The Arboretum Dreijen ("Het Depot")

Nestled in the charming city of Wageningen is a true gem of landscape design—Arboretum De Dreijen. Founded in 1895, this historic botanical garden is now part of the Het Depot cultural complex. The Netherlands takes great pride in this site, which was designed by the renowned architect Leonard Springer, who drew inspiration from the aesthetics of English gardens.

Arboretum Dreijen. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main feature of the arboretum is its unique tree collection, many of which were planted more than a century ago. Walking along the winding paths, you will encounter a majestic giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron), planted in 1896, and rare species of pines in the historic pinetum. The garden is divided into themed zones: there is a picturesque rock garden with a pond, delicate hydrangea borders, and extensive collections of peonies and hostas.

Today, Arboretum De Dreijen is not just a scientific site, but a space for contemplation and relaxation. Thanks to its high rating and meticulous care, it attracts both professional botanists and tourists looking to enjoy the atmosphere of old Europe and natural tranquility in the heart of this academic city.

For more details about your visit or to book a tour, you can use the official contact information for Arboretum De Dreijen:

The main activity at Arboretum De Dreijen is taking mindful walks. You can follow the paths that wind between ancient trees and discover rare plants from the National Collection of the Netherlands. Be sure to visit the pinetum to see century-old conifers and find the rock garden with its pond, which is particularly picturesque during the warmer months.

For a deeper dive into botany, you can sign up for a tour with an experienced gardener. The masters who have worked here for decades will share fascinating stories about how saplings from the late 19th century grew into forest giants. Art and film lovers should visit the main Het Depot building, where a documentary about Wageningen's gardens is shown, offering a bird's-eye view of the arboretum across different seasons.

The site is perfect for photography and creative inspiration. Scenic clusters of wisteria, lush hydrangeas, and the contrast between Springer’s original plantings and the newer 2013 expansions provide countless beautiful angles. This is a place of silence, where it’s pleasant to simply sit on a bench with a book, breathing in the scents of the blooming garden.

Arboretum De Dreijen is conveniently located at Generaal Foulkesweg 41. If you are in the city center, the garden is easily reachable on foot or by bicycle—the journey is only about 2–3 kilometers, allowing you to enjoy the city's charming streets along the way.

For those who prefer public transport, buses No. 84 or 88 run regularly from the Ede-Wageningen railway station. The trip takes about 5–10 minutes; you should get off at the stop located near Generaal Foulkesweg. You can also take a local taxi from anywhere in the city center.

Travelers arriving by car should take the A12 highway to the Wageningen exit and then follow the signs to Generaal Foulkesweg. Parking for visitors is available next to the Het Depot museum and park complex.

The history of this green oasis began in 1895 when it was established as a teaching garden for students of the National Agricultural School (Rijkslandbouwschool). The project was designed by the prominent landscape architect Leonard Springer. He personally oversaw the initial plantings, aiming to create a space that was both scientifically valuable and aesthetically flawless.

In 1913, the territory was expanded: the northern part of the garden took on strict geometric shapes, and collections of Ericaceous and wetland plants were added. Notably, Arboretum De Dreijen managed to survive World War II. Although some trees were damaged by bombings, the collection was restored thanks to generous donations from other botanical gardens.

For a long time, the garden served as a scientific research site for Wageningen University, but in 2009, management was transferred to the Het Depot gallery. Today, the site is recognized as one of Springer's few remaining projects where a scientific approach to dendrology harmoniously blends with classic landscape architecture. In memory of the prominent scientists who worked here, a bronze bust of Ritzema Bos was installed in the garden in 1924.

To leisurely stroll along the winding paths and see the main plant collections, most visitors need about 1 to 2 hours. This is enough time to enjoy the peace, take beautiful photos, and see the famous giant sequoia.

If you plan to visit the Het Depot gallery, watch the documentary on the history of the gardens, or book a detailed guided tour, we recommend setting aside half a day. This will allow you to explore rare plant species and learn interesting facts about dendrology without rushing.

Arboretum De Dreijen is typically open to visitors daily from 10:00 to 17:00. This allows you to plan your visit on both weekdays and weekends to enjoy a walk during daylight hours.

Please note that advanced booking is required for organized tours. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website of the complex to confirm any potential changes to the opening hours due to holidays or private events.

Exploring the surroundings of the arboretum will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and learn more about its history. Wageningen is famous for its memorials and picturesque natural landscapes, which are within walking distance of the garden.

You can walk to the historic ramparts or visit monuments dedicated to the country's liberation, making your route more rich and interesting. Below is a list of interesting sites nearby: