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Botanical Garden of Bern
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The Botanical Garden of Bern (BOGA), situated on the sunny Altenbergrain slope, is a lush green sanctuary in the heart of the Swiss capital. Established at its current location in 1862, the garden covers approximately two hectares along the northern bank of the Aare River. It houses over 5,500 plant species from across the globe, displayed in themed areas such as the Alpinum, the Mediterranean garden, and several greenhouses. The Alpinum features an extensive collection of alpine flora from the Swiss Alps as well as from mountain ranges in Asia and the Americas. The greenhouses, including the historic palm house built in 1901, showcase tropical crops, orchids, and ferns in controlled environments. Operated by the University of Bern, the garden functions as a public park and a center for scientific research, academic teaching, and the preservation of endangered plant species.
- Location: Switzerland
- Top sights: Kursaal · Bern Botanic Garden · Kornhausbrücke
- Nearby: Köniz (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 62 | 80 | 83 | 130 | 117 | 121 | 127 | 83 | 94 | 82 | 87 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Located on a slope above the Aare River, the garden is easily accessible from Bern city center via public buses or within a few minutes' walk for most visitors.
Best season
A visit is appealing in every season, with various outdoor areas blooming from spring to autumn, while the display houses provide interesting botanical insights throughout the entire year.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is characterized by its hillside location and includes terraced levels as well as some stairs and gently sloping paths through the scientific plant collections.
What to bring
Light, comfortable walking shoes or sturdy footwear are advisable due to the inclines within the garden, paired with weather-appropriate informal leisure clothing for comfort.
Parking
Parking spaces on-site are very limited, so visitors are strongly encouraged to use Bern's excellent public transport connections for their journey to the botanical garden.
Safety
Extra caution is advised on stone steps and inside the greenhouses during wet weather, as floors can become slippery in places due to the necessary regular watering of plants.
Time needed
A typical stay lasts about 2 to 3 hours, which allows sufficient time to explore both the alpine beds and the tropical houses in a relaxed and thorough manner for visitors.
Geography
Facts
- The garden is home to over 5,500 different plant species.
- The current site at Altenbergrain was opened in 1862.
- The historic palm house dates back to the year 1901.
- The total area of the garden covers approximately 2 hectares.
- The site is located at an elevation of about 520 meters above sea level.
- The Alpinum displays around 1,500 species of mountain plants.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Bern (10)
Suspended Sound Line
Sound installation and pedestrian bridge over the Aare river in Bern.
Lorrainebrücke
Bridge over the Aare, linking the Lorraine and Länggasse districts.
Blood tower
Medieval tower in Bern's old town, once part of the city fortifications.
Altenbergsteg
Pedestrian bridge over the Aare river, connecting Altenberg with the Matte quarter.
Galerie ArchivArte
Gallery for art and architecture in Bern.
Museum of Fine Arts Bern🏛 museum
Art museum on Hodlerstrasse, part of a complex with the Art History Seminar.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the Botanical Garden?
No, visiting the garden in Bern is free for everyone.
What are the highlights?
The Alpinum with mountain plants and the greenhouses with exotic species.
Is picnicking allowed there?
Picnicking is not allowed on paths or in flowerbeds; quiet is requested.
Is there a café?
Yes, the café „Fleuri” provides refreshments right in the garden.
What are the opening hours?
Open daily, the greenhouses usually close a bit earlier.
Botanical Garden of Bern: where is it located?
Botanical Garden of Bern is located in Switzerland.
Botanical Garden of Bern: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kursaal, Bern Botanic Garden, Kornhausbrücke.
Botanical Garden of Bern: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Botanical Garden of Bern: why is it worth visiting?
The Botanical Garden of Bern (BOGA), situated on the sunny Altenbergrain slope, is a lush green sanctuary in the heart of the Swiss capital.
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