What you will see
The great dome with its Repsold refractor, the meridian rooms, antique star charts and measuring instruments, and the story of astronomers such as Kapteyn, De Sitter and Hertzsprung. On a guided tour the dome is cranked open — impressive mechanical craftsmanship.
Good to know
The observatory is at Sterrenwachtlaan 11, on the university grounds next to the Hortus. Guided tours and dome visits run in groups, so book online, allow about an hour and note the steep stairs up to the dome.
- The observatory shares the university grounds with the Hortus botanicus, so the two combine easily.
- Tours and dome visits run in groups; book online and check current times.
- Allow about an hour, a little longer with a guided tour.
- Steep stairs lead up to the dome; less suitable for visitors with limited mobility.
Location, opening hours & tickets
Address
Oude Sterrewacht LeidenSterrenwachtlaan 11
2311 GW Leiden
16-minute walk from Leiden Centraal, next to the Hortus botanicus
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 11:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00–17:00 |
Admission
Museumkaart not accepted
Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the observatory part of the Hortus botanicus?
- The Old Observatory stands on the same university grounds, right beside the Hortus botanicus on Rapenburg. Many visitors do both in one afternoon; check whether a combined ticket is available when you go.
- Can you actually look through a telescope?
- At special observing evenings and on some tours, yes, weather permitting. The historic telescopes themselves are mainly on display as museum pieces.
- What are the opening hours of Oude Sterrewacht Leiden?
- Oude Sterrewacht Leiden is open on Sat–Sun 11:00–17:00. Closed on Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. Hours are indicative; check the official website around public holidays.
- How much is a ticket for Oude Sterrewacht Leiden?
- No fixed admission price is listed for Oude Sterrewacht Leiden; check the official website for current rates. The Museumkaart is not valid here.
- Can you buy tickets for Oude Sterrewacht Leiden online?
- Tickets for Oude Sterrewacht Leiden 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 Oude Sterrewacht Leiden?
- Oude Sterrewacht Leiden is a 16-minute walk from Leiden Centraal, next to the Hortus botanicus. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
- When is Oude Sterrewacht Leiden least busy?
- Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at Oude Sterrewacht Leiden. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.