Botanische Tuin De Kruidhof

About the museum

The garden in Buitenpost was created in 1930 as an experimental garden for vegetables and fruit. After the Second World War, from 1946 the University of Groningen helped set up a herb section, which still defines the character of the garden today. Since the late 1970s the grounds have belonged to the municipality of Achtkarspelen.

On just under four hectares grow more than 2,000 plant species, including around 1,500 herbs. By its own account the garden has the largest collection of medicinal herbs among the botanical gardens of Western Europe. Themed areas include medicinal and culinary herbs, a rose garden, a monastery garden, fruit trees, a butterfly garden, a fern collection and biblical plants.

The grounds also include the IJstijdenmuseum. It shows how the last two Ice Ages shaped the landscape of the northern Netherlands, with erratic boulders, fossils, minerals and stone tools from Neanderthals to the Iron Age. The museum has been recognised as an archaeological base since 2008 and registered as a museum since 2013. One admission ticket covers the garden and the museum.

Highlights

• Largest collection of medicinal herbs among Western Europe's botanical gardens
• Around 2,000 plant species on just under four hectares
• Themed gardens, including rose garden, monastery garden and butterfly garden
• IJstijdenmuseum with fossils, erratic boulders and stone tools
• Sunday garden tour and free treasure hunt for children

Permanent exhibition

• IJstijdenmuseum – Shows how the last two Ice Ages shaped the north of the Netherlands, with erratic boulders, fossils, minerals and stone tools from the Neanderthals to the Iron Age.

Founded

1930

Admission & discounts

Free admission with the Museumkaart. The admission ticket also covers the IJstijdenmuseum. For season ticket prices see Other tickets.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

There is a wheelchair route through the garden. Wheelchairs and walkers can be borrowed free of charge (reservation recommended). Disabled parking at the main entrance for holders of a parking permit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Playground / play area

Free treasure hunt with a small reward, an activity programme for children and a nature playground.

Getting there & parking

Satnav address for visitors with a disabled parking permit: Schoolstraat 29b, Buitenpost.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Gift shop and plant sales, accessible without admission outside event days. According to its website, the garden restaurant "De Eettuin" was most recently closed.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit