Visit the most beautiful botanical gardens in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has many beautiful natural areas. We have our beaches, dune and peat areas and many different nature reserves scattered throughout the country. But besides our own nature, we have also collected a lot of nature from all corners of the world. Whether it is the typical English flora, exotic tropical plants or the beautiful Chinese and Japanese gardens. In many different places around the country we have collected pieces of nature from all over the world in Botanical Gardens. And they can all be visited! Always check the website of the particular garden carefully, though, because most of them are only open for a limited time of the year.

We searched for the most beautiful Botanical Gardens in the country and would love to tell you what you can see and do there.

Keukenhof

The most Dutch botanical garden in our country is, of course, the Keukenhof! This beautiful flower garden can be visited this year until May 12, 2024. Shoot the most beautiful pictures, enjoy the tastiest fragrances and admire all the beautiful colors. Various events are organized such as guided tours, a trip in the whisper boat and there are several flower shows. For more information and tickets, visit the website.

Botanical Gardens Utrecht

On and around the 19th-century Fort Hoofddijk on the Utrecht Science Park you will find the Botanical Gardens. Here grow more than 9,000 species of plants from all over the world. Take a walk and notice that the garden sections all have their own character.

Throughout the summer season, guided walks, exhibitions, workshops and courses are organized. You can take courses on plant knowledge, as well as garden design and garden maintenance. Or choose a creative workshop such as garden photography or botanical drawing and painting. Find out more about the activities at www.uu.nl/botanischetuinen/nieuws-en-agenda.

Of course, the children are not forgotten! In the Botanical Gardens there is plenty to discover and it is an ideal place to get active. There are all kinds of activities and a children’s treasure hunt. Check out www.uu.nl/botanischetuinen/bezoekers/voor-kinderen.

Monde Verde World Gardens in Limburg

Monde Verde in Landgraaf has long been known for its gardens from all regions of the world in a huge area. You will find the most beautiful gardens from the tropics, China, Europe, Japan, Russia, Africa, the desert and the Folies forest. In 2007, Monde Verde got a new owner who transformed the park into a complete family park. The gardens are as beautiful as ever, but supplemented with different types of animals and fun attractions for children. Definitely worth a day trip.

Clingendael Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden in Clingendael Park in The Hague is truly a special place. This mysterious garden can also be visited only 8 weeks a year! Namely, six weeks in the spring and two weeks in the fall. This is when the garden is at its most beautiful and the public can finally enjoy it. The garden is full of rare plants and trees and is therefore very fragile.

The access road alone to the Japanese Garden is beautiful! There are beautiful orange rhododendrons and other flowers. The whole park smells wonderful! And so close to the busy city! You really feel like you’re completely out of it. For that reason alone, visiting Clingendael and the Japanese Garden is highly recommended. Just outside the Japanese Garden is a cozy tea garden: IJgenweis.

Beautiful butterfly garden in Gelderland

In Gelderland you will find The Passiflorahoeve in Harskamp. Here you will enjoy no less than 5 different butterfly gardens. A European Butterfly Garden, a European Butterfly Nursery, a Tropical Butterfly Garden, a Tropical Butterfly Nursery and a Butterfly and Insect Outdoor Garden. The beautiful Fuchsias and Passiflora collection you will find here started as a hobby, but has grown into a wonderful opulence with as many as 400 different species of Passiflora and 120 different species of Fuchsias. Definitely worth a visit!

Beautiful garden in Rotterdam

When you think of Rotterdam, it is usually linked to the Maas River and the skyline of a true Metropolis. Could you imagine that this Port City also has its own botanical garden? Yes indeed! That’s Trompenburg. This hidden treasure houses a beautiful collection of trees, shrubs and perennials, perfect for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wander along winding paths, admire colorful flower beds and enjoy the harmonious interplay of scents and colors.

Located on the edge of the center of Rotterdam in the Kralingen district, the garden is a true treasure trove for plant connoisseurs and a boon for walkers looking for tranquility in a busy city. Walks are organized every Sunday where each time you take a different walk and get to see different parts of the garden. Reservations must be made in advance for Trompenburg as well.

Thijsse’s Hof

Thijsse’s Hof in Bloemendaal is one of the oldest Heemtuinen in the Netherlands. Thijsse’s Hof was laid out in 1925 on former potato fields with oak coppice in the Bloemendaal Woods. In the Hof, plant and animal species from Zuid-Kennemerland are demonstrated for the general public. These include dune forest, thicket, dune grassland and dune valley vegetation. In addition to more than 400 species of higher plants and about 24 species of breeding birds, many other plant and animal species are on display. These include foliage, liverworts and lichens, mushrooms, the vineyard slug (occurs naturally in this area), butterflies, dragonflies, wild bees and aquatic animals.

Botanical garden escaperoom

In Baarn you will find a very special botanical garden. Winter Garden Experience is a hundred year old botanical greenhouse located in the Cantonspark in Baarn. In the greenhouse you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea or an extensive lunch or high tea. But what makes Winter Garden Experience even more special is that you can play two different escaperoom games here. elixir’ takes place in the greenhouse and in ‘The Mystery of the Botanical Garden’ you will search the surrounding park for the key to a real treasure chest.

The Kruidhof

Last but certainly not least, be sure to visit the lush green surroundings of De Kruidhof, also known as the Hortus of Fryslân. Located in the picturesque village of Buitenpost, this botanical garden offers a unique glimpse into the world of medicinal herbs and ancient crafts. Lose yourself in the fragrant herb gardens, admire the colorful collection of flowers and plants, and be inspired by centuries-old garden traditions.

Credits photos: Canva.com, OpstapmetLisa and locations mentioned