Gothenburg Botanical Garden

Overview

Gothenburg Botanical Garden (Botaniska Trädgården) is one of the largest and most biodiverse botanical gardens in Europe, home to roughly 16,000 species across 175 hectares. Beyond the formal gardens, extensive nature reserves with forests and meadows make it a peaceful escape from the city.

Highlights

• Rock Garden: An award-winning alpine garden considered one of the finest in Europe, with 6,000 species among artfully arranged boulders.
• Japanese Glade: A contemplative space with Japanese maples, moss-covered stones, and a bamboo grove.
• Greenhouses: Tropical, subtropical, and arid-climate glasshouses with orchids, cacti, and giant water lilies.

History

The garden was founded in 1923 as part of the Gothenburg Exhibition celebrations. Swedish landscape architect A. Carlsson planned the outdoor sections, and the rock garden was developed over decades by botanist Carl Skottsberg into a world-renowned alpine collection.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The outdoor gardens are free; greenhouses have a small fee (currently 20 SEK).
• Tip 2: Visit in late May–June when the rhododendron valley peaks in colour.
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours.