Kámon Arboretum
Vas
Kámon Arboretum, located in Szombathely, Hungary, spans 27 hectares and contains around 3,200 species and varieties of trees and shrubs. Established initially in the 1860s by Sághy Mihály and developed extensively by his son Saághy István in the 1890s, it has evolved into a rich botanical collection. The arboretum is notable for its large conifer plantations and its impressive rhododendron and azalea displays, especially vibrant in late spring around the artificial ponds fed by the Gyöngyös stream. Despite severe damage during World War II and the post-war years, when much of the vegetation was lost due to military use and local firewood gathering, restoration efforts from 1946 onwards have revitalized the arboretum. It became protected in 1952 and has since been maintained by the Forestry Scientific Institute, focusing on dendrological research and exotic species cultivation. A comprehensive renovation completed in 2011-2012 expanded the collection to over 3,000 taxa and introduced new features such as a dendro-color rock garden and educational signage. The arboretum is accessible year-round and offers a peaceful natural retreat highlighting Hungary's botanical diversity and forestry science heritage.
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Tip: Visit in late spring to experience the spectacular rhododendron bloom around the ponds. Purchase tickets or check visiting hours in advance via the official website. The arboretum offers educational signage and benches for rest, making it suitable for leisurely walks. Discounts may be available for groups or students. The site is accessible year-round, but spring and early summer provide the most vibrant plant displays.
Interesting facts
- •The arboretum hosts Hungary's largest collections of pine, rhododendron, and azalea species.
- •In 1917, Saághy István successfully hybridized an American and a Chinese spruce, resulting in Picea x saághyi, which is still present in the collection.
- •The arboretum features a dendro-color rock garden reflecting the surrounding trees in a pond, a modern addition from the 2010s renovation.
- •A Dendrological Museum was established in 1957 to complement the living collections and research.
- •The arboretum's conifer breeding program was pioneering in Hungary, focusing on selecting superior trees for forestry use.
History
Originally a swampy meadow and alder-wetland forest in the 1860s, the area was transformed into an arboretum by Sághy Mihály and his son Saághy István from the 1890s onward.
The collection grew steadily until World War II, when two-thirds of the park was destroyed due to military occupation and local wood harvesting.
Post-war restoration began in 1946 under the leadership of forester Bánó István, with protective status granted in 1952.
From 1953, the Forestry Scientific Institute took over management, expanding the living collection and conducting pioneering conifer breeding research.
A major renovation funded by the EU in 2010-2011 revitalized the arboretum and increased its botanical diversity significantly.
Place Guide
Main Arboretum Grounds
The core area with over 3,200 species of trees and shrubs, including extensive conifer plantations and ornamental plants. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking paths, ponds, and themed garden sections.
Dendro-color Rock Garden2010-2011
A scenic rock garden located by a pond, designed to reflect the colors and forms of the surrounding dendrological specimens, enhancing the visitor experience with its unique aesthetic appeal.
Old Lake and Gyöngyös Stream Area
This area includes the original pond and water features created along the Gyöngyös stream, surrounded by rhododendrons that bloom spectacularly in late spring.
Dendrological Museum1957
Founded in 1957, the museum showcases exhibits related to dendrology, forestry science, and the history of the arboretum, complementing the living collections with educational displays.
Contact
Phone: (06 94) 500 343
