Once an independent municipality, Haren offers a unique glimpse into Brussels’ past. Today we explore Haren. It is a place where the echoes of history resonate.
Haren’s story stretches back centuries. Its first mention dates back to around 1050. It appeared in a book about Saint Trudo’s miracles. A later mention in 1138 tells of the chapter of Saint Gudula’s founding. This chapter later became the Brussels Cathedral. It was a significant landowner in Haren.
The lords of Haren played roles in Brussels’ city management during the 17th century. This involvement highlights Haren’s historical connections to the capital.
In the early 20th century, Haren became a hub for transportation innovation. Brussels’ first airport was here from 1914 to the early 1950s. Later, the Belgian Air Force used the site. Since 2018, NATO’s headquarters have been located here. This spot was previously south of Boulevard Leopold III. The current Brussels Airport is several kilometers east.
Between 1932 and 1997, Haren hosted a Renault automobile factory. In 1969, it produced over 100,000 cars for the first time. The factory focused on assembling Renault 4 and Renault 6 models. These were mainly for sale in Benelux, Germany, and Scandinavia. Renault also assembled AMC’s Rambler cars here. These were sold in European markets.
Today, Haren is home to NATO and EUROCONTROL headquarters. Many large international companies also have offices here. This makes Haren a place of global importance.
In 2022, Haren Prison opened. It is a prison village on a 15-hectare site. It can house 1,190 people. The prison was built partly on the derelict Wanson factory site. Part of it also sits on a former nature reserve.
Haren has three railway stations. Buda station is on the line between Brussels and Antwerp. Haren station is on the line between Halle and Vilvoorde. Haren-South station is on the line between Brussels and Leuven. The National Railway Company of Belgium’s marshalling yard is largely within Haren’s borders.
Haren ceased being a municipality in 1921. Since then, Brussels’ mayor has also served as Haren’s mayor.
Despite its integration into Brussels, Haren has kept a distinct identity. It has nearly as many Dutch speakers as French speakers. It has also preserved a somewhat rural appearance. This unique blend of urban and rural makes Haren a special place within Brussels. Haren’s appeal lies in its countryside feel. Easy access to the ring road and large houses with gardens are attractive.
However, Haren faces challenges. Noise from the nearby airport can be disruptive. Major construction projects impact the community. Public transport options are somewhat limited. Still, Haren’s active community and unique atmosphere endure.