DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Botanical Garden of Basel

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
park
—°10
Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)

Weather…

The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, located near the Spalentor, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the German-speaking world. Founded in 1589, it has occupied its current site since 1898. The garden houses an impressive variety of approximately 7,500 plant species, displayed across various climatic zones and specialized greenhouses. A particular highlight is the Victoria House, specifically designed to cultivate the giant water lily, Victoria amazonica. In addition to an Alpinum and a Mediterranean garden, the facility maintains significant collections of cacti, succulents, and orchids. While its primary function is to support scientific research and teaching at the University of Basel, it also serves as a public park and an urban green space. The historic greenhouse architecture blends with modern botanical conservation efforts, making the garden a vital center for preserving rare and endangered plant genera.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C004913171918141040
Rain mm7560747511810510711079947787

📋 Practical info

🧭
Getting there
Located centrally in Basel near the Spalentor, the garden is best reached using the city's tram lines or via a pleasant walk from the historic old town center for most urban visitors.
📅
Best season
A visit is worthwhile throughout the entire year, as the greenhouses provide an impressive collection of exotic plants in a protected environment even during the colder winter months.
⛰️
Terrain & paths
The terrain is largely flat and features well-maintained, paved paths that allow for an accessible tour through the various botanical sections and exhibition areas for all visitors.
🎒
What to bring
Normal everyday clothing is perfectly adequate for a visit; comfortable walking shoes are recommended to explore the paths relaxedly and enjoy the rare flora on display throughout the site.
🅿️
Parking
There is very limited parking in the immediate vicinity, so using public parking garages in the city center or arriving via public transport is highly advisable for all visitors.
⚠️
Safety
Visitors are asked to stay on the marked paths and refrain from touching the rare plants to protect the valuable scientific collection from any potential damage or stress.
⏱️
Time needed
For a comprehensive tour of the gardens and greenhouses, one should allow about 1.5 to 3 hours to observe the diversity of species in a relaxed and unhurried manner.

Geography

Coordinates
47.56150, 7.58550

Facts

  • The botanical garden was originally established in 1589.
  • The garden has been at its current location since 1898.
  • Approximately 7,500 different plant species are cultivated here.
  • The Victoria House was built in 1898 for the giant water lily.
  • The cactus collection features hundreds of rare desert plants.
  • The garden remains open to the public throughout the year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Novartis CampusNovartis Campus<1 km · SEExplore →
Biotech Park BaselBiotech Park Basel2 km · NEExplore →
BinningenBinningen3 km · SExplore →
BirsfeldenBirsfelden3 km · EExplore →
Allschwil Life Sciences ClusterAllschwil Life Sciences Cluster3 km · SWExplore →
📍Huningue3 km · NExplore →
📍Weil am Rhein4 km · NEExplore →
Bottmingen CastleBottmingen Castle4 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Botanical Garden of Basel (10)

Predigerkirche

Church building in the city of Basel, Switzerland.

Totentanz🌳 park

Square in Basel, Switzerland.

Kulturstiftung Basel - H.Geiger

Gallery in Basel, Switzerland.

paper positions

Gallery in Basel, Switzerland.

Peterskirche

Church in Basel.

Petersplatz

Square in Basel, Switzerland.

Museum Kleines Klingental🏛 museum

Museum in Basel, Switzerland.

khaus🏛 museum

Museum in Basel, Switzerland.

Mittlere Brücke

Rhine bridge in Basel, Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the garden located?
It is located right by the Spalentor in the center of Basel.
How old is the Basel Botanical Garden?
Founded in 1589, it is one of the oldest in the world.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry to the University of Basel's garden is free.
Is there a tropical house?
Yes, the Viktoriahaus with its famous giant water lily is worth seeing.
Are dogs allowed?
No, dogs are not allowed anywhere in the garden.
Botanical Garden of Basel: where is it located?
Botanical Garden of Basel is located in Switzerland.
Botanical Garden of Basel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Predigerkirche, Totentanz, Kulturstiftung Basel - H.Geiger.
Botanical Garden of Basel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Botanical Garden of Basel: why is it worth visiting?
The Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, located near the Spalentor, is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the German-speaking world.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Switzerland →

Nearby cities

Köniz — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Köniz
Köniz is a municipality located directly south of Bern.
La Chaux-de-Fonds — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
La Chaux-de-Fonds
The city in the Canton of Neuchâtel is the primary center of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
Uster — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Uster
Uster is the third-largest city in the Canton of Zurich, located by Lake Greifensee.
Neuchâtel — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Neuchâtel
The capital of the eponymous canton is located on the northern shore of Lake Neuchâtel.
Emmen — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Emmen
Emmen is a significant city in the Canton of Lucerne.
Zug — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Zug
Zug is the capital of the eponymous canton and lies on the shores of Lake Zug.
Yverdon-les-Bains — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Yverdon-les-Bains
This city is located at the southwestern end of Lake Neuchâtel and is famous for its thermal springs.
Frauenfeld — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Frauenfeld
Frauenfeld is the capital of the Canton of Thurgau, located in the broad Murg Valley.
Wetzikon — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Wetzikon
Wetzikon is a city in the Zurich Oberland on the shores of Lake Pfäffikersee.
Bulle-La Tour — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Bulle-La Tour
Bulle is located in the canton of Fribourg in the Gruyère region.
Bulle — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Bulle
Bulle is the economic center of the Gruyère region in the Canton of Fribourg.
Horgen — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Horgen
Horgen is located on the left bank of Lake Zurich and is the capital of the eponymous district.
Kreuzlingen — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Kreuzlingen
Kreuzlingen is located on Lake Constance in the Canton of Thurgau and forms a cross-border metropolitan area together with the German cit…
Aarau — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Aarau
Aarau is the capital of the Canton of Aargau, located on the Aare River at the southern foot of the Jura.
Dietikon — Botanical Garden of Basel (Switzerland)
Dietikon
Dietikon is the capital of the eponymous district in the Limmat Valley.