Which neighborhoods in Haarlem have parks?

Haarlem is known as one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands, and that will be no different in 2026. The city is embraced by a belt of greenery: from the wild dunes on the west side to the extensive recreational areas in the east. For those who live or want to live in Haarlem, the proximity to a park is often a decisive factor.

In 2026, the city will also be busy “greening” public space. Projects such as the redevelopment of the New Green Market show that even the petrified center is getting more and more green oases. We have mapped out the most important neighborhoods in Haarlem and their parks for you.

South west: The Haarlemmerhout and the stately woods

The South-West district is undoubtedly the greenest and most prosperous part of the city. This is where the Haarlemmerhout is located, the oldest urban forest in the Netherlands.

• Neighbourhoods: Haarlemmerhoutkwartier (neighborhoods such as Bosch en Vaart, Florapark, Welgelegen).
• The parks:
  
  • De Haarlemmerhout: This is not just a park, but a national monument that consists of the Grote Hout (city forest) and the Kleine Hout (city park). In 2026, this is still the place for major events such as Bevrijdingspop, but also for a leisurely walk past the deer park.
  • Frederikspark & flora park: These parks are a beautiful green entrance to the city, surrounded by monumental villas, designed in the English landscape style by the famous architect Zocher.
• Livability: For families, this district is ideal because of the combination of large gardens, excellent schools and the immediate vicinity of the forest.

The center: Historic stillness

Although the center of Haarlem is densely built, there are strategic green rest areas that are essential for the quality of life in the city center.

• Neighbourhoods: Old Town (Stationsbuurt and De Vijfhoek).
• The Parks:
  
  • Kenau park: Located near the station, this park will be a popular lunch spot for employees and a play area for neighborhood children in 2026. It is known for its monumental trees and the statue “Woman in the Resistance”.
  • The strongholds: This park is located on the city's old fortifications and offers a beautiful walking route along the canals, which separates the city center from the rest of Haarlem.
• Trend 2026: In January 2026, the city council gave the green light to the definitive refurbishment of the New Green Market. This square changes from a stone plain into a green place to stay with mature trees and a historic water pump.

Haarlem north: Schoterbos and the nursery garden

Haarlem noord will be one of the most popular neighborhoods for young families in 2026, partly thanks to the extensive and well-maintained range of parks.

• Neighbourhoods: Ter kleefkwartier and Zaanenkwartier.
• The parks:
  
  • Schoterbos: This is the largest park in the north. After the large-scale renovation a few years ago, it will be a multifunctional park in 2026 with a petting zoo (Artisklas), sports facilities and spacious sunbathing areas.
  • Haarlemmer growing garden: Located in the nursery neighborhood. This is more than a park; it is an ecological center with a natural playground, a greenhouse for coffee and sustainable initiatives.
  • Zaanen Park: The beating heart of the Te zaanenkwartier, with the characteristic Zaanen castle.
• Parking in 2026: Be careful if you visit the north; in neighborhoods such as the ter Kleefkwartier, paid parking will be gradually introduced in 2026 to alleviate the parking pressure near the parks.

Haarlem east: Reinalda park and recreation

In Haarlem east, we find parks with a different character: more spacious, more modern and more focused on active recreation.

• Neighbourhoods: Parkwijk and the slaughterhouse district.
• The Parks:
  
  • Mayor of Reinalda Park: This is one of the largest city parks in Haarlem. In 2026, this park will be an attraction for sports enthusiasts. There are football fields, tennis courts and the popular “Pancake Paradise”. The park is hilly and offers beautiful views over the Fuikplas.
  • Scotch eye: Located on the Spaarne and the Mooie Nel. This park is ideal for those who love water. It offers sweeping views and is a favorite spot for windsurfers and walkers who love wind to their faces.

Schalkwijk: The green zoom

Schalkwijk is often underestimated, but in the area assignments for 2023 - 2026, it is explicitly mentioned as the greenest district in Haarlem.

• Neighbourhoods: Meerwijk and Europawijk.
• The parks:
  
  • England park: A large, elongated park along the banks of the Spaarne. It is an important ecological connection and a great place for runners.
  • Molenplas Park: On the south side of Schalkwijk, you will find the Molenplas, complete with a beach and a restaurant. It is the ultimate recreational spot for the summer months.
• New construction: In 2026, the first homes will be completed in the new Rootz district (Schalkwijk Midden). This district is being built as a “city among the trees”, with the buildings located directly in a park-like environment.

Which neighborhood suits your green needs?

Choosing a neighborhood in Haarlem in 2026 is closely related to how you want to experience the green.

• Are you looking for history and peace? The Haarlemmerhoutkwartier or the Kenau Park area is your place.
• Do you want a child-friendly environment with educational greenery? Noord (Kweektuin) is unbeatable.
• Do you love space, sports and water? Then East and Schalkwijk offer the most options.

Despite the housing challenge, Haarlem manages to maintain its green identity. Whether you choose the shade of the ancient beech trees in the Hout or the modern wadis in Schalkwijk, the park in Haarlem is never more than five minutes by bike away.