HAPPENING October–November 2024 | Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum offers an autumn full of engaging activities, from guided walks and wildlife excursions to special events like a tree-planting day and a newly launched audio tour for visitors with visual impairments. The garden remains a vibrant green space, showcasing the beauty of nature’s seasonal transitions.
Experience autumn in Rotterdam’s greenest garden
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum, situated in the Kralingen district, is inviting visitors to explore the beauty of autumn with a series of special activities. As the leaves change to vibrant hues of red and gold, the garden transforms into a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Over the coming months, a range of events will offer unique opportunities to engage with nature and learn more about the local ecosystem.
One of the key attractions is a newly introduced audio tour, designed specifically for blind and visually impaired visitors. The “Feel the Green” tour allows participants to experience the garden through touch, scent, and sound, offering a multisensory exploration of Trompenburg’s diverse plant life.
Wildlife film festival: screening of 'Heggeweer'
In conjunction with the 10th edition of the Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam (WFFR), Trompenburg will host a screening of Heggeweer: de natuur van de boeren. This documentary highlights the efforts of local farmers and nature conservationists to maintain biodiversity through sustainable farming practices. The film, which focuses on building natural hedgerows and creating amphibian habitats, will be shown at Trompenburg’s Flora garden restaurant on 16 October at 17:45. Tickets are priced at €16 per person.
Birdwatching in Trompenburg
For bird enthusiasts, Trompenburg offers an exciting opportunity to discover the garden's diverse avian life. Biologist Tom, known for his birdwatching tours with 'Vogelen met Matties', will guide a birdwatching walk on 29 October. Participants will learn to identify birds not just by sight, but also by recognising their songs. The garden is home to species such as green woodpeckers, goldcrests, and even kingfishers. The walk runs from 10:00 to 11:30, and tickets are available for €25, excluding garden entry.
Autumn walks: exploring the garden’s trees and plants
This autumn, Trompenburg is hosting three guided walks designed to highlight different aspects of the garden.
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Maple Walk: Discover the colourful Japanese maples (Acer palmatum), known for their beautiful fan-shaped crowns and striking autumn colours. Visitors will also learn about the traditional Japanese practice of momijigari – the autumn leaf hunt.
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Wild Foraging Walk: On 30 October, led by forager Gydo van der Wal, visitors can explore the edible plants and mushrooms that flourish in the garden. This walk aims to connect participants with nature and raise awareness of biodiversity.
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Oak Walk: Focusing on the garden’s oak collection, this walk will introduce visitors to both native and exotic species. Special attention will be given to the acorns and oak galls, as well as to varieties such as 'Chimney Fire' and 'Long Regal Prince'. The final walk takes place on 3 November.
Tree-planting day in 'Treevember'
To further promote sustainability and biodiversity, Trompenburg will host a tree-planting day on 24 November, dubbed Treevember. During this event, visitors will have the chance to purchase and plant climate-resistant trees, with advice from local growers. The initiative is part of the garden’s broader mission to support urban greenery and combat the effects of climate change.
A special creation by artist Bart Ensing
Trompenburg by night: illuminated walks
For two nights, the garden will open its doors after dark for Trompenburg by Night. Visitors can explore the illuminated pathways and enjoy light installations, including a special creation by artist Bart Ensing, who has designed an installation for the garden’s majestic Pontic oak. The event will also offer creative activities for all ages, such as lantern-making and light painting, while the Flora restaurant will serve hot drinks by the fire. The garden will be open until 21:00 on these evenings.
Directions to Trompenburg
Trompenburg Gardens & Arboretum is located in Kralingen, just east of Rotterdam’s city centre. It is easily accessible by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby, and parking available for those arriving by car. The garden is a short walk from the Arboretumlaan entrance.
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