Top 20 Lakes around Haren
Best lakes around Haren offer diverse natural landscapes for outdoor activities. The region features a mix of larger lakes, smaller forest lakes, and areas with historical significance. These bodies of water are often surrounded by natural monuments and provide opportunities for various recreational pursuits. The area's geography includes polders and former peat extraction sites, contributing to its unique aquatic environment.
Best lakes around Haren
- The most popular lakes is De Onlanden Nature Reserve, a nature reserve known for its…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
The Helper Windmill
Highlight • Monument
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Meerwijck Beach
Highlight • Beach
Didn't bring swimwear? You can also get a refreshing drink at Beach Club Vifero. View the opening hours for the high and low season at: beachclubvifero.nl/openingstijden
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Heemtuin & Nature Park Tussen de Venen
Highlight • Natural
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Lake in Appelbergen
Highlight • Lake
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Biesterwied Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Tips from the Community
The national monument De Helper is a polder mill on the eastern shore of the Paterswoldsemeer lake in the municipality of Haren, province of Groningen, in the hamlet of Nijveensterkolk. Here you can enjoy a lovely walk along the Paterswoldse Meer.
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The wooden Biesterwied lookout tower offers a beautiful view over the reed marsh of Tetjehorn and the Schildmeer. At a height of six meters you can spot rare birds, deer and foxes in this peaceful nature reserve. Popular with bird and nature lovers, this tower is an ideal place to experience the rich biodiversity of 't Roegwold.
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Beautiful view in beautiful surroundings.
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A refreshing place to take a dip in the Zuidelaardermeer. Didn't bring swimwear? You can also get a refreshing drink at Beach Club Vifero. View the opening hours for the high and low season at: https://beachclubvifero.nl/openingstijden/
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The Helper Mill is named after the Helpman polder that he drained from 1863. In the 1960s the mill was out of use and fell into disrepair. In 1971 it was moved to its current location on the Paterswoldsemeer. The mill is now used for drainage for water circulation of the ditches next to the lake. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the view over the lake on one of the benches on a sunny day.
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Groningen people pronounce the name Appelbergen with the emphasis on the è, so like the word appel, in the legal/military sense. Originally, the name was pronounced with an emphasis on the a, so as the word apple (= fruit), where apple refers to pine cones. These apples used to be used as fuel for cooking and heating. The shift in sound is the result of the forest being used as a training ground for years. The pronunciation, intended as a joke, has become so common that many Groningen residents correct those who pronounce the name “incorrectly”. The name explanation, which goes back to 1672, is perhaps the nicest. In that year, France, England, the Bishop of Cologne and the Prince Bishop of Münster, Berend van Galen (Bommen Berend), jointly declared war on the Republic of the Netherlands. In the Northern Netherlands, mainly troops from Münster and Cologne performed. In July 1672, the invading troops captured a number of East Groningen forts. The Bourtange fortress held up well and remained intact. The attackers moved around it, but had to make a long detour because all the low lands were flooded. The only dry route for men, horsemen and artillery of the German troops ran across the Hondsrug. The armies of Bommen Berend (24,000 men) bivouacked around the current Appèlbergen. According to legend, thousands of soldiers stood at roll call here between the shifting sand hills every morning!
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A beautiful piece of nature
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Beautiful beach with a volleyball field and a great beach bar/restaurant 👍
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Haren are suitable for families?
Many lakes in the Haren area are great for families. Meerwijck Beach on the Zuidlaardermeer offers a refreshing place to swim with facilities and a beach bar. The Helper Windmill on the Paterswoldsemeer provides historical interest and scenic views. Additionally, Biesterwied Observation Tower and De Onlanden Nature Reserve are also considered family-friendly, offering opportunities for nature observation and cycling.
Can I find dog-friendly walking areas near the lakes in Haren?
Yes, Lake in Appelbergen is a notable dog-friendly spot. This forest lake offers beautiful views and is part of a natural monument, perfect for walks with your dog.
Are there good options for swimming in the lakes around Haren?
Absolutely. Meerwijck Beach on the Zuidlaardermeer is a popular choice for swimming, featuring a beach and a beach club. The Paterswoldsemeer, where The Helper Windmill is located, is also a well-known spot for water activities, including swimming.
What kind of historical sites can I find near the lakes?
The region offers interesting historical insights. The Helper Windmill, a polder mill on the Paterswoldsemeer, is a significant historical monument built in 1863. It played a crucial role in draining the Helpman Polder and now contributes to water circulation. The area around Lake in Appelbergen also has a rich history, with legends dating back to 1672.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes in Haren?
Yes, Meerwijck Beach on the Zuidlaardermeer features a beach bar/restaurant called Beach Club Vifero, where you can enjoy refreshments and snacks.
What are the best lakes for walking or hiking around Haren?
For walking and hiking, the area around Haren offers diverse trails. You can explore routes near Lake in Appelbergen, which is part of the Appelbergen Nature Reserve. There are also easy routes like 'Low-threshold Groningen routes - Vineyards and lakes in the Appèlbergen' (4.1 km) or 'Appelbergen Nature Reserve – Dalweg between meadows loop from Appelbergen' (7.2 km). For more options, check the Hiking around Haren guide.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes in Haren?
Yes, the lakes around Haren are excellent for cycling. De Onlanden Nature Reserve is known for its quiet, almost car-free bike paths. You can find various road cycling routes, such as 'Hoornsedijk – View of Hoornsemeer loop from Haren' (16.5 km, easy). For more cycling adventures, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Haren guide.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around Haren's lakes?
The lakes around Haren offer a mix of natural landscapes. You'll find larger lakes, smaller forest lakes like Lake in Appelbergen, and areas transformed from former farmland into varied vegetation, pools, and lakes, as seen from the Biesterwied Observation Tower. De Onlanden Nature Reserve is a prime example of the diverse natural environment.
Are there any observation points to get a good view of the lakes?
Yes, the Biesterwied Observation Tower offers beautiful views over the Westerpolder, an area with varied vegetation, pools, and lakes. Additionally, The Helper Windmill provides scenic views over the Paterswoldsemeer.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Haren?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse natural landscapes and the opportunities for outdoor activities. The quiet, car-free bike paths in De Onlanden Nature Reserve are highly rated. Many also enjoy the refreshing swim spots like Meerwijck Beach and the historical charm of sites like The Helper Windmill, which offers wonderful lake views.
Are there running trails available near the lakes?
Yes, the area around Haren's lakes provides several running trails. You can find routes like 'Windmill in Drentsche Aa loop from Haren' (10.7 km, moderate) or 'The Scharlakenbos loop from Haren' (11.8 km, moderate). For a comprehensive list, check the Running Trails around Haren guide.
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