Cities
Latvia Riga Kurzemes rajons Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia

About

The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, located in Riga’s Āgenskalns district, is the oldest botanical garden in the country, founded in 1922. Spanning nearly 15 hectares, it serves as both a scientific research centre and a public green space. The garden features over 5,600 plant taxa, including collections of ornamental, medicinal, and tropical species housed in greenhouses and outdoor displays. Highlights include the Palm House, a tropical butterfly house, and seasonal exhibitions that showcase biodiversity and horticultural traditions. Originally established in Dreiliņi, the garden moved to its current site—once the Wolfschmidtshof Manor—in 1926. It also hosts cultural events such as concerts, open-air cinema, and solstice fairs, blending education with recreation. As part of the University of Latvia, the garden plays a key role in environmental awareness and conservation, offering guided tours and educational programmes. Its historic charm and botanical richness make it a unique destination in Riga.

Riga Latvia
Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia
Location

The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia is located at Kandavas iela 2, in the Kurzeme district of Riga, about a 10-minute drive from the city center. Established in 1922 and set on the grounds of the former Wolfschmidtshof Manor, it is the oldest botanical garden in Latvia and spans nearly 15 hectares, featuring over 5,500 plant species from around the world in both outdoor and greenhouse collections. The garden is open year-round and is renowned for its seasonal displays, including a large azalea collection, blooming magnolias, and a vibrant rose garden, as well as the Tropical Butterfly House, which is open from March to October and showcases exotic butterflies from several continents. The garden is easily accessible by public transport, with the 'Kandavas iela' tram stop just a short walk away. Nearby, visitors can explore the tranquil residential neighborhood of Dzirciems and enjoy local cafés, or take a short drive to reach Riga’s city center attractions, such as the Old Town, Esplanade Park, and the Latvian National Museum of Art. The Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia offers a peaceful retreat for plant lovers, families, and anyone seeking a lush, educational escape within the city.

Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Museum of the Occupation of Latvia Museum Art Nouveau Museum Art Nouveau Museum Museum Riga Motor Museum Riga Motor Museum Museum Latvian National Museum of Art Latvian National Museum of Art Museum Latvian National Opera and Ballet Latvian National Opera and Ballet Opera House Daile Theatre Daile Theatre Theatre New Riga Theatre New Riga Theatre Theatre Riga Castle Riga Castle Castle House of the Blackheads House of the Blackheads Museum Bastejkalns Park Bastejkalns Park Park Vērmanes Garden Vērmanes Garden Park Esplanade Park Esplanade Park Park St. Peter's Church Tower St. Peter's Church Tower Church Riga Cathedral Tower Riga Cathedral Tower Cathedral Rātslaukums Rātslaukums Square Dome Square Dome Square Historical landmark Freedom Monument Square Freedom Monument Square Monument Riga Old Town Riga Old Town Historical landmark Rīgas Centrāltirgus Rīgas Centrāltirgus Market Three Brothers Three Brothers Tourist attractions Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum Museum Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Latvian Academy of Sciences Observation Deck Tourist attractions Laima Clock Laima Clock Tourist attractions Art Museum Riga Bourse Art Museum Riga Bourse Museum Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Museum Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum Romans Suta and Aleksandra Beļcova Museum Museum Museum Storage Facility and Forest of Sculptures Museum Storage Facility and Forest of Sculptures Museum Art Museum Arsenāls Art Museum Arsenāls Museum Latvian War Museum Latvian War Museum Museum Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation Museum The Corner House The Corner House Museum Andrejs Upīts’ Memorial Museum Andrejs Upīts’ Memorial Museum Museum Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine Museum Latvian Museum of Pharmacy Latvian Museum of Pharmacy Museum Latvian Film Museum Latvian Film Museum Museum The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia Museum Krišjānis Barons Memorial Museum Krišjānis Barons Memorial Museum Museum Latvian Museum of Architecture Latvian Museum of Architecture Museum Latvian Museum of Natural History Latvian Museum of Natural History Museum Latvian Museum of Photography Latvian Museum of Photography Museum Latvian Railway History Museum Latvian Railway History Museum Museum Riga Aviation Museum Riga Aviation Museum Museum Riga Porcelain Museum Riga Porcelain Museum Museum LOOK! Art Gallery LOOK! Art Gallery Gallery Art Platz Art Platz Gallery Digital Art House Digital Art House Gallery MuseumLV Gallery MuseumLV Gallery Gallery Planetarium at Science Centre Tehnoannas pagrabi Planetarium at Science Centre Tehnoannas pagrabi Museum