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Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
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Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, established in 1638. Originally founded as a 'Hortus Medicus,' it served as a medicinal herb garden for physicians and apothecaries during the plague epidemics. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) brought numerous exotic plants from overseas to the garden, including the first coffee plant in Europe, which later became the ancestor of coffee plantations in Central and South America. The garden currently houses over 4,000 plant species within various conservatories, such as the historic 1912 Palm House and the innovative 1993 Three-Climate Greenhouse. A notable highlight is a monumental Lebanese cedar that is over 300 years old. Located in the bustling Plantage district, this green sanctuary blends botanical research with historical architecture and now focuses on public education and biodiversity conservation.
- Location: North Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: L.H. Sarlouisbrug · Doctor Dünnerbrug · Dirk van Nimwegenbrug
- Nearby: Diemen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 64 | 53 | 40 | 57 | 63 | 81 | 90 | 70 | 78 | 76 | 81 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The Hortus Botanicus is centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam and is excellently accessible by trams. From the main station, you can also easily take a highly pleasant walk there.
Best season
The garden is fascinating in every season, especially due to the heated historical greenhouses. In spring and summer, the expansive outdoor area blooms in an incredible blaze of colors.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is completely flat, very well paved, and almost entirely barrier-free accessible. Narrow historical greenhouses can, however, be slightly cramped for very large crowds.
What to bring
No special hiking equipment is required as this is a fully urban and curated botanical garden. For the highly tropical greenhouses, however, you should definitely dress in light layers.
Parking
Since the garden is right in the middle of the city, parking spots are extremely expensive and hard to find. Traveling by public transport or a bicycle is highly recommended here.
Safety
Touching or picking the partially very rare plants is strictly prohibited for conservation reasons. The walkways in the tropical greenhouse can often be damp due to the high humidity.
Time needed
Most regular visitors spend about one to two hours admiring the beautifully curated gardens here. The magnificent garden café then invites you to take a relaxing and refreshing break.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1638 as a medicinal herb garden.
- Home to over 4,000 distinct plant species.
- The ancestor of nearly all coffee plants in America came from here.
- The Palm House was built in 1912 in the Amsterdam School style.
- The Three-Climate Greenhouse was opened in 1993.
- Features a Lebanese cedar dating back to 1706.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam (10)
Dirk van Nimwegenbrug
A bridge in Amsterdam, named after gardener Dirk van Nimwegen.
Magere Brug
A wooden drawbridge over the Amstel, a landmark of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam Museum🏛 museum
A museum on the history of Amsterdam, with exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present.
Luther Museum Amsterdam🏛 museum
A museum on the history of the Lutheran church in the Netherlands, in a historic building.
Royal Theater Carré
A theatre in Amsterdam on the Amstel river, known for variety shows, musicals, and concerts.
H'ART Museum🏛 museum
An art museum in Amsterdam, with temporary exhibitions of modern and classical art.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Hortus Botanicus located in Amsterdam?
It is located in the Plantage district, very close to the center.
What is the Three-Climate House?
A large greenhouse that houses subtropical, tropical, and desert climates.
Is there a cafe in the garden?
Yes, there is a beautiful cafe in the former orangery.
Is the garden open every day?
Yes, it is open daily throughout the year.
What is the oldest plant in the garden?
A 300-year-old cycad (Encephalartos) is one of the highlights.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: where is it located?
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is located in North Holland, Netherlands.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: what is there to see?
Highlights include L.H. Sarlouisbrug, Doctor Dünnerbrug, Dirk van Nimwegenbrug.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: why is it worth visiting?
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens, established in 1638.
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