Hortus Haren

Hortus Haren is a botanical garden covering roughly 21 hectares with diverse plant collections, themed garden sections, greenhouses, and maintained walking paths. The grounds feature plant habitats from different climate zones organized into accessible outdoor spaces.

The collection was established in 1626 when pharmacist Henricus Munting founded it in Groningen. It was moved to its current location in Haren in 1967 and has since grown into a major garden facility.

The Chinese garden section displays traditional design elements such as moon gates and waterfalls that reflect East Asian horticultural principles. Visitors can experience the characteristic balance between water, stone, and plants that defines this gardening style.

The gardens are accessible year-round during regular hours and feature well-maintained paths suitable for all visitors. There is a plant shop and cafe on-site, along with informational programs and activities for different age groups.

A mosaic paved courtyard called The Hidden Empire Ming combines artistic design with botanical displays in an outdoor exhibition space. This area demonstrates how contemporary artistic installations integrate into the garden landscape.