So much nature

Out in the fresh air

Discover the diverse nature in the Region of Surprises. Experience the flora and fauna in the dunes, meadows, woods and by the sea. Enjoy the parks and green spaces in the city.

Dunes

National park Hollandse Duinen is home to more than 60 km² of Natura 2000 areas, including the dune ranges Berkheide, Coepelduynen and Panbos near Katwijk, and Meijendel in Wassenaar. The landscape is unique, because it was created by rising sea levels more than 5,000 years ago.

Tip! Visitors’ centre De Tapuit is the ideal starting point for your visit to Meijendel. And Natuurcentrum Katwijk in Katwijk is certainly worth a visit!

Beach

Green in the city

Did you know that the city of Leiden also has a lot of space for nature? How about the longest park in the Netherlands, the new Singelpark? Or the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, Hortus botanicus Leiden, which is where the Dutch passion for tulips began.

On the outskirts of the city, you can enjoy wonderful walks and recreation in Polderpark Cronesteyn, Leiden’s largest park, with its extremely diverse flora and fauna. You can also explore Wijkpark Merenwijk, Heempark Leiden, the Broek- en Simontjespolder and city park De Leidse Hout.

Hortus botanicus
Hortus botanicus

Hortus botanicus Leiden, the green heart of the historic city, is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, dating back to 1590!

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Nature centre Katwijk
Nature centre Katwijk

The centre for education and communication about nature and the environment in and around Katwijk aan Zee.

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De Tapuit, Dunea
De Tapuit, Dunea

Interactive visitors’ centre De Tapuit is the ideal starting point for your visit to the Meijendel nature area.

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Naturalis
Naturalis

In Museum Naturalis, young and old alike can delve into the wonderful world of nature.

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IVN Natuureducatie
IVN Natuureducatie

IVN Natuureducatie organises courses and excursions in the Leiden region; starting from the 'De tuin van smid', for example.

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Oegstgeest, a green oasis

Enjoy a wonderful walk in Rhijngeest, a wooded park with a rich natural history. The most recent park to be built in Oegstgeest, Park Landskroon is situated near Corpus and is the perfect location for picnics, games and festivals.

Visit the Klinkenbergerplas lake for waterside recreation, with lots of green space, footpaths, a sandy beach and grassy meadows. Or enjoy a lovely walk in the wooded country estate Bos van Wijckerslooth, which is more than 300 years old!

Oegstgeest

Polders

Visit Natuurspeeltuin Voorschoten a nature playground with five play-worlds, accessible to all! Or discover the nature around the Vlietland recreational lake, for example in the climbing park Het Klimeiland.