Science route
The Science Route lets you discover the past, present, and future of science in Leiden, the City of Discoveries. The route consists of two parts: a route through the historic city center and a tour of the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest bioscience cluster in the Netherlands.
450 years of science
From the establishment of the Netherlands' first university in 1575 to its appointment as the European City of Science (2022), Leiden has an international reputation as a center of knowledge and innovation.
Follow the two-part route through the city center and Leiden Bio Science Park to learn more about the groundbreaking research and leading discoveries that have taken place in Leiden over the past 450 years.
The Science Route is available for €6.95 at the Leiden Tourist Information Office (VVV).
What will you discover on the Science Route?
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Visit the Old Observatory
The Observatory, founded in 1633, is the oldest university observatory in the world. In 1860, it was moved from the Academy Building to its current location.
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Thanks to scientists Kamelingh Onnes and Hendrik Lorentz, this inner-city laboratory became one of the most advanced in Europe. Famous scientists like Marie Skłodowska-Curie (1867-1934) and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) conducted research here. Today, this building houses the Faculty of Law of Leiden University.
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Visit Naturalis
Did you know that Naturalis is both a museum and an academic research institute? It began with King William I's collection of natural history objects in 1820. Now, Naturalis boasts over 42 million plants, animals, rocks, and fossils.
Scientific discoveries
Since the first university in the Netherlands was founded in 1575, Leiden has been a city where innovation and scientific discovery have flourished. With a prestigious library, botanical garden, observatory, and academic hospital, the university quickly gained a reputation that attracted scholars from across Europe.
Leiden scientists conducted research in a wide range of subjects: from medicine to astrology, physics, mathematics, and animal behavior. Did you know that since 1901, no fewer than 16 Nobel Prize winners have a connection to Leiden?
Curious to discover more?
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Courtyard walk
Courtyard walk
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Leiden museums
Leiden museums
