Why it is worth the climb
- A ring wall from the 11th century on a mound that is older still.
- A 360-degree view over the Hooglandse Kerk, the Pieterskerk and De Valk.
- Free entry, open from early morning until dusk, every day of the year.
- A shaded park at the foot of the hill, perfect for a picnic lunch.
How to find it
The gates are hidden between the houses: the main one is on the Burgsteeg near the Hooglandse Kerkgracht, a second on the Nieuwstraat. Both are easy to walk past, so look for the carved stone lion above the archway.
Combine it with
- The Hooglandse Kerk and the Koornbrugsteeg cafés, two minutes away.
- The Saturday market on the Nieuwe Rijn directly below.
- A canal cruise from the Beestenmarkt or the Blauwpoortsbrug.
Location, opening hours & tickets
Address
De BurchtVan der Sterrepad
2311 TS Leiden
10-minute walk from Leiden Centraal
Opening hours
Freely accessible, day and night
Freely accessible, 24 hours a day. The gates to the mound are open during the day.
Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is a ticket for De Burcht?
- No fixed admission price is listed for De Burcht; check the official website for current rates.
- Can you buy tickets for De Burcht online?
- Tickets for De Burcht are sold at the desk or via the official website. Our tickets page does offer combination tickets for other Leiden attractions.
- How do I get to De Burcht?
- De Burcht is a 10-minute walk from Leiden Centraal. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
- When is De Burcht least busy?
- Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at De Burcht. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.