Top 20 Natural Monuments around Leidschendam-Voorburg
Best natural monuments around Leidschendam-Voorburg offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance within South Holland. The region features diverse landscapes, including expansive royal estates, nature reserves with wetlands and forests, and historic designed gardens. These areas provide significant natural experiences and are cherished local green spaces, ideal for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Leidschendam-Voorburg
- The most popular natural monuments is Scheveningen Water Tower, a man-made monument located in the dunes near Scheveningen. It is a national monument designed in neoclassical style, built in 1874.
- Another must-see spot is Seringeberg Lookout – De Horsten Estate, a viewpoint known for its lilac plantings. It offers views over the forest within the royal estate.
- Visitors also love Sand Motor (Zandmotor), a beach area featuring a unique dune landscape. This location provides views of the sea and is a notable coastal development.
- Leidschendam-Voorburg is known for its diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and historic estates. Visitors can explore a variety of natural monuments, from expansive royal parklands to coastal dune areas.
- The natural monuments around Leidschendam-Voorburg are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2800 upvotes and over 230 photos shared.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Scheveningen Water Tower
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Sand Motor (Zandmotor)
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Hortus Botanicus Leiden
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Waalsdorpervlakte Memorial
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Benthuizer Lake
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The cultivation and trade of extremely valuable tulips began in the Netherlands after Carolus Clusius brought tulips from Turkey to Europe in 1593. During the Dutch Golden Age, tulip bulbs became an object of speculation. In the 1630s, prices for tulip bulbs rose to comparatively extremely high levels before the market collapsed abruptly in early February 1637 (= the first relatively well-documented speculative bubble in economic history). (Source: Wikipedia) THE TULIP: It came to Europe from Persia and Turkey in the 16th century. The Netherlands, especially Leiden, became the center of tulip cultivation. The "Semper Augustus" became particularly valuable because a virus caused it to have unique red and white flame patterns on its petals. During the tulip mania around 1643, it was recorded as the most expensive tulip in the world (Collection of the Norton Simon Art Foundation, USA). It is unknown who bred the Semper Augustus, as it is a historical, now extinct specimen. However, it became a symbol of the Dutch "tulip mania" (nl = tulpenwoede, tulpengekte) in the 17th century. At its peak in 1637, one bulb of this variety fetched 10,000 guilders, exactly the price of a house on a canal. In 1624, there were only 12 of this variety. (Source: Book "Leidener Runde und Rembrandt Route" by Leiden City Marketing)
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🌿🌱After the founding of Leiden University in 1575, it seemed sensible to establish a "hortus medicus," a herb garden where medical students could study medicinal plants. This marked the beginning of a development that continued at the LUMC Academic Hospital and the Bio Science Park. The "Hortus Botanicus Leiden" was established in 1590, making it the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. 🌷Carolus CLUSIUS, a Hortulanus from Vienna, was the first director of the garden in 1593. He oversaw its design and cultivated the first large tulip collections in Europe. These form the basis of the nearby Keukenhof in Lisse, the "Garden of Leiden." ☘In the 19th century, Philipp Franz von SIEBOLD introduced around 700 previously unknown plants from Japan and China. (Source: Book "Leidener Runde and Rembrandt Route" by the Leiden City Marketing)
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Here you see the characteristic Scheveningen Water Tower, located in the dunes near Scheveningen (Pompstationsweg 327, The Hague)
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The water tower is located in the Oostduinen dunes near Scheveningen, near Pompstationsweg. It is a national monument. Designed in the Eclectic style by architect Bert Brouwer and civil engineer Theodor Stang, it was built in 1874 by the Hague Dune Water Company.
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Great scenery, but bad bike path.
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What is particularly striking here is the simplicity and austerity of the memorial site.
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Really special! Especially when it's windy. Then there are not only kite surfers out and about, but also the sand. You can really feel how nature is building. You can also take a great walk along the beach and combine it all with a bike ride over the dunes. 👍🏻
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After the foundation of Leiden University in 1575, it was deemed desirable to create a 'hortus medicus': a garden in which medical students could study medicinal plants. The start of a development that has continued in the Academic Hospital LUMC and the Bio Science Park. Hortus Botanicus Leiden was founded in 1590, making it the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit in Leidschendam-Voorburg?
Visitors to Leidschendam-Voorburg frequently enjoy the Scheveningen Water Tower, a historic national monument in the dunes. Another favorite is the Sand Motor (Zandmotor), known for its unique dune landscape and sea views. The Seringeberg Lookout – De Horsten Estate also offers beautiful forest views, especially when the lilacs are in bloom.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Leidschendam-Voorburg area?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The De Horsten Royal Estate is family-friendly, offering expansive green spaces and walking routes. Park Vreugd en Rust also features a petting zoo (Kinderboerderij Vreugd en Rust), making it a great option for families.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Leidschendam-Voorburg's natural monuments?
The region offers diverse natural features. You can explore unique dune landscapes at the Sand Motor (Zandmotor), vast forests and meadows at De Horsten Royal Estate, and wetlands in the Vlietlanden Nature Reserve. Historic designed gardens with ponds and fountains can be found at Park Vreugd en Rust.
What historical or cultural sites are integrated with the natural monuments?
Many natural areas in Leidschendam-Voorburg have historical significance. The Scheveningen Water Tower is a national monument built in 1874 in neoclassical style. De Horsten Royal Estate has a rich royal history, with its landscape designed in the 19th century. Park Vreugd en Rust is a national monument with a 17th-century origin, featuring an elegant manor house and designed gardens.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Leidschendam-Voorburg is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, road cycling, and gravel biking. For hiking, explore routes like the 'View of the Lake and Reeds – Lake Vlietland loop' or 'Peace at the Reed – New Driemanspolder loop'. Cyclists can find routes such as 'Vliet Riverside Path – View of the Dunes loop' or 'View of the Dunes – View of the Dunes loop from Meijendel'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and gravel biking guide for the region.
Are there specific walking routes within the natural monuments?
Yes, for instance, De Horsten Royal Estate offers several signposted walking routes through dense woods and open fields. The Vlietlanden Nature Reserve also has well-marked hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. Park Vreugd en Rust provides winding paths through its beautifully designed gardens.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Leidschendam-Voorburg?
The natural monuments can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and summer offer particularly pleasant experiences. In spring, the extensive rhododendrons at De Horsten Royal Estate are a highlight, and the gardens of Park Vreugd en Rust are vibrant with flowering plants. Summer allows for full enjoyment of outdoor activities and teahouse terraces. Some areas, like De Horsten, have specific opening hours that vary between April-October and October-April.
Is parking available at the natural monuments?
Parking is generally available at or near the natural monuments. For example, at De Horsten Royal Estate, parking is available for a fee, payable via QR codes or online. It's advisable to check specific location details for parking arrangements before your visit.
Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments?
While many outdoor areas are dog-friendly, some natural monuments have restrictions. For instance, dogs are not permitted on the De Horsten Royal Estate. Always check specific regulations for each location you plan to visit.
What kind of wildlife can be observed in these natural areas?
The natural monuments are home to diverse wildlife. At De Horsten Royal Estate, you might spot deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The wetlands of the Vlietlanden Nature Reserve are particularly excellent for birdwatching due to their diverse habitats.
Are there any cafes or amenities near the natural monuments?
Yes, some natural monuments offer amenities. The former hunting lodge at De Horsten Royal Estate now serves as a charming teahouse. Park Vreugd en Rust also houses the Central Park Voorburg hotel-restaurant within its historic estate.
How long should I plan for a visit to a natural monument?
The duration of your visit depends on the specific natural monument and your planned activities. For expansive areas like De Horsten Royal Estate or the Vlietlanden Nature Reserve, you could easily spend several hours exploring the walking routes. Smaller parks like Park Vreugd en Rust might be enjoyed in 1-2 hours, while a quick stop at a viewpoint like Seringeberg Lookout might be shorter.
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