Najaar in de Streek
Leiden, Katwijk, Wassenaar, Voorschoten, Oegstgeest and Warmond
This autumn, enjoy everything your own region has to offer! Visit a neighboring town. There are so many surprising things to see and do. For example, the sea is perfect for surfing lessons in October, you can discover dinosaurs at Duinrell, and go on fantastic shopping trips in Leiden. Be sure to visit one of the 28 museums!
Culinary delights
Katwijk is gaining international recognition: Beachclub “Zomers” and seaside restaurant “Het Strand” have once again won the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025. They’re the perfect spots to relax and unwind after a refreshing day by the sea.
For a great dinner, Leiden is the place to be. This autumn, drop by Einstein and enjoy a delicious three-course menu. Create your own menu by choosing your favorite starter, main course, and dessert from the selection. Or visit Café Visscher. It’s no wonder Michelin awarded this “luxury brasserie” a Bib Gourmand for its excellent value for money.
For coffee or tea with cake, breakfast, lunch, or brunch surrounded by greenery, head to Theepaviljoen De Horsten in Wassenaar. They also serve delightful high teas.
Culinary tips
Cultural tips - Out and about in September and October
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13 museums in Leiden
13 museums in Leiden
This autumn, visit a variety of exhibitions in Leiden, such as In the Spell of GOLD, Discovering Ancient Egypt, or Masterful Mystery.
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Louwman Museum
Louwman Museum
At the Louwman Museum, admire the fascinating history of the automobile industry. The museum now welcomes one of the most unusual vehicles in automotive history: the 1921 Leyat Hélica 2H Conduite Intérieure.
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Katwijks Museum
Katwijks Museum
The Katwijk Museum presents "Artist villages Muse with six faces" showcasing historical and modern depictions of six artist villages. Works by artists such as Van Goyen, Israëls, and Toorop are on display.
Out and about with kids!
The Kastanjerrr Theater Festival is a fun and lively event for primary school children. Enjoy performances, workshops, and plenty of side activities. Take part in a musical workshop, or marvel at Carnaval der Dieren as it comes to life!
The life-sized dinosaurs have taken over Duinrell! Come face to face with more than 25 giant dinos during the Dino Discovery, race past a T-Rex on the roller coaster, follow the dino treasure hunt, or become a real Dino Ranger and track them all down.
Surprise your kids this autumn break with a unique Virtual Reality experience in Leiden, or visit the spectacular Young Rembrandt Studio. On sunny days, head to the Nature Playground in Voorschoten or the Monkey Forest! Check out all the playgrounds in the region here.
More tips
Surprising shopping
Treat yourself to a day in Leiden. A day of tasting, shopping, and exploring! Wander through charming alleys filled with boutique shops, cozy lunch cafés, and 13 museums. Turn your shopping trip into a full day out! On Wednesdays and Saturdays, visit the centuries-old Leiden Market and sample delicious local products.
Shopping by the sea? Then head to Katwijk and enjoy lunch at a beach pavilion!
In the region, there are also several weekly markets: every Tuesday in Wassenaar and Oegstgeest, and on Fridays in Voorschoten. Other great tips include the Puur Natuur Markt (Pure Nature Market) in Wassenaar and the Autumn Fair at Oud Poelgeest Estate.
Beach and dunes
Sometimes you forget how surprisingly close the dunes and the sea are.
Discover the Waterloop walking trail in Katwijk, visit the bunkers in Wassenaar, and enjoy a walk around the Oud Poelgeest estate.
Are you a cycling enthusiast? Follow the Dune and Sea Route from Leiden to Wassenaar, then continue through the dunes to Katwijk and Oegstgeest. You can purchase the route at VVV Leiden or view it online.
Active
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy water sports! Take a surfing lesson at GearFreak Surf School at Lake Valkenburg, or learn to raft at Surf School Katwijk.
Prefer to stay active on land? The region offers plenty of walking and cycling routes, such as the Estate Walk in Voorschoten or the Trekvaart cycling route.
All walking and cycling routes
Autumn holiday tips
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Exhibition Artists Villages: muse with Six Faces
Exhibition Artists Villages: muse with Six Faces
until 18 January 2026
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Let yourself be surprised, get out and explore!
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Travel blogs about the Region
Travel blogs about the Region
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Nature
Nature
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Water and boating
Water and boating
