Route at a glance
- Start at Hooigracht, about fifteen minutes on foot from Leiden Centraal.
- Distance: roughly 3 kilometres, ending near Doezastraat and Rapenburg.
- Duration: 90 to 120 minutes, depending on open gates.
- Visit in daytime and skip any courtyard with a closed gate.
- Cobbles, thresholds and narrow gates limit accessibility.
From Hooigracht to Jean Pesijnhof
Start at Sint Anna Aalmoeshuis on Hooigracht, one of Leiden's oldest hofjes. Only enter when the gate is open and the courtyard is quiet. Walk via Hooglandse Kerkgracht and De Burcht towards the Pieters district.
Jean Pesijnhof is in Kloksteeg. English religious refugees associated with the Pilgrims lived in this area before some sailed to America. The courtyard remains residential, so keep entrances clear.
Via the Pieters district to Rapenburg
Continue past Pieterskerk, Gerecht and Rapenburg towards the southern centre. Small hofjes sit behind discreet gates, but access changes from day to day. Treat this as a city walk with possible courtyard stops, not a guarantee that every site is open.
Finish near Doezastraat and return via Van der Werfpark and Nieuwe Rijn.
Courtyard etiquette
- Speak quietly and visit in a small group.
- Photograph architecture, not residents, windows or interiors.
- Do not touch doors, plants, furniture or personal property.
- Always follow residents' requests immediately.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the hofjes walk take?
- Roughly three kilometres and 90 minutes to two hours.
- Are all hofjes freely accessible?
- No. They are residential and access varies; only enter through an open gate.
- Is the route wheelchair accessible?
- Most streets are level, but cobbles, thresholds and narrow gates create obstacles.