The Utrecht Open Garden Day: June 28, 2025
Attention:
Online sales of passe-partouts have now closed. Passe-partouts are also no longer available at the tourist office (VVV).Only during the Open Garden Day, a limited number of passe-partouts will still be available at the points of sale (Nicolaikerk, Karel V and the VVV). Reservation is not possible.
After thirteen succesful editions, Saturday the 28th of June sees the fourteenth 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. Returning to the programme this year are the gardens behind the 16th-century building at Oudegracht 296 and the former mayor’s residence at Nieuwegracht 43. New for 2025 is the large courtyard garden behind the Rabo building. Conveniently located near Utrecht Central Station and connected directly to the city centre via the new pedestrian and cycle bridge, it’s an ideal starting point for visitors arriving by train.
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. Passes are available at VVV Utrecht (Tourist Information) at Domplein 9-10 or via the Tourist Information webshop.
Utrecht Open Garden Day passes to all of the participating gardens are olso available at € 15,00 per person on the day itself at
– 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.