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Old Botanical Garden

The Old Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich is located in the center of Zurich, Switzerland, just a 12-minute walk from the main train station. Created in 1837, the garden impresses with its collection of exotic and old trees. At the highest point of the park is the Gessner Garden, a medieval herb garden with over 50 medicinal plants. The heritage-listed octagonal Palm House from the 19th century is today mainly used for concerts, theatre and exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The Old Botanical Garden offers an adventure garden for children with playful stations on botanical themes such as tree rings, wood weight and plant roots, as well as a barefoot path. A covered area with tables and chairs offers shelter from the rain. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults.

Information

  • Visit duration: 60min
  • 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: Play area, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations

Opening hours

Open daily: October to February from 8 am to 6 pm, March to September from 7 am to 7 pm. The Palm House is closed from October to the end of April.
Monday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Tuesday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Wednesday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Thursday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Friday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Saturday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)
Sunday
08:00-18:00 (October-February)
07:00-19:00 (March-September)

Admission fees

0 CHF
Adult admission

Contact

Webpage
bg.uzh.ch
Email
botanischer.garten@systbot.uzh.ch
Address
Pelikanstrasse 40, 8001 Zürich

Access

Nearby stops

  • Zürich Selnau450 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Zürich HB
19m
Zug
45m
Olten
54m
Luzern
1h 7m
Basel SBB
1h 19m

FAQ

  • Is admission to the Old Botanical Garden free?
    Yes, admission to the Old Botanical Garden is free. Dogs are not allowed, but certified assistance dogs are permitted.
  • Is the Old Botanical Garden accessible for wheelchair users?
    The garden is somewhat challenging for wheelchair users due to its hilly topography and gravel paths, but there are step-free paths, ramps and a public lift from the disabled parking spaces to the cafeteria.
  • Are there guided tours in the Old Botanical Garden?
    Yes, guided tours are offered, including general tours, tours on medicinal plants in the Gessner Garden and tours on the trees. Tours last 60 to 90 minutes and can also be booked in English.
  • Are there activities for children in the Old Botanical Garden?
    The Old Botanical Garden offers an adventure garden for children with playful stations on botanical themes and a barefoot path. Children under 12 must be accompanied by adults, as the garden is not suitable as a playground.
  • When is the Palm House open?
    The Palm House is closed from October to the end of April. Today it is mainly used for concerts, theatre and exhibitions.