Linnaeus Garden
Uppsala län
The Linnaean Garden, located in Uppsala, Sweden, is the oldest botanical garden associated with Uppsala University and serves as a historical and scientific landmark. Originally established in 1655 by Olaus Rudbeck, it was later owned and redesigned by Carl Linnaeus from 1741, who arranged the plants according to his innovative sexual system of classification, documented in his work Hortus Upsaliensis. The garden was severely damaged in the 1702 Uppsala city fire but was restored in the 20th century by the Swedish Linnaean Society based on Linnaeus's detailed descriptions. Adjacent to the garden is the Linnaeus Museum, housed in the former residence of Linnaeus, which exhibits his personal and professional belongings, including his medicinal cabinet and herbarium. The garden remains a living tribute to Linnaeus's legacy, displaying a variety of plant species as they were cultivated in the 18th century, offering visitors a unique glimpse into botanical history and the origins of modern taxonomy. It is also recognized as a cultural heritage site and was featured on the Swedish 100-krona banknote until 2016. Today, the garden is managed by Uppsala University, while the museum is run by the Swedish Linnaean Society.
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Tip: The best time to visit the Linnaean Garden is during the spring and summer months when the plants are in full bloom. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance during peak seasons to avoid waiting. Guided tours may be available, providing deeper insights into Linnaeus's work and the garden's history. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. The garden is accessible via public transport and is located near the city center, making it easy to combine with other Uppsala attractions.
Interesting facts
- •The Linnaean Garden is the oldest botanical garden belonging to Uppsala University, founded in 1655.
- •Carl Linnaeus arranged the garden plants according to his sexual system, documented in Hortus Upsaliensis (1748).
- •The adjacent Linnaeus Museum was Linnaeus's home and is now a museum showcasing his personal and scientific collections.
- •The garden was featured on the Swedish 100-krona banknote from 1986 to 2016.
- •The garden was damaged in the 1702 Uppsala city fire but meticulously restored in the 20th century based on Linnaeus's records.
History
The Linnaean Garden was founded in 1655 by Olaus Rudbeck as a botanical garden for Uppsala University.
After suffering damage during the 1702 city fire, it fell into disrepair until Carl Linnaeus took ownership in 1741 and redesigned it according to his classification system.
The adjacent Linnaeus Museum was built in 1693 and served as Linnaeus's residence from 1743 until his death in 1778.
In the 19th century, the garden was repurposed as a park, but it was restored to its original botanical function by the Swedish Linnaean Society in the early 20th century.
Since 1978, the garden has been managed by Uppsala University and is protected as a historic building since 1935.
Place Guide
Linnaeus Museum1693
The former residence of Carl Linnaeus, built in 1693 by Olaus Rudbeck, now a museum displaying Linnaeus's personal belongings, medicinal cabinet, insect collections, and herbarium. It offers insight into his life and work during the 18th century.
The Botanical Garden1741 (redesign)
Restored to reflect the 18th-century design by Carl Linnaeus, the garden displays a wide variety of plant species arranged according to Linnaeus's classification system. It includes historically significant structures such as the orangery originally designed by Carl Hårleman.
Contact
Phone: 018-471 28 38
