Ljubljana Botanical Garden | 4,500 Species Since 1810

The University Botanic Gardens Ljubljana (Botanični vrt) is a scientific and educational institution operating continuously since 1810. Located 800 m southeast of the Old Town, along Ižanska cesta by the Gruber Canal, it houses over 4,500 plant species and subspecies on 2 hectares – roughly a third of them endemic to Slovenia.

From Prešeren Square it's a 15–20-minute walk along the Ljubljanica river, crossing behind the cathedral. Bus no. 5 runs to the Ižanska stop, then 3 minutes on foot. Free street parking available.

Entry to the garden is free; only the tropical glasshouse has a fee (€4.50). Allow 1–1.5 hours for a visit. Suitable for families and anyone interested in botany.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

The garden is divided into thematic zones: an arboretum, a systematic plant collection arranged by botanical classification, a rockery, and a Mediterranean plant section. The collection spans flora from all continents – from alpine grasses to subtropical shrubs. Each plant is labelled with its Latin and Slovenian name. The tropical glasshouse, built for the garden's 200th anniversary in 2010, contains over 380 tropical species.

Paved paths wind through the grounds with benches placed along them. The atmosphere is quiet, with few visitors even in season – this is a local retreat rather than a tourist hotspot. Near the entrance, the Primula Teahouse serves drinks and homemade pastries.

In spring (March–May), tulips, magnolias, and cherry trees bloom. Summer brings the glasshouse to its peak. Autumn colours the foliage golden with almost no crowds. In winter the garden stays open, but the glasshouse becomes the main draw.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Age – operating continuously since 1810, founded during the Napoleonic Illyrian Provinces era

Collection – over 4,500 species and subspecies, roughly 1,500 endemic to Slovenia

Tropical glasshouse – built in 2010 for the bicentenary, housing 380+ tropical plant species

Accreditation – among the first 7 gardens worldwide accredited by Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI)

Size – 2 hectares of compact grounds, walkable in 40–60 minutes

History

Past & Present

The botanical garden was founded in 1810 by botanist Franc Hladnik when Ljubljana served as the capital of Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces. Originally created as a repository for native flora and a teaching ground, the collection grew from a few hundred to 4,500 species over two centuries. The garden now cooperates with more than 270 botanical gardens worldwide.

In 1974, part of the territory was lost to railway construction. The tropical glasshouse opened in 2010 for the bicentenary. In 2018, the garden received BGCI international accreditation – one of the first seven botanical gardens in the world to do so. In 2024, a public campaign was launched to preserve the garden amid plans for a second railway track along its boundary.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Garden (open grounds):

Free admission for all visitors.

Tropical glasshouse:

Adults – €4.50

Students (with valid ID) – €3.50

Family ticket (2 adults + 1–3 children) – €10

Preschool children – free

Disabled visitors – 25% discount

Annual pass: adults – €27, students – €15

Guided tours (advance booking required):

Group up to 15 people, 1 hour – €70

Group of 15+ people – €5/person

Payment by cash or card (cards accepted only at Ižanska cesta 15 location).

Rules & Restrictions

Do not pick flowers, collect seeds, or uproot plants. No climbing trees. Stay on designated paths. Dispose of litter in bins. Motor vehicles prohibited inside the garden. Amateur photography is free; professional photo/video shoots require a fee (€50/hour photo, €100/hour video).

On-Site Facilities

On site:

Primula Teahouse (drinks, pastries)

Garden shop (books, seeds, souvenirs)

Toilets

Parking: Free street parking along Ižanska cesta.

Accessibility: Paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Assistance available on request.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

From central Ljubljana (800 m, 15–20 minutes on foot):

– Walk from Prešeren Square southeast along the Ljubljanica, crossing behind St. Nicholas Cathedral

– Bus no. 5 – Ižanska stop, 3 minutes' walk

– Taxi / Bolt – €3–5 from the centre

By car:

Address: Ižanska cesta 15. Free street parking.

From the railway station (2 km):

– 25-minute walk through the Old Town

– Bus no. 5 from the station

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: April–October for the outdoor collection in full bloom. Spring (March–May) brings tulips, magnolias, and blossoming trees. Summer maximises the greenery and glasshouse experience.

Time of day: Morning is quietest. Weekends draw slightly more visitors.

Duration: 1–1.5 hours for the garden and glasshouse combined.

Avoid: Winter is sparse outdoors, though the glasshouse remains open. Rain makes the open grounds less pleasant.