Welcome to Leiden!
Welcome to Leiden! We are proud to be the host city of the Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists in 2027.
Leiden is a city where knowledge, culture and discovery are deeply rooted in its identity. Situated at a historic crossroads of waterways, trade routes and ideas, Leiden has attracted explorers, artists, scholars and scientists for centuries. Famous for its university, museums, canals and hidden courtyards, the city offers a unique blend of history and innovation.
The spirit of discovery that shaped Leiden during the Dutch Golden Age continues to define the city today. From Rembrandt van Rijn, who was born here, to pioneering scientists such as Albert Einstein, Leiden has long been a place where curiosity and new ideas flourish. Its historic streets, waterways and monuments form the backdrop to centuries of scientific and cultural achievements.
We look forward to welcoming you to Leiden and hope you enjoy everything our city and region have to offer during EAA 2027.
Connecting Worlds
In 2027, Leiden will host the Annual Meeting of the European Association of Archaeologists under the theme Connecting Worlds. Inspired by the Dutch delta landscape, where people have lived, worked and adapted to land and water for thousands of years, this theme explores the many ways in which connections have shaped societies throughout history.
Located on an ancient branch of the River Rhine and close to the North Sea, Leiden and its ergion provide the perfect setting for this conversation. From the Roman frontier and maritime networks to transformed landscapes and shared heritage, the Dutch archaeological record reveals how people, places and ideas have always been connected across boundaries.
The theme invites participants to reflect on connections between communities, landscapes, objects, environments and knowledge systems, while also exploring how archaeology can contribute to contemporary challenges and future development. A series of subthemes further explores topics such as landscape transformation, maritime cultures, material worlds, sustainability, heritage participation, and diversity and inclusion within the archaeological discpline.
Discover the full theme and subthemes on the official EAA 2027 website
Archaeology in Leiden
Few cities are as closely connected to archaeology as Leiden. For more than two centuries, the city has played a leading role in archaeological research, education and heritage management.
In 1818, Caspar Reuvens was appointed as the world´s first academic professor in archaeology at Leiden University. His appointment marked the beginning of academic archaeology as an independent discipline and laid the foundation for Leiden´s international reputation in the field.
The same year saw the establishment of what would become the National Museum of Antiquities. Since then, the museum has grown into one of Europe's most important archaeological museums, housing collections from Ancient Egypt, the Classical World, the Near East and the Netherlands. Together, the university and museum have helped position Leiden as a centre for archaeological knowledge and discovery.
Today, archaeology remains at the heart of the city. Researchers, students and heritage professionals from around the world come to Leiden to study the past and explore how archaeologyh can help address contemporary and future challenges.
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The Department of World Archaeology studies past societies across different periods and regions, from human origins to the Middle Ages, and from Europe and the Mediterranean to Asia, Africa and the Americas. Research focuses on themes such as adaption, resilience, continuity and social transformation.
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The Department of Archaeological Sciences explores the scientific dimensions of archaeology through state-of-the-art laboratory research and anlytical methods.
Key research areas include: Bioarchaeology, Geoarchaeology, Isotope Archaeology, Archaeobotany, Archaeozoology, Human Osteology, Material Culture Studies, and Digital Archaeology
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This department focuses on the relationship between heritage, communities and contemporary society. Research explores how archaeology and heritage can contribute to public engagement, cultural identity, spatial development and the quality of life in present and future societies.
Discover Leiden
Leiden is a city where archaeology, history, science and culture come together.
Leiden University attracted some of history's most influential scientists, including Einstein, Kamerlingh Onnes, De Sitter and Ehrenfest. Their spirit of curiousity and discovery helped shape the city and contributed to the development of Leiden's remarkable museum landscape.
Today, Leiden is home to thirteen museums, including four national museums. Nowhere else in the Netherladns you will find such a diverse range of museums within walking distance of one another. From archaeology and natural history to art, science and ethnology, Leiden offers endless opportunities to discover something new.
A region full of discoveries
Leiden is located in the heart of a region shaped by centuries of interaction between people, land and water.
From the Roman Frontier and historic waterways to the dunes and beaches of the North Sea coast, the surrounding landscape tells the story behind EAA 2027 theme Connecting Worlds. The region offers a unique combination of archaeology, heritage, nature and culture, all within easy reach of the city.
Visitors can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic towns, maritime landscapes and centuries/old cultural connections that continue to influence life in the Dutch delta today.
Getting to Leiden
The Netherlands is widely recognized as one of Europe's most accessible destinations, and Leiden benefits from a particularly strategic location. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is only 15 minutes away by train, while Leiden Central Station offers direct connnections to major Dutch cities and international rail services linking the Netherlands with Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom. Located between the A4 and A44 motorways, Leiden is also easily accessible by car from Europe.
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A compact city centre
Leiden´s compact size is one of its greatest strengths. Most hostels, conference venues, museums, restaurants and attractions are located within walking distance of one another. Getting around is easy on foot or by bicycle, allowing visitors to fully experience the city´s historic character.
The city also offers an extensive public transport network, fully electric buses and ample parking facilities around the city centre.
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By train
Travelling by train is one of the easiest ways to reach Leiden. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and The Hague are just 15 minutes away, while Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht can all be reached within 45 minutes. Once in Leiden, nearly all major venues, hotel and attractions are within walking distance.
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By car
Leiden is conveniently located between A4 and A44 motorways and can easily be reached from across the Netherlands and neighboring countries. More than 3,000 parking spaces are available in parking garages and parking facilities surrounding the historic city centre.
Why not extend your stay?
Leiden offers far more than can be experienced in just a few days. From world-class museums and historic city walks to canal cruises, vibrant cafés and charming shopping streets, there is always more to discover. The city and its surrounding region invite visitors to slow down, explore and experience Dutch culture at their own pace.
With so much to see and do, you'll soon find yourself wanting to stay a little longer. Make your visit complete with an overnight stay in one of Leiden's hotels, boutique accommodations or cosy bed and breakfasts. After a day of learning, networking and discovery, there is no better way to unwind than by enjoying the hospitality of the Key to Discovery.
Explore accommodation options in Leiden
Must see for EAA delegates
Make the most of your visit to Leiden by exploring some of the city's archaeological, cultural and scientific highlights.
Discover one of Europe's leading archaeological museums, featuring world-renowned collections from Ancient Egypt, the Classical World, the Near East and the Netherlands. As the birthplace of archaeology as an academic discipline, Leiden and its National Museum of Antiquities have been connected for more than two centuries.
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands and home to one of Europe´s leading Faculties of Archaeology. Walk through the historic academy quarter where generations of scholars have studied, taught and made groundbreaking discoveries.
Explore the story of the Lower German Limes, the northern frontier of the Roman Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Several locations in and around Leiden reveal how this frontier connected communities, cultures and landscapes across Europe.
Established in 1590, the Hortus botanicus Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands. A place where science, exploration and discovery continue to flourish, it offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Experience the history of science and innovation at the Netherlands´ national museum for history of science and medicine, National Museum Boerhaave. Discover the stories behind groundbreaking inventions and world-changing discoveries.
Leiden's 28 kilometres of canals offer a unique perspective on the city. A canal cruise is one of the best ways to experience its historic architecture, waterways and hidden corners.
Step beyond the main streets and discover Leiden's famous courtyards, narrow alleys and centuries-old buildings. These hidden gems provide a glimpse into daily life in the city throughout the ages.
Stay an extra day and combine your conference visiti with a museum visit, a Roman heritage excursion, a canal cruise or a journey through the wider Dutch delta landscape. In Leiden, the story of Connecting Worlds can be experienced both inside and outside the conference programme.
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Our tips for Leiden
Our tips for Leiden
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Tourist Information Office
Tourist Information Office
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Accessibility
Accessibility
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Where to eat and drink?
Where to eat and drink?
