Holiday in Leiden

What makes Leiden special as a destination?

Leiden is the quintessential university city of the Netherlands and one of the culturally richest small towns in Europe. The birthplace of Rembrandt houses the oldest university in the country, founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward for the brave resistance against the Spanish siege. Today, Leiden combines a student atmosphere, first-class museums, and a picturesque canal landscape that can compete with Amsterdam – just without the mass tourism. The 28 kilometers of canals, lined with over 2,900 protected buildings, make Leiden one of the most canal-rich cities in the Netherlands. At the confluence of the Old and New Rhine stands the Burcht, a circular fortress from the 11th century that offers a 360-degree view over the entire city. The bridges, boathouses, and cobblestone streets give Leiden a charm reminiscent of the Golden Age. Leiden's museums are world-class: The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Archaeological Museum) houses an Egyptian temple, Naturalis is one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe, and CORPUS offers a walkable body as an interactive journey through the human organism. The Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, was founded in 1590 and is a green oasis in the middle of the city. Rembrandt was born in Leiden in 1606 and spent his formative years here. The Young Rembrandt Route leads to the sites of his youth, from the Latin school to the reconstructed studio. On October 3rd, the entire city celebrates Leidens Ontzet – the liberation from the Spanish siege in 1574 – with herring meals, hutspot, and a lively public festival. From Germany, Leiden is excellently connected: The ICE stops in Amsterdam, from where it is only a 35-minute regional train ride. The city is also reachable by car from the Ruhr area in three hours. Leiden is perfect for a day trip or as a quiet base for explorations in South Holland, with The Hague and the beach of Katwijk only 15 minutes away.