Old Botanical Garden

About

The Old Botanical Garden is one of Zurich’s most atmospheric green refuges, tucked behind the university buildings near the city centre. Founded in the 1830s, it served as the university’s main botanical garden until the late 20th century. Today, it remains a peaceful historic oasis, shaped by terraced paths, ancient trees, and the striking medieval Bollwerk tower that anchors the site. Inside the garden, visitors can explore themed plant beds, medicinal herbs, and shaded corners that preserve the charm of 19th‑century garden design. The palm house—an elegant octagonal glass pavilion from 1851—is one of the garden’s most intriguing features. Though no longer used for tropical cultivation, it now hosts exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events, giving the space a lively contemporary role. The Bollwerk tower, originally part of Zurich’s 17th‑century fortifications, offers a rare architectural contrast to the surrounding greenery. Its presence adds a sense of historical depth, reminding visitors that this tranquil garden once stood at the city’s defensive edge.

Zürich Switzerland

Location

The Old Botanical Garden Zurich, known locally as Alter Botanischer Garten, is a quiet green oasis right in the city center. It’s located in theCity district, tucked between the main shopping street Bahnhofstrasse and the Sihl river. You’ll find the entrance just a five-minute walk from Zürich Hauptbahnhof, which makes it one of the most accessible gardens in the city. Staying near the Old Botanical Garden puts you steps from many of Zürich’s top sights. Bahnhofstrasse, Switzerland’s most famous shopping boulevard, begins just outside the garden gates and leads straight to Lake Zurich. Walk a few minutes north and you’re at Paradeplatz, the city’s financial center, and the Limmat River. From there the historic Old Town stretches across both sides of the river, with Niederdorf’s narrow lanes, Grossmünster with its twin towers, and Fraumünster known for its Chagall windows. The Swiss National Museum is a ten-minute walk from the garden and sits next to the main station, showcasing Swiss culture and history in a castle-like building. If you head toward the lake, Bürkliplatz and the lake promenades are close, offering boat cruises and views of the Alps. Kunsthaus Zürich, the city’s main art museum, is also within easy reach by tram or a 15-minute walk. With its central spot, the Old Botanical Garden works as a peaceful base between shopping, museums, churches, and the lakefront.