In the mid-nineteenth century, Leeuwarden could be described as one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands. At the time, the historic city centre was almost entirely surrounded by an attractive green belt, with the Prinsentuin as its crowning glory in the middle of the northern section.
Much has changed since then. In the past, most parks and gardens were only open during the day. Fences, walls or ditches separated them from their surroundings, and the gates were locked at night. In 1819, King William I transferred the Prinsentuin to the city, expressing his wish that the garden should become a place where all residents could go for a walk.
Sadly, many old trees have also disappeared as a result of urban development and disease. Today, most of the greenery in the city centre can be found in its northern part, although there are also interesting green spaces to discover elsewhere in Leeuwarden.
Organised by Leeuwarden Tour in collaboration with Historisch Centrum Leeuwarden.
