Leiden University Botanical Garden

Leiden University Botanical Garden

Leiden University Botanical Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. Leiden University was founded in 1587 and is hailed as an unexpected gift from the war. It was originally proposed by Prince William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch War of Independence at the time, to recognize the resilient spirit demonstrated by the citizens of Leiden in their struggle to defend national independence.

In 1587, the mayor of Leiden applied to establish a botanical garden behind the university college for medical research purposes. Coupled with the proposal by Prince William of Orange, the leader of the Dutch War of Independence, this decision was finally approved in 1590. The original garden was not large, covering only an area of 35×40 meters, but it already housed over a thousand plant species. Over time, the size of the garden and the variety of plants have continued to expand. Leiden University Botanical Garden features a distinctive tea house and café where you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea while admiring the surrounding plants.

Today, people come here mainly for sightseeing and leisure. The thousands of plants in Leiden University Botanical Garden display remarkable beauty, showcasing not only the wonders of nature but also the academic atmosphere of centuries past.

Hortus Botanicus Leiden

Must-visit reason: The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Netherlands[Netherlands]

Province/state where the attraction is located: South Holland [South Holland]

City where the attraction is located: Leiden [Leiden]