Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich

What is this place

The University of Zurich’s Botanical Garden is a teaching and research garden in the Seefeld/Weinegg quarter, featuring three domed tropical greenhouses. It is free to visit year-round and cultivates around 7,000 plant taxa.

Key features

• Opened in 1977 on the grounds of the former “Schönau” villa – the university’s new east-side site.
• Three geodesic domes from 1976/77 – tropical montane forest, tropical lowland rainforest and tropical drylands.
• Tallest dome 16 m high, kept at about 26 °C and ~90% humidity – a stable tropical microclimate.
• Grounds ≈53,000 m² – alpinium, meadows, themed plots of useful and dye plants, and ponds.
• Free admission – part of the Zurich Museum Network and a public place for learning and leisurely walks.

What to see

• Three climate domes with displays ranging from Neotropical flora to savanna species.
• Outdoor areas: alpine garden, Mediterranean-style slope, and core collections of medicinal and useful plants.
• Water features, including dedicated Victoria and lotus ponds, plus seasonal outdoor displays.

History

Its predecessor, the Old Botanical Garden, was founded in 1837 near the Schanzengraben moat downtown. In 1974–1976, a new garden was planned and built on the city’s eastern edge to expand collections and teaching space.

The domed greenhouses went up in 1976/77 as geodesic structures and soon became the garden’s hallmark. They were comprehensively refurbished in 2011–2013; in 2018/19, the useful and medicinal plant sections were renewed and an “adventure garden” was created.

Practical information

Location: Zollikerstrasse 107, 8008 Zurich – Seefeld/Weinegg, east of the center.

Getting there: Tram 11 or buses 31, 33, 77 to Hegibachplatz; tram 2, 4 or buses 33, 912, 916 to Höschgasse; buses 33, 77 to Botanischer Garten.

Access: Free entry. Hilly terrain with fine-gravel paths; step-free routes and a lift from accessible parking to the cafeteria; dogs not allowed except assistance dogs; children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visiting hours: Grounds: Nov–Mar Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 8:00–17:00; Apr–Oct Mon–Fri 7:00–19:00, Sat–Sun 8:00–18:00. Tropical houses daily 9:30–16:45.

Visit duration: 60–90 minutes for the domes and main paths; up to 2 hours including outdoor zones.

Best time: April–June for blossoms and fresh foliage; on rainy days and in winter, the domes are particularly rewarding.

Notes: Cafeteria hours are seasonal; personal photography without tripods; the garden’s narrow paths are not intended for running or play.