With 16,000 species of plants spread over 175 hectares, this is one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe and is regarded as one of the foremost. The garden was laid out between 1915 and 1923 by the City of Gothenburg and was originally intended not just as a botanical garden, but also as a recreation space for the residents of the city. Horticultural elements were given a high priority, which was unique for a botanical garden at the time. The scientific collections were displayed in beautiful garden spaces where knowledge and beauty were given equal value.
The garden’s plant collections mostly come from countless plant expeditions around the world. They include a world-class collection of bulbs and tubers that produce a magical display in the Bulb Garden, and in the award-winning Rock Garden.
While most botanical gardens in Europe were laid out on level sites, Gothenburg Botanical Garden occupies a hilly site within a nature reserve, which gives it natural variety. The nature reserve is located in the centre of Gothenburg. Wild nature meets the cultivated garden here, and the boundaries between the two are often blurred.
The greenhouses contain the largest collection of tropical orchids in Sweden. Specimens include the Easter Island Tree, which has been wiped out in its natural environment but is preserved and spread further thanks to Gothenburg Botanical Garden.
It is worth visiting the Botanical Garden in Gothenburg at any time, but it is at its most beautiful in spring when the bulbs are flowering, and in early autumn when the perennials and summer flowers are in full bloom. The garden is constantly changing, in tune with the seasons. Some things happen explosively, while others require more careful observation.
With around 500,000 visitors every year, Gothenburg Botanical Garden is one of the most popular attractions in Västra Götaland. It has a restaurant, café, shop and exciting exhibitions.