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University of Vienna Botanical Garden

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University of Vienna Botanical Garden (Austria)

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The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna was founded in 1754 by Empress Maria Theresa and originally served as a medicinal plant garden for medical studies. Covering an area of eight hectares in Vienna's third district, the facility now houses around 11,500 plant species from all over the world. The garden is closely connected to the neighbouring Belvedere Palace Park and forms a green oasis in the middle of the city. Besides its function as a local recreation area, it is a significant site for scientific research and teaching, as well as international species conservation. Highlights include extensive collections of orchids, cacti, and succulents, as well as historic greenhouses. Part of the garden is designed as an alpinum, where rare mountain plants thrive. Due to its history of over 250 years, the garden also houses an impressive stock of old, partly exotic trees that positively influence the urban climate and provide shade to visitors on hot summer days.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2041014192120151040
Rain mm433846418591888779544543

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Getting to this historical scientific garden in the heart of Vienna is typically incredibly straightforward due to the city's dense network of trams, rapid transit, and subway lines. Most visitors generally arrive via public transit or a short walk from nearby prominent landmarks, avoiding the dense vehicular traffic of the surrounding districts.
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Best season
While the garden serves as a valuable research space all year round, casual visitors typically find the blooming periods in late spring and early summer to be the most visually engaging. The colder winter months generally present a much quieter, dormant landscape, though it remains a pleasant area for a brisk, contemplative urban walk.
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Terrain & paths
The garden is generally laid out over completely flat ground, featuring wide pathways composed of compacted earth and fine gravel that are easily passable for nearly everyone. Visitors navigating wheelchairs or families with strollers typically experience no difficulties moving smoothly among the diverse global plant collections.
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What to bring
No special equipment is usually necessary for exploring this academic environment, with ordinary comfortable walking attire being entirely appropriate for the setting. Those with a keen interest in botany might generally wish to bring along a small notebook or a magnifying glass to closely examine the rare species on display.
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Parking
Securing a parking space on the adjacent city streets is typically very difficult and usually requires a strict adherence to Vienna's short-term parking regulations and fees. Utilizing one of the commercial underground parking garages nearby or simply relying entirely on the excellent public transit is generally the wisest choice.
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Safety
As a premier site for scientific research and education, the environment is typically impeccably maintained and completely safe for leisurely public wandering during opening hours. Visitors are strictly required to stay on designated paths and are generally reminded never to pick or disturb the historical and sometimes delicate plant life.
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Time needed
A typical visit to fully appreciate the impressive historical layout and the vast array of rare plant collections usually lasts anywhere from an hour to two hours. Scholars or highly enthusiastic amateur botanists might easily extend their stay significantly, generally finding enough detail to occupy a large portion of their day.

Geography

Coordinates
48.19060, 16.38140

Facts

  • The garden was founded in 1754 by order of Empress Maria Theresa.
  • The facility covers a total area of approximately eight hectares.
  • About 11,500 different plant species are cultivated here.
  • The orchid collection is among the most significant in the world.
  • The garden is located in Vienna's 3rd district, Landstraße.
  • Entrance to the scientific garden is free of charge for visitors.

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Sights in the town University of Vienna Botanical Garden (10)

Upper Belvedere🏛 museum

Upper Belvedere, a Baroque palace in Vienna, houses the Belvedere collection of art from the Middle Ages to the present.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-18:00💶

Kirche zur Mutter Gottes

Roman Catholic church in Vienna's Landstraße district, built in the 18th century.

Geldschein-Häuser

Residential building in Vienna, its facade decorated with banknote-like reliefs.

Belvedere

Building complex with two Baroque palaces in Vienna, built for Prince Eugene of Savoy.

Staatsgründungsdenkmal

Architectural monument in Vienna, commemorates the founding of the Republic of Austria in 1918.

District 4 Art

Art center in Vienna's 4th district, hosts contemporary art exhibitions and workshops.

Burn-In

Gallery in Vienna, presents rotating exhibitions of modern art.

St. Elisabeth

Roman Catholic church in Vienna's 4th district, dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia.

Wiener Theaterkeller

Cellar theater in Vienna, known for intimate performances and cabaret.

Theater im Park

Open-air stage in a Vienna park, provides summer theater and concerts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay admission for the Botanical Garden?
No, access to the outdoor grounds is free for visitors.
Are dogs allowed in the garden?
No, dogs are not allowed anywhere in the garden.
What are the winter opening hours?
In winter, the garden closes earlier, at 4:00 PM.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, thematic guided tours are offered regularly for a fee.
Where is the main entrance located?
The main entrance is located at Mechelmarkt in Vienna's 3rd district.
University of Vienna Botanical Garden: where is it located?
University of Vienna Botanical Garden is located in Vienna, Austria.
University of Vienna Botanical Garden: what is there to see?
Highlights include Upper Belvedere, Kirche zur Mutter Gottes, Geldschein-Häuser.
University of Vienna Botanical Garden: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
University of Vienna Botanical Garden: why is it worth visiting?
The Botanical Garden of the University of Vienna was founded in 1754 by Empress Maria Theresa and originally served as a medicinal plant garden for medical studies.
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