Hidden behind the Academy building on Rapenburg is the oldest botanical garden in Western Europe, which is also one of the oldest gardens in the world.
It was founded by Leiden University in 1590 and planted by Carolus Clusius (1526-1609) in 1594 as a garden for educative and research purposes.
Clusius introduced the first tulips, the flower that would become the symbol of the Netherlands, here in Leiden. It is also thanks to the Hortus that other exotic crops became well-known: plants such as tobacco, the tomato, the potato and maize.
Hortus botanicus Leiden: a green treasure-trove. Stroll beneath the monumental Hortus trees, enjoy the tropical glasshouses and gaze in wonder at the exceptional plants. The Clusius garden shows the Hortus as it was 425 years ago. Walk past the plant families in the Systematic Garden, wander along the twisting paths through the Fern Garden and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Japanese Garden. The Leiden Hortus owns a large collection of carnivorous plants and an extensive collection of orchids, particularly from Southeast Asia.
Opening times
- Daily from 09:00 to 18:00
- Note: opening times may be different during public holidays
- Winter (21 september t/m 20 maart):
Dagelijks 10.00-17.00 uur
Gesloten op:
3 oktober 2025 (Leidens Ontzet).
25 december 2024 t/m 1 januari 2025 (Kerstvakantie).
Prices
- Adults €11.50
- Children €4.50 | Kinderen van 4-12 jaar en CJP houders.
- MJK (Museumjaarkaart) Free | Museumkaarthouders, Vrienden van de Leidse Hortus en studenten van de Universiteit Leiden.
- Non-members €4.50 | Personeel van de Universiteit Leiden, studenten van andere universiteiten, HBO en MBO studenten.
- Groups €10.50 | Per persoon voor groepen met 15 personen of meer.
- Payment options: PIN