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Botanical Garden of the University of Basel

The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, founded in 1589, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and is located next to the Spalentor in the historic part of Basel, Switzerland. It displays over 7,500 plant species from all major habitats of the earth in various greenhouses and outdoor areas. The garden includes a tropical house opened in 2023 with a cloud forest house that is unique in Europe, as well as outdoor sections such as an arboretum, alpine garden and Mediterranean garden. It also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and events.

Families and Kids

The botanical garden is open to visitors of all ages and offers a variety of plants and animals, including frogs and fish in the tropical house. School classes can take part in free guided tours on various topics through the 'Grüne Schule' Basel.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • Barrier free: Yes
  • Free entrance: Yes
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Botanical garden
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

The garden is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00 from March to October and from 8:00 to 17:00 from November to February; the greenhouses are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Monday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Tuesday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Wednesday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Thursday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Friday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Saturday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)
Sunday
08:00-18:00 (March-October)
08:00-17:00 (November-February)

Admission fees

0 CHF
Adult admission

Contact

Webpage
botgarten.unibas.ch
Email
botgarten@unibas.ch
Address
Spalengraben 8, 4051 Basel

Access

Nearby stops

  • Basel, Spalentor150 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Basel SBB
10m
Olten
42m
Zürich HB
1h 10m
Bern
1h 13m
Luzern
1h 23m

FAQ

  • Are dogs allowed in the botanical garden?
    Dogs are not allowed in the garden. Assistance and therapy dogs are of course permitted.
  • Is there a café or food available on site?
    On Sundays from 11:00 to 17:00, the association's info stand at the Spalentor offers coffee, tea, mineral water, healthy snacks and Gasparini ice cream in the tropical house foyer.
  • Can I have an unknown plant identified at the garden?
    There is no fixed consultation hour, but the garden team is happy to help identify plants. Bring as much plant material as possible (branches, flowers, fruits, seeds) or send photos to botgarten@unibas.ch.
  • Is the garden accessible for wheelchair users?
    Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located next to the institute building on Schönbeinstrasse 6 and opposite the Spalentor tram stop. Due to the partly historic building fabric, not all greenhouses are wheelchair accessible, and some garden paths are uneven and narrow.
  • Is the garden open on public holidays?
    Yes, the garden is open 365 days a year, including weekends and public holidays.
  • Are there guided tours and do I need to register?
    Yes, there are regular public evening tours (Feierabendführungen) that take place in all weather. No registration is required for these public tours.