Enjoy a picnic surrounded by Gothenburg’s natural beauty at the city’s Botanical Garden (Botaniska Trädgården). Nature and design lovers can appreciate the varying landscapes, from the serene simplicity of the Japanese Glade to the vivid colours of Rhododendron Valley. The greenhouses hold more treasures, such as nearly extinct species of trees and the largest collection of orchids in Sweden.
Featuring 16,000 species spread over 174 hectares (430 acres), this is one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens. The park was opened in 1923 to mark the city’s 300th anniversary. Wander the paths through rock gardens, herb plots and flowerbeds, or take the kids for a ride on the miniature train around the periphery.
Each garden offers a different experience. Stroll between ponds, streams and waterfalls in the Rock Garden. The Bamboo Grove evokes the landscape of Southeast Asia, while the Japanese Glade encourages silent reflection.
Explore the greenhouses that hold more than 4,000 varieties of plants. Look for the Easter Island tree, which thrives in one of the greenhouses but is extinct on the South Pacific island. Photograph and admire the 1,500 species in the orchid collection.
Learn more about the history of the garden and the biology of its many species on a guided tour during the summer months. The tours are run daily April to October for a small fee. Picnic on the lawn or eat at the on-site café.
The Botanical Garden lie within the Änggårdsbergennature nature reserve and arboretum. Walk along trails to admire rare insects and various birdlife.
Reach the Botanical Garden by car, tram, public bus or on foot. The park lies about 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) from Gothenburg city centre. The garden is open daily until sundown, except on Christmas Day. The greenhouses have shorter opening hours than the rest of the garden. Entry to the Botanical Garden is free, but adults aged 18 and over must pay to enter the greenhouses.
