University of Basel Botanical Garden
Basel-Stadt
The University of Basel Botanical Garden, founded in 1589 by Caspar Bauhin, is the oldest botanical garden in Switzerland and among the oldest worldwide. Located adjacent to the historic Spalentor gate in Basel, the garden spans approximately 1.3 hectares and features over 7,500 plant species from diverse global habitats. Its outdoor areas are organized by geographic and ecological criteria, including an arboretum with 300 tree species such as giant sequoias and ginkgoes, an alpine garden, a Mediterranean garden, and a shaded fern gorge. The garden is renowned for its four exhibition greenhouses, notably the newly opened 2023 Tropenhaus with a unique European mist forest house exhibiting tropical mountain plants, and the historic Viktoriahaus built in 1898 for giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica). The garden serves scientific research and education, linked closely with the University of Basel's Botanical Institute. Visitors can enjoy a network of winding paths that highlight plant family groupings based on the Cronquist system. The garden also features historical sculptures, including a bust of botanist Werner de Lachenal. Open from March to November, it offers a serene urban oasis blending scientific heritage with horticultural beauty.
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Tip: Visit the garden from March to November when it is open daily, with greenhouses accessible from 9 am to 5 pm. The best experience includes exploring the newly opened Tropenhaus and its mist forest. Admission is free, but dogs are not allowed. Check the official website for special guided tours and seasonal plant events. Arriving early on weekdays can help avoid crowds, and the garden's proximity to the Spalentor makes it easily accessible by public transport.
Interesting facts
- •The garden is the oldest botanical garden in Switzerland and one of the oldest worldwide, founded in 1589.
- •It houses over 7,500 plant species representing diverse global ecosystems.
- •The Tropenhaus, opened in 2023, includes a unique mist forest house rare in Europe, simulating tropical mountain climates.
- •The historic Viktoriahaus, built in 1898, was specifically designed for the giant water lily Victoria amazonica.
- •The arboretum contains historic tree giants such as giant sequoias and ginkgoes dating back to the garden's establishment at the current site in 1898.
- •A stone bust of the Swiss botanist Werner de Lachenal from 1870 is displayed near the garden's east entrance.
History
Founded in 1589 by Caspar Bauhin, the University of Basel Botanical Garden is Switzerland's oldest.
It has relocated several times, with its current site near Spalentor opening on July 12, 1898.
Over the centuries, the garden expanded to include specialized outdoor sections and greenhouses.
Notable developments include the 1898 Viktoriahaus for giant water lilies and the recent 2023 Tropenhaus complex featuring a mist forest.
Throughout its history, the garden has served both educational and public recreational purposes, evolving alongside the University of Basel's scientific institutions.
Place Guide
Tropenhaus and Nebelwaldhaus2023
The Tropenhaus, opened in 2023, is a 600-square-meter greenhouse featuring tropical plants including economically important species like cacao and vanilla. Attached is the Nebelwaldhaus, a 133-square-meter mist forest house with high humidity and moderate temperatures, showcasing tropical mountain plants in a unique European setting.
Viktoriahaus1898
A historic greenhouse built in 1898 to house the giant water lilies Victoria amazonica. It is a protected monument and remains a highlight for visitors interested in aquatic plants.
Arboretum
An outdoor collection of around 300 tree species including historic giants like mammoth trees, ginkgoes, and a weeping beech planted in 1898. The arboretum is organized geographically and ecologically for educational purposes.
Alpinum and Specialized Gardens
The alpine garden displays mountain plants from the Alps and other high-altitude regions worldwide, considering their specific elevation zones. Additional areas include a Mediterranean garden, a shaded garden, a dry border, and an artificial fern gorge.
