Zurich Botanical Garden
Zürich
The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich, opened in 1977 and located in the Weinegg quarter at Zollikerstrasse, is a prominent botanical garden dedicated to plant research, conservation, and public education. It hosts approximately 7,000 plant species arranged in themed biotopes representing various climates and ecosystems, such as Mediterranean gardens, alpine plants, and dry riverbeds. The garden's standout features include three hemispherical greenhouses designed to simulate tropical lowland rainforest, tropical mountain forest, and savannah climates, showcasing palms, orchids, tree ferns, and aquariums replicating river habitats from Central Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. The garden also serves as a recreational space for visitors and plays an integral role in university research and teaching. Its design emphasizes grouping plants by similar growth conditions, creating an immersive and educational experience. Additional facilities include an arboretum, thematic display gardens, and a cafeteria accessible to the public. The greenhouses underwent extensive renovation between 2011 and 2013, enhancing plant health and visitor engagement with features like a 14-meter-high rainforest model with a viewing platform.
Planifiez votre voyage en Suisse avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit during spring to autumn (April to October) for optimal outdoor and greenhouse experiences. The tropical greenhouses are open daily from 9:30 to 16:45. Consider joining guided tours or special exhibitions to deepen your understanding. Tickets can be purchased on-site; check the official website for any discounts or event-specific offers. Early arrival during weekdays ensures a quieter visit. The garden's cafeteria offers refreshments for visitors.
Faits intéressants
- •The garden contains around 7,000 different plant species arranged by similar growth conditions in themed biotopes.
- •Its three hemispherical greenhouses are unique in Switzerland and simulate tropical lowland rainforest, tropical mountain forest, and savannah climates.
- •A 14-meter-high model of a rainforest giant tree with a visitor platform provides an immersive rainforest experience inside the tropical greenhouse.
- •The garden is part of the University of Zurich's Institute for Systematic and Evolutionary Botany and supports research, teaching, and conservation.
- •Aquariums in the greenhouses replicate river ecosystems from Central Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
- •The garden hosts thematic areas such as a medieval herb garden called the 'Gessner-Garten' at the old botanical garden site.
Histoire
The Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich was established in 1977 as a replacement for the older botanical garden located in the city center at the former 'zur Katz' bastion, which dates back to 1833.
The new garden was built on the former Bodmer–Abegg family's park in the Weinegg quarter, designed by landscape architect Fred Eicher and architects Hans and Annemarie Hubacher, who created the innovative acrylic dome greenhouses.
The older garden's Palm House, built in 1851 and renovated in 1877, remains a historic landmark.
The relocation allowed the university to expand research and teaching facilities and better preserve endangered plant species.
The greenhouses were renovated from 2011 to 2013 to improve plant growth conditions and visitor experience.
Guide du lieu
Tropical Lowland Rainforest Greenhouse1977 (renovated 2011-2013)
The largest dome greenhouse simulates a tropical lowland rainforest climate, housing palms, tree ferns, orchids, and other tropical plants. Visitors can explore a 14-meter-high model of a rainforest tree with a viewing platform at 6 meters height, offering an immersive experience of the rainforest canopy.
Tropical Mountain Forest Greenhouse1977 (renovated 2011-2013)
This greenhouse recreates the climate of tropical mountain forests, featuring plants adapted to cooler and more humid conditions than the lowland rainforest. It includes botanical rarities such as carnivorous plants and unique species from southwestern Africa and the Venezuelan Tepuis.
Savannah Greenhouse1977 (renovated 2011-2013)
Designed to simulate the savannah climate, this greenhouse displays plants adapted to dry, open landscapes typical of savannahs. It features species such as giant bromeliads and other drought-resistant flora.
Themed Biotopes and Outdoor Gardens
The outdoor area includes diverse biotopes such as Mediterranean gardens, alpine plant areas, dry riverbeds (wadi), dye plants, and an arboretum representing Zurich's forest flora. Themed gardens highlight medicinal and useful plants, spring and summer flowers, and water plants in ponds including Victoria and lotus.
Contact
Téléphone: 044 634 84 61