Haren, the green pearl of the North

Haren, also known as 'Wassenaar van het Noorden' because of the many spacious villas that have been built there, has another nickname: Green Pearl of the North. In 2012, Haren itself won the title'Greenest village\\\'. Haren is located on the Hondsrug, a sand ridge that extends all the way to Drenthe. The result is a sloping landscape, in which watercourses predominate and stimulate the growth of plants and trees. The route, which is shaped like an eight, starts at the parking lot in the pearl of the North and leads around the Paterswoldsemeer. This beautiful lake was created in the 16th and 17th centuries when the peat was excavated in the region. At the beginning of the 20th century, the lake was discovered for recreation. Various water sports enthusiasts, including many sailors and yacht clubs, come here to practice their hobby. Many water plants grow around the lake and in the lake itself there are small islands that people like to explore. You can also see windmill De Biks in the middle of the polder east of Haren. This octagonal ground sailer was built in 1857 to drain the polder. The mill has been modernized over the years; the vane cross has been overhauled and two screw pumps have been built in. With modern techniques it is now a small effort for the voluntary miller to have the mill grinded.