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Botanical Garden of St. Gallen

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Botanical Garden of St. Gallen (Switzerland)

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The Botanical Garden of St. Gallen was originally established in 1878 and has been at its current location in the eastern part of the city since 1945. Spanning approximately two hectares, it cultivates around 8,000 plant species from across the globe, making it a significant scientific collection. The garden is organized into various geographical and thematic zones, including an alpinum, a medicinal plant garden, and a heath garden. A particular highlight is the complex of display greenhouses that house tropical and subtropical plants, including rare orchids and economic plants such as coffee and bananas. The facility serves not only education and research purposes but also as a favored place of tranquility for the local population. It is maintained by the City of St. Gallen and frequently features guided tours and botanical exhibitions. Its location within a residential neighborhood makes it easily accessible, serving as an important 'green lung' within the urban landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1-14812171818141040
Rain mm9977959214715615816611610189104

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The botanical garden is easily accessible via public transport from St. Gallen main station by taking bus lines 1 or 7 directly to the Stephanshorn stop, located a short walk away.
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Best season
A visit is worthwhile throughout the year, as the outdoor grounds are in full bloom during spring and summer, while the greenhouses provide a warm, exotic escape during the winter months.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain is mostly flat with well-maintained, paved pathways that are generally easy to navigate even for visitors with limited mobility or those bringing strollers into the park area.
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What to bring
Casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes are perfectly adequate for a visit; however, on sunny days, it is wise to bring sun protection for the unshaded outdoor sections of the garden.
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Parking
Parking spaces directly at the garden are very limited, so using public transportation or nearby city center parking garages is highly recommended to avoid any local traffic inconveniences.
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Safety
The garden is considered very safe; visitors should simply stay on the designated paths and ensure that they do not disturb the plants or the delicate ecosystems in the ponds.
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Time needed
A relaxed tour through all the themed sections and the greenhouses typically takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your individual interest in the botanical diversity on display.

Geography

Coordinates
47.43350, 9.38220

Facts

  • Current site has been occupied since 1945
  • Cultivates around 8,000 different plant species
  • Total area is approximately 2 hectares
  • Features a specialized alpinum section
  • Owned and maintained by the City of St. Gallen
  • Admission to the garden is free of charge

Explore nearby

Notable places around

St. Gallen Textile CenterSt. Gallen Textile Center1 km · SExplore →
Rauhenstein CastleRauhenstein Castle2 km · NExplore →
GoldachGoldach8 km · NEExplore →
HerisauHerisau9 km · SWExplore →
RorschachRorschach10 km · NEExplore →
ArbonArbon10 km · NExplore →
GossauGossau10 km · WExplore →
AppenzellAppenzell12 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Botanical Garden of St. Gallen (10)

Bierflaschenmuseum🏛 museum

Museum in St. Gallen displaying a collection of historic beer bottles.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-12:15, 13:30-18:00; Sa 08:00-16:30♿🆓

Kulturmuseum St.Gallen🏛 museum

Cultural history museum in St. Gallen with collections on regional history.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-17:00💶

Kunstmuseum St.Gallen🏛 museum

Large museum in St. Gallen with an extensive art collection.

Pfarrkirche St. Peter und Paul

Church in St. Gallen, a neo-Gothic building from the 19th century.

♿

Sankt Fiden

Church building in St. Gallen, an example of Baroque architecture.

Tonhalle St. Gallen

Concert hall in St. Gallen, known for its acoustics and concerts.

Frauenpavillion im Stadtpark

Arts and culture centre in the city park of St. Gallen.

Stadttheater

Theatre and opera house in St. Gallen with a diverse programme.

Chambre Directe

Gallery in St. Gallen exhibiting contemporary art.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the garden?
No, entrance to the Botanical Garden St. Gallen is free for all visitors.
What is the highlight in the greenhouses?
The tropical house with its exotic palms, orchids, and crop plants from warm regions is especially worth seeing.
How many plant species are there here?
The garden houses around 8,000 different plant species from all over the world, clearly arranged by regions.
Is there a cafe on site?
There is no large restaurant, but there is a cozy picnic area and catering options in the nearby area.
Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most outdoor paths and the greenhouses are accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
Botanical Garden of St. Gallen: where is it located?
Botanical Garden of St. Gallen is located in Switzerland.
Botanical Garden of St. Gallen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bierflaschenmuseum, Kulturmuseum St.Gallen, Kunstmuseum St.Gallen.
Botanical Garden of St. Gallen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
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