The Utrecht Open Garden Day: June 27, 2026
After fourteen succesful editions, Saturday the 27th of June sees the fifteenth edition of the Open Garden Day Utrecht. Utrecht’s best-kept secrets are hidden behind the façades and gates of the city centre: oases of tranquillity, green and (garden) architecture. During this event, more than 50 fascinating private and municipal gardens will open their doors to the public, in addition to some gardens owned by other institutions. The Utrecht Open Garden Day provides those interested with the wonderful once-only opportunity to see special gardens which are closed the rest of the year.
The Gardens
Behind the historic walls of the Utrecht city centre are beautiful gardens which normally remain hidden. Each garden that will open its doors on the Utrecht Open Garden Day has its own very distinct character. With a wide variety in design, some gardens have special sculptures and most provide a wonderful view of the surrounding buildings. In addition to private gardens, the programme includes quadrangles of medieval churches, inner courtyards of museums and almshouses and many more locations of historic interest, for example the cathedral’s (Dom Church) Pandhof and the formal garden with its long pond behind the house at Zuilenstraat 5.
Several new gardens will take part in the event this year, including a secluded city garden on Jacobsgasthuissteeg featuring a wall made from reclaimed monastery bricks. Alongside familiar favourites like Zuylenspiegel and the splendid gardens at the Maliebaan, a number of gardens are returning after several years’ absence, including the garden at Achter Sint Pieter 9. The Rabobank garden, which took part for the first time last year, will be open to visitors again this year
A wonderful summer day excursion
The Utrecht Open Garden Day is a full-day excursion; the numerous Utrecht places of interest are all within walking distance from each other, and the programme includes various restaurants and cafés with a garden. The Utrecht Open Garden Day is a surprising experience in the historic city centre.
Pass
The programme includes a description of locations and a map with walking routes. Utrecht Open Garden Day passes to all the participating gardens are available at € 15,00 per person at VVV Utrecht (Tourist Information) at Domplein 9-10 or via the Tourist Information webshop.
The starting points of the three walking routes are:
– The VVV (Tourist Information) Utrecht, Domsquare 9-10
– The Nicolai Church, Nicolaaskerkhof 10
– Grand Hotel Karel V, entrance via the Springweg (opposite to Springhaver theatre)
Please keep in mind that some gardens are either inaccessible or not easily accessible for those in wheelchairs. Because of the gardens’ fragility, dogs are not welcome.