Hortus botanicus Leiden

The Hortus botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden of the Netherlands. It was founded in 1590 and expanded in the centuries after as part of the University of Leiden. Thus the Hortus has become the green heart of Leiden. Here, Carolus Clusius (1526-1609) bred the first extensive tulip collections of Europe and Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796-1866) introduced some 700, till then, unknown plants from Japan and China. Visitors are welcomed for a calming stroll, varying exhibitions and educational activities. Our renowned collection facilitates scientists from all over the world for research.