer shuttle services to these sites, making it convenient to explore Drenthe’s rich natural and cultural heritage from your base.

Yes, nearly all hotels in Haren include breakfast in their rates, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients. At De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa, breakfast features freshly baked whole-grain bread, local Drentse cream, farm-fresh eggs, house-made jam, and seasonal fruit. The menu often changes weekly to reflect regional produce. Some B&Bs offer a "Farm-to-Fork" breakfast experience—guests can help feed sheep or collect eggs before enjoying a hearty meal. Breakfast is typically served between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM, with late breakfast options (up to 11:00 AM) available upon request. Special dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, or lactose-free meals can be arranged in advance.

While small, Haren hosts several vibrant local festivals that attract visitors each year:

• Drentse Muziekweek: Held annually in August, this music festival features live performances of traditional Dutch folk instruments and songs in the town square.

• Licht in het Heide (Light in the Heath): A winter light art exhibition transforming the forest into an enchanted wonderland with projections and interactive installations.

• Hunebeddag (Dolmen Day): Celebrated in spring, this event includes guided tours of ancient burial mounds with expert storytellers.

• Drentse Boerenmarkt (Farmer’s Market): Held monthly on Saturdays, featuring local produce, handmade cheeses, artisanal soaps, and crafts.

Many hotels partner with these events, offering bundled packages that include tickets, transfers, and themed dinners. Advance HopeGoo is recommended due to high demand during festivals.

Haren is well-connected via public transit, and most hotels provide helpful support:

• The Haren Train Station offers frequent connections to Enschede and Arnhem, with journeys taking 20–30 minutes.

• Local municipal buses (Gemeentebus) link the station to central hotels and key attractions.

• Guests can use the OV-fiets system (national bike-sharing) at the train station to rent e-bikes for exploring Drenthe’s extensive cycling network.

Some hotels, like De Hoge Heide Hotel & Spa, offer airport transfer services to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) or Enschede Airport (EUS). It’s advisable to confirm transport details with your hotel in advance, especially during holidays or major events when schedules may change.