Botanical Garden in Zurich: a break in the green
A green idyll in Zurich: the New and Old Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to relax.
Botanical Garden with two locations in Zurich
When visiting Zurich's sights or shopping for new favorite items, taking a break in between can be just the thing. The two botanical gardens are perfect for this:
- on the western edge of the old town, the tranquil Old Botanical Garden of Zurich is located on a hill.
- To the southeast of the city center is the extensive grounds of the New Botanical Garden.
Relax in Zurich's Old Botanical Garden
The Old Botanical Garden is about a twelve-minute walk from Zurich Central Station. It is centrally located on a hill in the city. This beautiful green space was created in 1837 as part of the founding of the University of Zurich. It's a wonderful place to take a stroll along the paths between the trees or sit comfortably on a bench.
The highlight of the garden is the octagonal palm house, which opened in 1851, at that time still with a glass and wood construction. Later, the glass pavilion was given a cast iron frame. Today, it is a listed building.
The Gessner Garden at the highest point of the hill is also worth seeing: a medieval herb garden with more than 50 medicinal plants, dedicated to the naturalist and city physician Conrad Gessner.
Relax in the tropical greenhouse at the New Botanical Garden
The city's extensive New Botanical Garden is located on the eastern side of Lake Zurich in District 8. Opened in 1977, the garden covers 5.3 hectares. Here you can stroll through the impressive arboretum, past tree species from all over the world, or take a break by the pond and enjoy the peace and quiet. The garden is open daily and admission is free.
You should also take a look at the three impressive show houses in Zurich's New Botanical Garden. The dome-shaped greenhouses are home to numerous plant species from different climate zones. The largest of the buildings is dedicated to the tropical lowland rainforest.
The two smaller houses are home to plants from tropical mountain forests and savannah landscapes. The New Botanical Garden in Zurich is the ideal place to while away a rainy day among ferns, orchids, carnivorous plants, and the odd rare specimen.
Interesting fact: The garden is about a half-hour walk from the opera house or Kunsthaus. It is even easier to reach the garden by public transportation. Or by car: With a Platinum Card from American Express, you can take advantage of attractive car rental benefits.
Zurich Botanical Garden: from palm house to tropical house
When visiting Zurich, be sure to visit the two beautiful botanical gardens. They offer an idyllic contrast to the sometimes bustling city center. You can take a break in the middle of the city, relax in the palm house of the Old Botanical Garden, or admire exotic plants in the tropical house of the New Botanical Garden.
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Frequently asked questions and answers
The Old Botanical Garden in Zurich is also known as "zur Katz." This name refers to the fortification of the same name on a hill in downtown Zurich, which once served as a defensive structure.
The Old Botanical Garden in Zurich is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from the edge of the old town. The New Botanical Garden is best reached by public transport or by car. It is located southeast of the city center in Zurich's District 8.
The Old Botanical Garden is home to the octagonal palm house. In the New Botanical Garden, you can visit several domed display houses and themed gardens, take a break in the cafeteria, participate in guided tours or courses, and visit exhibitions.
