Art, history and heathland in Laren

Art venues, historic architecture and heathland give a trip to Laren a range of different points of interest. The area is also defined by the long artistic tradition of Laren and neighbouring Blaricum: both have been known as artists’ villages since the late 19th century. Their landscapes and authentic rural way of life have attracted painters and creative people from the Netherlands and abroad.

Art and history in Laren

The Kunstbordenroute Laren–Blaricum brings this tradition to life on a walking or cycling trip. Along the route, 16 information panels featuring works by artists who lived and worked in the villages are displayed in public spaces. The walk is 5.5 kilometres long, while the cycling route is 8 kilometres—two different distances to help you choose how to get around.

Singer Laren is another art venue. It brings together a museum, theatre, sculpture garden and café, and features an extensive art collection as well as temporary exhibitions. The sculpture garden was designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf. This offers a way to explore art not only through collections and exhibitions, but also through the garden’s design.

A striking landmark is the Sint Jansbasiliek. The present basilica was built in 1924/25 to a design by architect Wolter te Riele. Its stained-glass windows were created from designs by Han Bijvoet; the windows above the high altar tell the story of John the Baptist. In 1937, the church was granted the title of basilica, in recognition of its long-standing procession tradition.

De Lindenhoeve is one of the oldest longhouse farmhouses in Laren. The barn section is used for temporary exhibitions. The Brinkhuis Theater offers a different cultural experience: it is a cosy, intimate theatre in the heart of Laren. Its programme varies. At the Rosa Spier Huis, residents, family members, local people and other visitors can attend exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances and lectures. Musicians, photographers, painters, sculptors and philosophers live there and can continue their work at the house.

Heathland, nature and trails

The Westerheide covers 344 hectares in Hilversum and Laren. Its landscape includes heathland and woodland, and the area offers opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. The landscape also features old Doodwegen (death roads), an urn field and burial mounds. These traces point to people having used the area for thousands of years. The Westerheide is home to diverse heathland vegetation and birds of open heathland.

On the Zuiderheide, the transition from the ridge to the Eem valley is easy to see. There are also prehistoric burial mounds there, dating back around 4,000 years. The two heathland areas offer different points of interest: on the Westerheide, woodland and heathland sit alongside archaeological traces and habitats for open-heathland wildlife; on the Zuiderheide, the changing landscape and burial mounds take centre stage.

Nature and history also come together at the Geologisch Museum Hofland. Its extensive collection of minerals, rocks and fossils offers insights into the history of the Earth. A permanent exhibition explores the formation of the Gooi region and the earliest settlement history of the area. If you would like to plan a hands-on activity, you can saw open geodes under the guidance of expert guides and take the finished geode home. Plans for this activity may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.

Events and local treats

The Papageno Huis Laren hosts concerts, art exhibitions, markets and other events throughout the year. Visitors are welcome at events in the concert hall, including weekly coffee concerts on Sunday mornings. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the latest dates. The restaurant serves lunch, coffee with fresh apple cake and afternoon tea; this offering may also change.

Another local tradition is the old-fashioned Dutch poffertjes stall, which has been a Laren institution for more than 100 years and is associated with the Brink. When choosing a hotel in Laren, you can use the reason for your trip as a guide: art, architecture and exhibitions make for a cultural focus, while heathland, landscapes and trails offer other ways to spend your time in the area.

Discover more destinations: Laren, Anna Paulowna, Langedijk, Opmeer, Blaricum, Graft-De Rijp, Drechterland, Hoorn.

For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.