A season of culture, canals and sunshine
Embrace the endless days of summer in the Leiden region, where vibrant culture meetsnatural beauty. Dive into a wide array of activities and events in the city and its surroundings. Water sports enthusiasts can spend a summer day on Leiden’s canals by renting a boat, going SUP-boarding, and more. Nature lovers can visit the Hortus botanicus in Leiden and Leidsehout park. Don’t miss out on the stunning beaches of the North Sea, including those in Wassenaar, Katwijk, and Noordwijk, which are just a few kilometres away and easily accessible by cycling or public transport. Your perfect summer adventure awaits!
Lakes in the Zoeterwoude Area
The area of Zoeterwoude is fantastic during the summer. Here, you can find lakes that are splendid for relaxingand swimming. One of the most notorious lakes is Zoetermeerse Plas, which is 14 minutes by bike from Zoeterwoude and has many forests surrounding it, making it perfect to stay in the shade during a warm summer day. Zoetermeerse plas is also home to a beach stretching over 1 km, with two restaurants in the area.
Another excellent recommendation is Vlietland, which is known for its water activities such as canoening, sailing, and jet skiing. Vlietland also has a forest and enough greenery to lie down andenjoy the view of the lake.You can also find Lake De Plas, which is across Zoetermeerse plas. De Plas isfurther into the countryside and is nearBoerderij' tGeertje, a farm where you can enjoybreakfast or lunch and visit animals, offering a perfect opportunity for aday out in peace.
Read more about Zoeterwoude
Summer Activities - Discover the blossoming beauty of the region through its scenic flower fields and canals
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Hup Holland Hup - European Championship Soccer 2024
Hup Holland Hup - European Championship Soccer 2024
Cheer on your favourite team and experience the excitement of the European Championship soccer matches this summer in Leiden! From the 14th of June until the 14th of July, fans gather to watch the games at local pubs like the Duke of Oz and outdoor screenings. If you support the Dutch national team, don't forget to dress in orange!
Find more information here
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Lakenfeesten
Lakenfeesten
Visit one of Leiden's most exciting festivals, the Lakenfeesten, from28th–30th of June. During this week, many thrilling activities will be organised, ranging from a beer and wine festival to a wonderful concert, so join in the fun!
Find more information here
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Summer Party: Memories
Summer Party: Memories
Get ready for the International Summer Partyon 5 July. A great moment to dance along some great hits featuringtech house, reggeatonandhip hop!Meetnew people and experience an unforgettable moment during a night loaded with fun!
Find more information here
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The Urban Trail Series
The Urban Trail Series
Lace up your shoes for the Urban Trail Series on 7 July. This event is destined to make your experience memorable by including running destinations across unique spots.
Find more information here
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Leiden Rembrandt Days
Leiden Rembrandt Days
Experience 17th-century Leiden during Rembrandt Days on 13-14 July . Witness many actors in outfits from that time, as well as props and materials highlighting the significance Rembrandt holds in Leiden. Don't miss out!
Find more information here
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Horse Days: Voorschoten
Horse Days: Voorschoten
The annual Voorschoten Horse Days is set to return on26, 27, and 28 July. A wonderful event featuring many horse activities attractingpeople from all over the country.
Find more information here
Water Activities
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The Leiden region features extensive waterways, including 28 kilometres of canals in its historic city centre and nearby lakes. With Leiden close to the North Sea, it's also a great opportunity to spend plenty of time at nearby beaches with the coasts of Wassenaar and Katwijk spanning over ten kilometres, offering more than 20 beach restaurants and 100 beach cabins for a delightful seaside experience.
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Water sports enthusiasts will find Vlietland’s WaterSports Centre near Leiden ideal, with activities such as sailing and climbing available. Also, outdoor pool De Vliet in Leiden features a 50m lane and water slide, a perfect summer spot.
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Klinkenbergerplas lake in Oegstgeest is an excellent choice for lake swimming. This area is ideal for jogging, walking, and enjoying nature. It’s also monitored by the Central Holland Environmental Service for water safety and blue-green algae.
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Vadedo Beach is also a good spot to visit if you are in Leiderdorp. It's the only beach in the village and has a great view of the polder andseveral windmills. The water quality at VadedoBeach is known to be excellent, having received a maximum of three stars from the Water Index.
August Meet&Mingle Special Summer Edition
Ready to experience Leiden from a new perspective? Partnering with OpStep, we invite you to join a delightful city centre tour on kickbikes.Join us for a special summer edition of our Meet&Mingle in the Leiden region!
Hop on and follow your guide as we explore the rich history and local traditions of Leiden. It's not just about discovering the city, it's also a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow internationals. Along the way, we'll take a well-deserved break at a local pub for Dutch snacks and drinks. Don't miss out on this chance to connect and enjoy summer time in Leiden!
Outdoor Activities
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Leiden's Hortus Botanicus is the oldest botanic garden in the Netherlands, with some sections dating back to 1590. The gardens feature exotic plants from all over the world, and you can also learn more about the rich history of the gardens themselves.
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The Leidse Hout Park is perfect for enjoying nature, playing sports, and walking through the greenery. Here, it is possible to listen to concerts at Waterlelie bandstand, visit the Open Air theatre, and explore the deer park and small children's playground. The park also features a Tea House and a centre for Yoga and Mindfulness.
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The park offers a beautiful, historic landscape and unique nature, but these are under threat. The groen Cronestyn Foundation works to preserve the godwit population, protect special plants in the swamp garden, maintain clean water, and ensure the park remains a beautiful, open space for everyone to enjoy.
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The Klinkenbergerplas offers something for everyone, from recreationists and swimmers in the summer to runners, walkers, and nature enthusiasts year-round.
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With summer approaching, it's a great time to explore the iconic Windmills in Leiden that are worth a visit due to their fascinating background.
Read more
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Leiden has plenty of cycling routes that will take you around beautiful scenery from the countryside to the coast and more, you can make a list of trips to take to see more of the region.
Read more
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Leiden offers numerous walking routes that pass by gables, streets, alleyways, and almshouse courtyards, each with its own unique story. Explore lakes, polders, dunes and sandy beaches, as well as historic country houses.
Read more
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Join the Kagerzoom parkrun for free and fun. It’s a friendly weekly 5km event organised by and for the local community. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer, or simply cheer on the runners from the sidelines.
More Events Happening in the Leiden Region
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Tribute to Hans Zimmer & Film Favourites Illuminated: Leiden
An immersive tribute to Hans Zimmer and cinema's most iconic music with a live chamber orchestra illuminated by...
Friday 13 September
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Leidse Hout Nature Connection
Leidse Hout Nature Connection
Join Kimberly from Wildwood Wisdom for a peaceful walk through Leidse Hout - the foresty area of Leiden to re-connect...
monthly
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Housing Walk-in with RE/MAX
Housing Walk-in with RE/MAX
Looking to rent or buy a new house? Struggling to navigate the Dutch housing market?
Wednesday 3 July
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Fort Vechten
Fort Vechten
The National Museum of Antiquities has been involved in archaeological research in Vechten for almost two hundred...
until 31 October
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Video Appointments With the Helpdesk
Video Appointments With the Helpdesk
Have some questions and wish to talk to a member of our Helpdesk? Book a video call appointment.
until 27 January 2025
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Reading to Kids in Portugese
Reading to Kids in Portugese
The BplusC library offers free reading sessions to kids in Portuguese, this occurs every 1st Saturday of the month...
monthly
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Dutch Classes for Children Information Session
Dutch Classes for Children Information Session
Your children are starting school but don't speak Dutch? Learn more about International Language Classes (ITK)!
weekly
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Ceramic Workshops
Ceramic Workshops
In her ceramic workshop series, professional ceramic artist Ipek Kotan will be teaching wheel-throwing, hand-building...
until 5 October
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Helpdesk for Internationals
Helpdesk for Internationals
Have a question about being an international in Leiden? Our helpdesk is available to give free help and advice...
until 1 January 2025
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Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night
Grand Café de Burcht - Quiz Night
Every Tuesday is quiz night at Grand Café de Burcht
weekly
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Activities for kids in Mileu Educatief Centrum Leiderdorp
Activities for kids in Mileu Educatief Centrum Leiderdorp
The Milieu Educatief Centrum in Leiderdorp organises activities for kids every Wednesday afternoon.
weekly
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Three Days of Summer Tango in Holland
Three Days of Summer Tango in Holland
Join and experience three days of tango in Leiden, one of Holland’s most beautiful and cozy cities.
26 until 28 July
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To Breathe: Leiden Kimsooja
To Breathe: Leiden Kimsooja
On the Oude Vest, the Lucas van Leyden Fund is realizing the public artwork To Breathe: Leiden by Kimsooja, winner...
until 18 November
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Market in Zoeterwoude
Market in Zoeterwoude
Every Thursday afternoon, there is a small-scale weekly market in Zoeterwoude.
weekly
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Horse Days Voorschoten
Horse Days Voorschoten
The traditional Voorschotense Horse Days are on July 26, 27 and 28! People from all over the country come to this...
26 until 28 July
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Climate & Energy Transition - Leiden Migrant Support Desk
Leids Steunloket Migranten and Solid Sustainability invite you to come and talk about the climate crisis and the...
Friday 5 July
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International Summer Party
International Summer Party
After last year's great success, our International Summer Party is back this year in COC De Kroon.
Friday 5 July
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Workshop Japanese Tea Ceremony
Workshop Japanese Tea Ceremony
This Japanese Tea Ceremony tea workshop is provided by Naoko Oba. Naoko has years of experience as a tea master...
27 July, 24 August
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Brass Band Festival Voorschoten
Brass Band Festival Voorschoten
A Brass Band Festival, also known as a "Dweilorkestenfestival" in Dutch, will take place in the centre of Voorschoten....
Saturday 29 June
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Brave New World Conference
Brave New World Conference
BRAVE NEW WORLD is an annual Art & Science conference for people who want to know what the future holds in store...
12 and 13 September
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July Buzz Business Networking Meet Up
July Buzz Business Networking Meet Up
Small business owner? Freelancer? Sole trader? Do you like to get to know people, build relationships, connections,...
Tuesday 9 July
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Market in Voorschoten
Market in Voorschoten
Those who visit Voorschoten will certainly notice the joyous atmosphere that is almost tangible in the town centre...
weekly
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Open Day Leiden Bio Science Park
Open Day Leiden Bio Science Park
Have you ever wondered what goes on in the buildings of the Leiden Bio Science Park? This Open Day offers you an...
Saturday 29 June
Discover What Else There is To Do
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Hobbies and Activities
Hobbies and Activities
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Discover the Leiden Region
Discover the Leiden Region
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Discover the Leiden Region by Foot
Discover the Leiden Region by Foot
