Arboretum Trompenburg
Zuid-Holland
Arboretum Trompenburg, located in Rotterdam, Netherlands, is a renowned botanical garden spanning approximately 8 hectares. Established originally in the early 19th century on former marshland, it showcases a rich diversity of woody and herbaceous plants including national collections of conifers, oaks, beeches, rhododendrons, and hostas. The garden's layout combines traditional English-style gardens with modern features such as a developing food forest and a distinctive desert greenhouse housing cacti and succulents. The arboretum is notable for its historical landscape design by prominent garden architects Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher, and for its continuous expansion and cultivation led by the Smith family over generations. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, a garden restaurant, a bird aviary, and a variety of seasonal events tailored for families and nature enthusiasts. The garden plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation and is recognized as a registered museum, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.
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Tip: The best time to visit is spring and early summer when rhododendrons and hostas are in full bloom. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during festivals and special events. The garden offers family-friendly activities such as nature-themed discovery trails and seasonal guided walks. Note that only PIN and credit cards are accepted for payments. Weekends in March and daily visits from April onwards provide optimal access to the garden restaurant and facilities.
Interesting facts
- •Arboretum Trompenburg is situated 4 meters below sea level and uses a canal drainage system to manage water levels.
- •It holds national plant collections of several genera including Quercus (oak), Fagus (beech), Rhododendron, and Hosta.
- •The garden features a desert greenhouse with a unique collection of cacti and succulents.
- •In 1983, the International Dendrology Society awarded Trompenburg the Conservation Plaquette for its contributions to tree conservation.
- •The arboretum recorded over 100,000 visitors in 2024, a historic attendance milestone.
History
The Arboretum Trompenburg originated as a private estate in the early 19th century, around 1820, initially developed as a park on marshy terrain.
The name Trompenburg refers to a historical loan estate linked to Slot Honingen from the 17th century.
The estate was acquired and expanded by James Smith in 1859, who integrated the Trompenburg property and surrounding lands.
Significant landscaping was undertaken around 1870 by garden architects Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher.
The outbreak of Dutch elm disease in 1928 led to the removal of many elms, prompting the establishment of the arboretum’s collection under James van Hoey Smith.
In 1958, the arboretum was opened to the public and managed by a foundation, marking its transition from private to public institution.
Subsequent expansions and modernizations, including a new entrance building in 1996, have solidified its status as a key botanical and cultural site in Rotterdam.
Place Guide
Historic Central Park Area1820
This section includes some of the oldest plantings dating back to the original 1820 layout, featuring mature summer oaks (Quercus robur) and sycamore maples (Acer pseudoplatanus).
West Section Designed by Zochercirca 1870
Designed circa 1870 by Jan David Zocher and Louis Paul Zocher, this area includes a meadow, a creek with bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), giant sequoia (Thuja plicata), and ancient yew trees (Taxus baccata).
Desert Greenhouse (Woestijnkas)Late 20th century
A modern greenhouse housing a diverse collection of cacti and succulents, providing a photogenic and educational environment.
Garden Restaurant Flora1996 (building)
Open from March on weekends and daily from April, this restaurant offers refreshments and meals with a terrace overlooking the gardens, enhancing the visitor experience.
National Plant CollectionsEstablished progressively since mid-20th century
The arboretum holds nationally recognized collections including oaks, beeches, rhododendrons, hostas, and ligustrums, serving as a vital resource for botanical research and conservation.
Contact
Phone: 010 233 0166
