Special trees in Breda

Groen

Breda has not without reason been awarded the title of National Park City. In Breda, we focus on more greenery, cherish existing green spaces, and honour our monumental trees and trees with a story. We have listed a number of these special trees that deserve some extra attention for you.

Ginkgo in the Willem Merkxtuin

Trees often survive major (natural) disasters, such as floods and wildfires. But even the explosion of an atomic bomb does not prevent trees from surviving. After the Hiroshima bombing, several trees sprouted again in 1946, including an ancient Ginkgo. The seedlings of this tree have been spread around the world. Also, in the Willem Merkxtuin in Breda, a seedling of this Ginkgo can be found 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 in the city for Bredanaars. This trumpet tree is located in Wilhelminapark and is so old that it completely hangs over the pond. For several years now, it has even been supported by columns. At one point, people wanted to remove the tree, but the story goes that Queen Wilhelmina personally intervened to stop it. That’s a good thing, because this tree has now become the eye-catcher of Wilhelminapark.

Wilhelminapark

Mulberry trees in the courtyard of Nieuwe Veste

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

Indoor Garden Nieuwe Veste, Molenstraat 6

Horizontal trees along the Nieuwe Mark

Brand new: the Nieuwe Mark in the centre of Breda. The quays along this city river will be increasingly vegetated with trees and plants over the coming years to create an even greener city centre.
The trees are cultivated in a special way so that they can grow out of the quay walls. Unique and a first for Breda!

Gentle chestnut

An ancient tame horse chestnut has stood at the intersection of Terheijdenseweg and Crogtdijk since 1800. Initially, there was a park called Trekpot at this location. This park was closed in 1963, but the tree was spared. That’s fortunate, as this tame chestnut is now one of the oldest and most iconic trees in Breda. Due to the laying of asphalt for the intersection and the salting of roads, the chestnut has been gradually dying. Unfortunately, the majority of the tree is already dead, but a quarter of it is still alive. In 2013, the decision was made to leave the tree as it was, allowing it to age gracefully. Efforts are also made to slow down the aging process as much as possible by injecting the tree.

Intersection of Terheijdenseweg and Crogtdijk

'Troeteleik' middenberm A58

If you drive over the viaduct at Annevillelaan, you'll have a view of a large pedunculate oak growing in the central reserve of the A58. When you are on this motorway, you can see the tree up close. 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 remarkable tree has now become a true landmark for many who see this oak every day on their way to work, school, or home.

Central reserve A58 at Annevillelaan viaduct

Symbolic trees

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

Red tree at the courthouse

At the Breda courthouse stands a red tree that also functions as a fountain. This eye-catcher, named 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 flows from the tree for the fountain, and at the bottom of this fountain, the world is sketched in blue lines. This refers to an ancient tradition where people gathered under an old tree to deliver justice. The tree and fountain together invite a ‘moment of reflection.’

Corner Stationslaan/Belcrumweg

Blue tree in Wilhelminapark

Since 12 June 2025, there has been a blue tree in Wilhelminapark, opposite the OLV. This artwork 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 the 17-year-old Milou from Bavel. She wanted mental suffering to be discussed openly so that young people feel seen and hopeful. In other parts of Breda, there is also attention to mental health. The municipality aims to make it a topic for discussion and keep it that way. Therefore, plaques from 113 can be found on various benches in Breda.

Wilhelminapark opposite OLV