Special trees in Breda

Groen

Breda has not been awarded the title of National Park City for nothing. In Breda, we focus on more greenery, cherish existing green spaces, and honor our monumental trees and trees with a story. We have listed a number of these special trees that deserve a little extra attention for you.

Ginkgo in the Willem Merkxtuin

Trees often survive major (natural) disasters, such as floods and wildfires. But even the dropping of an atomic bomb does not prevent trees from surviving. After the Hiroshima bombing, several trees regrew in 1946, including an old Ginkgo. The seedlings of this tree have been distributed around the world. Also, in the Willem Merkxtuin in Breda, a seedling of this Ginkgo has been present since 20 March 2025. This tree symbolizes peace and offers hope and comfort in difficult times.

Poort Catherinastraat 24-26 and St. Annastraat

Hanging trumpet tree in Wilhelminapark

This is one of the most well-known trees among residents of the city. This trumpet tree is located in Wilhelminapark and is so old that it hangs completely over the pond. For several years now, it has even been supported by pillars. At one point, people wanted to cut down the tree, but legend has it that Queen Wilhelmina personally put a stop to it. That’s a good thing because this tree has now become the eye-catcher of Wilhelminapark.

Wilhelminapark

Sweet chestnut

An ancient common chestnut tree has been standing since 1800 at the intersection of Terheijdenseweg and Crogtdijk. Originally, there was a park called de Trekpot at this location. This park was closed in 1963, but the tree was spared. That’s a good thing because this common chestnut is now one of the oldest and most iconic trees in Breda. Due to the laying of asphalt for the intersection and the spreading of salt, the chestnut is gradually dying. Unfortunately, most of the tree is already dead, but a quarter is still alive. In 2013, they gave up on the tree, and it is allowed to spend its old age here. However, efforts are being made to slow down the aging process as much as possible by injecting the tree.

Intersection of Terheijdenseweg and Crogtdijk

Mulberry trees in the inner garden of Nieuwe Veste

The mulberry is an ancient cultivated tree from Asia. These trees can live for a very long time. The mulberry trees in the inner garden of Nieuwe Veste have been there since the mid-18th century, when they were still in the garden of Huize Ocrum, one of the court houses.. They are most likely the oldest trees in Breda. The library was built around these trees. To comfortably enjoy the trees, you can relax on the terrace of the Nieuwe Veste hospitality area, which has been aptly named Bomen.

Inner Garden Nieuwe Veste, Molenstraat 6

Oak tree in the middle verge of the A58

When you drive over the viaduct at Annevillelaan, you have a view of a large pedunculate oak growing on the central reservation of the A58. When you drive on this motorway, you can take an even closer look at the tree. The oak has been here since 1850 and was once part of the Anneville estate. In the future, it may have to be removed due to the widening of the A58. The numerous protests against this have earned it the nickname ‘Troeteleik’. This extraordinary tree has now become a recognisable landmark for many who see this oak every day on their way to work, school or home.

Central reservation A58 at Annevillelaan viaduct

Symbolic trees

In Breda you can also find extraordinary trees in art form.

Red tree near the courthouse

At the Breda courthouse stands a red tree that also functions as a fountain. This eye-catching piece, called La Source (the source), was designed by artist Pascale Marthine Tayou. The masks placed at the ends of the branches symbolize the various cultures from around the world. Water for the fountain emerges from the tree, and at the bottom of this fountain, the world is mapped out in blue lines. This refers to an ancient tradition where people gathered under an old tree to dispense justice. The tree and fountain together invite a ‘moment of reflection.’

Corner of Stationslaan/Belcrumweg

Blue tree in the Wilhelminapark

Since 12 June 2025, a blue tree has been standing in Wilhelminapark, opposite the OLV. This piece of art is part of the international blue trees project and symbolizes young people for whom life became unbearable due to mental health issues. The blue tree in Wilhelminapark is dedicated to 17-year-old Milou from Bavel. She wanted mental suffering to be made discussable so that young people feel seen and hopeful. In other parts of Breda, there is also attention for mental health. The municipality aims to make and keep it a talking point. That is why plaques from 113 can be found on various benches in Breda.

Wilhelminapark opposite OLV