Laren is a village in the Gooi area of North Holland, the Netherlands.
Understand
The close-by Blaricum is the third wealthiest municipality of the Netherlands and Laren takes the fifth spot.
Get in
Get around
See
Do
Buy
Eat
- Poffertjeskraam Cornelis de Haan, Brink 16A, Laren (right at the Brink square), 52.25647°, 5.22547°, +31 35 538-0458. Apr-mid Sep Tu-Sa 11:00-21:15, Su 12:00-21:00, mid Sep-Mar closed. This old Dutch restaurant is a must-try, as they serve authentically Dutch "poffertjes" in an authentic Dutch atmosphere. They also serve waffles and drinks. The generations of the De Haan family have been running this restaurant for more than 100 years. It is only open during summertime as they cater to many of the cyclists that cycle around the towns and forests of the Gooi area. €5-€10
- Snackbar Beo, Brinklaantje 14, Laren (near the Brink), 52.25750°, 5.22392°, +31 35 531-4858. Su-Th 10:00-02:00 F-Sa 10:00-03:00. Snackbar Beo is a real family business. It's quite a simple snackbar, but a good place to try some typical Dutch snacks. Their specialities are the famous Dutch kroketten (croquettes), satay, ice cream, filet sandwich, "broodje warm vlees saté" (sandwich filled with warm meat and satay) and hamburgers.
Drink
- Het Bonte Paard, Naarderstraat 1, Laren (in front of the Brink, at the intersection with the road to Hilversum), 52.25690°, 5.22378°, +31 35 538-2092. M-W 09:00-00:00, Th-Sa 09:00-01:00, Su 11:00-00:00. This old bar has been in existence for more than four centuries. Napoleon is said to have passed this bar on his way to Leusden (and thereby missing a "warm welcome", according to the bar's website). Before the motorway was built in 1921, travellers passed this bar on their way to the south. Nowadays everyone in Laren and its surroundings know this place, as it is a favourite among the rich and famous for networking and socializing. You might spot some Dutch celebrities while having a beer.
Sleep
- Hotel De Witte Bergen, Rijksweg 2, Laren/Eemnes (motorway A1 between exit 9 and 10), 52.23561°, 5.23171°, +31 35 539-5800. This is the only hotel in Laren and it is exactly on the boundary with neighboring village Eemnes. It is located close to the A1 motorway where it intersects with the A27 motorway. It is part of the Van Der Valk chain of motorway hotels. It could be considered a mid-range hotel with decent rooms, but a lack of character and authenticity. €113
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