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Botanical Garden of Geneva

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Botanical Garden of Geneva (Switzerland)

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The Botanical Garden and Conservatory of the City of Geneva (CJBG) is one of the world's most significant botanical institutions. Founded in 1817 by Augustin Pyramus de Candolle in the Parc des Bastions, it moved to its current 28-hectare site on the shores of Lake Geneva in 1904. The garden features a living collection of approximately 16,000 plant species from all over the globe. It is globally renowned for its herbarium, which contains over six million specimens, making it one of the largest such collections in existence. The grounds are organized into thematic areas, including an Alpinum, an arboretum, rock gardens, and glasshouses for tropical and subtropical flora. Beyond scientific research, the CJBG is dedicated to biodiversity conservation and environmental education. A small animal park on-site showcases endangered domestic livestock breeds, adding a unique dimension to this center for botanical science and public recreation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The extensive garden is located near the UN district and Lake Geneva, boasting excellent connections to the city's comprehensive bus and tram network for visitors.
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Best season
The site is open to visitors year-round, with the park being first-rate for relaxing in summer and the greenhouses providing a warm sanctuary during the winter months.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain is spacious and flat, featuring wide, well-maintained paths that are handy for long strolls through the park and the adjacent small zoo area.
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What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the sheer size of the grounds; bringing binoculars is worthwhile for wildlife viewing in the zoo or birdwatching.
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Parking
Several public parking garages are located within walking distance, though arriving by public transport is usually less stressful due to the garden's central urban location.
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Safety
In the small zoo area, established rules of conduct regarding the animals must be strictly observed, and children should remain under adult supervision at all times.
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Time needed
For a full exploration of the gardens, herbarium, and zoo, one should plan between 2 and 4 hours to enjoy the vast diversity of the site without any rush.

Geography

Coordinates
46.22690, 6.14720

Facts

  • The garden was officially established in the year 1817.
  • The herbarium houses more than 6 million botanical specimens.
  • The total area of the garden is approximately 28 hectares.
  • The living collection includes around 16,000 plant species.
  • The institution relocated to its current site in 1904.
  • The garden's library contains over 120,000 scientific volumes.

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Sights in the town Botanical Garden of Geneva (10)

Geneva Botanic Garden

Botanical garden in Switzerland.

🕒 Apr 01-Oct 24: Mo-Su 08:00-19:00; Oct 25-Mar 31: Mo-Su 08:00🆓

UN Beach

Beach in Geneva, Switzerland.

Palace of Nations

Building in Geneva, Switzerland.

Ariana Park🌳 park

Park in Petit-Saconnex, Switzerland.

Plage du Reposoir

Beach in Geneva, Switzerland.

Parc Barton🌳 park

Park in Geneva, Switzerland.

Chalet Montbovon

Building in Geneva, Switzerland.

Musée Ariana🏛 museum

Swiss Museum of Ceramics and Glass in the city of Geneva.

Musée d'histoire des sciences🏛 museum

Museum in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee?
No, entry to the Jardin Botanique in Geneva is free.
Are there animals there?
Yes, there is a fallow deer enclosure and an aviary with birds.
Where is the garden located?
It is located on the western shore of Lake Geneva, near the UN quarter.
Are there greenhouses?
Yes, there are several display houses with tropical and alpine plants.
How do I get there?
Bus lines 1, 11, 25, and 28 stop directly at the Botanical Garden.
Botanical Garden of Geneva: where is it located?
Botanical Garden of Geneva is located in Switzerland.
Botanical Garden of Geneva: what is there to see?
Highlights include Geneva Botanic Garden, Animal Park, UN Beach.
Botanical Garden of Geneva: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Botanical Garden of Geneva: why is it worth visiting?
The Botanical Garden and Conservatory of the City of Geneva (CJBG) is one of the world's most significant botanical institutions.
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