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Hortus Botanicus Leiden

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Hortus Botanicus Leiden (Netherlands)

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The Hortus Botanicus Leiden, founded in 1590, is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. It was established by Leiden University to facilitate the study of medicinal plants. A defining moment in its history occurred in 1593 with the arrival of the Flemish botanist Carolus Clusius, who planted the first tulip bulbs in the garden, effectively laying the foundation for the Dutch tulip industry. Today, the garden houses over 10,000 species of plants from across the globe, featuring significant collections of orchids, carnivorous plants, and cycads. The grounds include historic structures such as the Orangerie and the famous Victoria amazonica greenhouse. As a scientific institution, the Hortus remains central to botanical research and biodiversity conservation, while also serving as a serene retreat in the heart of the university city of Leiden.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C446913161818161285
Rain mm776655385662788770798185

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands is typically easy to reach on foot or by bicycle from Leiden Central Station. Entrances are usually located in the historic city center near the university buildings.
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Best season
The most favorable time for a visit is normally during the spring and summer months when the historic flower beds are fully blooming. Sunny weather particularly highlights the bustling colors of the diverse plant collections.
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Terrain & paths
The grounds mostly consist of flat, well-maintained paths that allow for a very easy and relaxing stroll. Exploring the entire area is typically possible without any significant physical exertion.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are generally sufficient for discovering the outdoor areas and the various greenhouses. On warmer days, it is always a good idea to bring some sun protection and a reusable water bottle.
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Parking
Parking spaces in the historic old town are often quite limited, so using public parking garages on the edge of the center is typically recommended. From there, the garden is usually just a short walk away.
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Safety
Since this is a carefully managed facility, there are no major hazards, but visitors should always stay on the designated paths. Caution is typically only needed regarding potentially slippery leaves during wet weather conditions.
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Time needed
For a comprehensive tour of the historic outdoor gardens and the extensive greenhouses, visitors should typically plan to spend about two to three hours. This allows enough time to fully appreciate the collections.

Geography

Coordinates
52.15830, 4.48610

Facts

  • The garden was officially founded on February 9, 1590
  • Carolus Clusius laid out the first scientific garden here in 1594
  • The first Victoria amazonica in the Netherlands flowered here in 1872
  • The botanical collection includes over 10,000 distinct plant species
  • The oldest greenhouse on the site dates back to 1744
  • A Laburnum tree planted in 1601 is one of the oldest specimens in the garden

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pieterskerk LeidenPieterskerk Leiden<1 km · EExplore →
LeiderdorpLeiderdorp3 km · EExplore →
OegstgeestOegstgeest3 km · NExplore →
VlietlandenVlietlanden3 km · SWExplore →
VoorschotenVoorschoten5 km · SWExplore →
WassenaarWassenaar6 km · WExplore →
KatwijkKatwijk7 km · NWExplore →
VoorhoutVoorhout7 km · NExplore →

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 Leiden (10)

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden🏛 museum

National archaeological museum of the Netherlands in Leiden, featuring Egyptian, Roman, and Greek artifacts.

🕒 10:00-17:00♿💶

Doelenbrug

Bridge in the Netherlands, connecting the banks of the Rapenburg canal in Leiden.

van Brouchovenhofje

Hofje in Leiden, a historic courtyard with small houses surrounding a garden.

Ars Aemula Naturae

Arts centre in Leiden, hosting exhibitions and cultural events.

Klein Sionshofje of Weduwenhofje

Historic hofje in Leiden, originally for widows, featuring a quiet inner courtyard.

Lokhorstkerk

Church building in Leiden, built in the 17th century, used by the Protestant community.

Academisch Historisch Museum🏛 museum

Museum in the Netherlands, showcasing the history of Leiden University.

Pieterskerk

Church in Leiden, known for its Gothic architecture and historical events.

Bibliotheca Thysiana

Library in Leiden, a rare surviving 17th-century book collection open to visitors.

Nonnenbrug

Bridge in Leiden, spanning the canal and connecting parts of the old city.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How old is this garden?
It was founded in 1590 and is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.
What do tulips have to do with this garden?
Here Carolus Clusius planted the first tulip bulbs in the Netherlands.
Are there greenhouses?
Yes, there are tropical greenhouses featuring a giant water lily (Victoria amazonica).
Where is the garden located?
It is located directly behind the main building of Leiden University.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Most paths and the greenhouses are accessible for wheelchair users.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: where is it located?
Hortus Botanicus Leiden is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Doelenbrug, van Brouchovenhofje.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Hortus Botanicus Leiden: why is it worth visiting?
The Hortus Botanicus Leiden, founded in 1590, is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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Rotterdam City Hall is one of the few buildings that survived the Second World War.
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Leiden City Hall has an impressive Renaissance facade.
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Lisse is the heart of the Dutch bulb-growing region and the proud home of the Keukenhof gardens.
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The world's largest flower garden, showcasing millions of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils every spring.