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Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich

About

The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is one of the city’s most peaceful scientific landscapes, home to more than 7,000 plant species from every climate zone. Opened in 1977, it replaced the historic Old Botanical Garden and introduced a modern approach to plant research and public education. Its most striking feature is the trio of futuristic glass domes, each recreating a different ecosystem with carefully controlled temperature and humidity. Inside the domes, visitors can wander through tropical rainforests, arid desert habitats, and subtropical zones, observing rare orchids, giant ferns, carnivorous plants, and succulents from around the world. Outside, the garden unfolds into themed areas such as the Alpine collection, medicinal plants, and a pond ecosystem buzzing with dragonflies and frogs. One of the most interesting aspects is the garden’s role as a living laboratory. Researchers study plant evolution, climate adaptation, and biodiversity, and many of the species on display are part of ongoing conservation projects. Seasonal highlights include spring blossoms, summer water lilies, and the vivid colours of the autumn foliage.

Zürich Switzerland
Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich
Location

The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich lies in the Seefeld district, at the southern edge of Zürich’s city center and just a short walk from Lake Zurich. You can reach it in about 10 minutes from Stadelhofen station or by tram to the Höschgasse stop, which puts it right between the lakefront and the city’s cultural quarter. Opened in 1977, the garden belongs to the University of Zurich and was designed as both a research site and a public green space. Its location makes exploring nearby easy. Lake Zurich’s promenade is only minutes away, perfect for a stroll along the water or a swim at the nearby public baths in summer. The Chinese Garden is a short walk along the lake and offers pavilions and bridges gifted by Zürich’s partner city Kunming. Art fans will find the Kunsthaus Zürich close by, with major Swiss and European collections from the Middle Ages to contemporary art. The Old Town is also within easy reach: cross over to the west bank of the Limmat to explore Niederdorf’s medieval alleys, Grossmünster, and Fraumünster with its Chagall windows. Opera House Zürich sits near Bellevue, just a few tram stops away, and the Swiss National Museum is about 15 minutes by public transport.

Swiss National Museum Swiss National Museum Museum Kunsthaus Zürich Kunsthaus Zürich Museum Museum Rietberg Museum Rietberg Museum FIFA Museum FIFA Museum Museum Museum of Design Zurich Ausstellungsstrasse Museum of Design Zurich Ausstellungsstrasse Museum Museum für Gestaltung Zürich Toni-Areal Museum für Gestaltung Zürich Toni-Areal Museum Museum Haus Konstruktiv Museum Haus Konstruktiv Museum Beyer Clock and Watch Museum Beyer Clock and Watch Museum Museum Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich Ethnographic Museum of the University of Zurich Museum focusTerra focusTerra Museum Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich Museum Museum of Wax Moulages Museum of Wax Moulages Museum KULTURAMA Museum of Human Evolution KULTURAMA Museum of Human Evolution Museum Mühlerama Mühlerama Museum Cabaret Voltaire Cabaret Voltaire Tourist attractions Johann Jacobs Museum Johann Jacobs Museum Museum Atelier Hermann Haller Atelier Hermann Haller Museum Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich Museum Burg Friesenberg Burg Friesenberg Castle Rotes Schloss Rotes Schloss Palace Grossmünster Grossmünster Church Fraumünster Church Fraumünster Church Church St. Peter St. Peter Church Zürich Opera House Zürich Opera House Opera House Theater am Hechtplatz Theater am Hechtplatz Theatre Theater 11 Theater 11 Theatre Rieterpark Rieterpark Park Irchelpark Irchelpark Park Old Botanical Garden Old Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Urania-Sternwarte Zürich Urania-Sternwarte Zürich Observatory