Famous Botanical Gardens in the Netherlands [Back]
The Netherlands is renowned for its rich horticultural heritage, boasting numerous botanical gardens that showcase a diverse array of plant species from around the world. These gardens serve as centers for conservation, research, and public education, offering visitors serene environments to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. Here are some of the most notable botanical gardens in the Netherlands:
Keukenhof
Known as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, located in Lisse. Covering 32 hectares, it features approximately 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. While famous for its tulip displays, the garden also showcases hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations, and irises. Keukenhof is open to the public for an eight-week period from mid-March to mid-May, attracting around 1.5 million visitors each year. [Source: Keukenhof - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keukenhof)
Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Established in 1638, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens. Located in the Plantage district of Amsterdam, it was initially founded as a medicinal herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. Today, it houses over 4,000 species of plants, including a 300-year-old Eastern Cape giant cycad and a 2000-year-old agave cactus. The garden features a monumental Orangery, several greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants, and a butterfly greenhouse. [Source: Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortus_Botanicus_%28Amsterdam%29)
Hortus Botanicus Leiden
Founded in 1590, Hortus Botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. Situated in the southwestern part of Leiden's historical center, it was established for the study of medicinal plants. The garden has played a significant role in the introduction of various plant species to Europe, including the tulip and the Japanese cherry blossom. It features a collection of Asian Araceae, tropical orchids, carnivorous plants, and a Japanese garden. [Source: Hortus Botanicus Leiden - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortus_Botanicus_Leiden)
Von Gimborn Arboretum
Located in Doorn, the Von Gimborn Arboretum was founded in 1924 by German ink manufacturer Max Th. Von Gimborn. Covering 27 hectares, it is renowned for its extensive collection of conifers and ericaceous plants, making it one of the largest conifer collections in Western Europe. The arboretum also holds national plant collections of Aceraceae, Betulaceae, Euonymus, Fraxinus, Laburnum, Magnolia, and Syringa. It is open to the public daily for a small fee. [Source: Von Gimborn Arboretum - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Gimborn_Arboretum)
Hortus Haren
Established in 1626, Hortus Haren is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, located in Haren, Groningen. Spanning 20 hectares, the garden features various themed sections, including a Chinese garden, a Celtic garden, a rock garden, and a water garden. It offers a diverse collection of plants and serves as a place for education, conservation, and recreation. [Source: Hortus Haren - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hortus_Haren)