Haarlo: Landscape, Routes and History

Those who choose Haarlo as a destination will find a variety of ways to shape their stay: architectural history, a diverse landscape, and walking and cycling routes. You can choose your focus accordingly—perhaps architecture, nature or outdoor activities.

Architecture and history in Haarlo

The De Kluntjespot church was built in 1858 on a symmetrical octagonal floor plan in the Waterstaatsstijl, and features Neo-Gothic and Neoclassical elements. Its geometric shape and the two styles offer different ways to understand the building’s architecture: the floor plan describes its form, while the stylistic features refer to different design traditions.

Another historical landmark is the listed farmhouse on the Landgoed Erve Wolink estate, dating from 1770. The years 1770 and 1858 make it possible to compare the buildings’ ages. In the case of the church, specific architectural features are also relevant; for the farmhouse, the recorded construction year and listed status are the main points of interest.

Landscape and birdlife

The landscape around Haarlo includes old farmhouses and farmsteads, fields, pastures and hedgerows. South of Haarlo lies the Landgoed Erve Wolink estate, an area of around 36 hectares comprising woodland, pasture, fields, avenues, hedgerows and strips of trees. Open spaces sit alongside rows of trees and wooded areas, creating a varied landscape for anyone who would like to explore the surroundings during their stay.

More than 60 bird species have been recorded on the Landgoed Erve Wolink estate, including the goldcrest. The presence of different species can vary with the seasons. If birdwatching is a priority for you, take the time of year into account when planning your visit.

Choosing walking and cycling routes

The walking routes vary in their stated lengths: the Kluntjespotwandeling is a short walking route that starts in Haarlo. The Wolinkkamproute is a signposted hiking route that is 2.69 kilometres long. The Haarlose Veldpad is one of the longer walking options starting from Haarlo. This gives you a range of options when choosing a walk, from a short stroll to longer routes.

The Wolinkkamproute starts at TOP Prinsen, Eibergseweg 13, in Haarlo. Check the starting point and trail conditions again before setting off. This way, you can take the route’s specific details into account without estimating a walking time from the distance alone.

There are also specific directions for cycling trips: from Haarlo, cycling routes follow quiet country roads towards Borculo, Eibergen and Geesteren. These place names give you a clear sense of the direction you can take. When planning, you can choose between the destinations listed without assuming a particular route length.

Culture and coin hoard

De Kluntjespot is also used today for exhibitions and concerts. If you would like to attend a particular exhibition or concert, check the specific dates before your stay.

Haarlo’s history also includes a coin hoard: in 1980, 1,100 silver coins from the 13th century were excavated there, packed in a stoneware jug. The hoard included English and Scottish pennies, as well as French, Brabantine and Guelders coins. It also contained numerous medals, including pieces from Münster and Recklinghausen. The different coin names and places of origin provide a detailed picture of the hoard’s composition.

The Historisch Museum de Scheper in Eibergen has the restored jug and a selection of 60 silver coins from the Haarlo hoard. If you would like to see these items during your stay, check in advance whether they are currently accessible.

Discover more destinations: Beltrum, Gelselaar, Rekken, Borculo, Eibergen, Ruurlo, Geesteren, Neede.

For the broader travel overview: Berkelland.