Arborétum Borová hora

In a picturesque corner of Slovakia lies the Borová Hora Arboretum—a unique scientific and educational dendropark. This green expanse, covering about 50 hectares, is managed by the Technical University in Zvolen and is located near the town of Sliač. Unlike traditional botanical gardens, this site focuses on preserving the genetic diversity of native flora, acting as a living encyclopedia of the region's nature.

Borová hora Arboretum. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The arboretum's collection is impressive in scale: it is home to over 500 species of coniferous and deciduous trees, with a total count of individual plants exceeding 14,000. The park's special pride is the country's largest rose garden, which features over 800 varieties of roses, including rare historical species from the Austro-Hungarian era. Fans of exotic plants will appreciate the greenhouses, which house hundreds of species of cacti and succulents brought from Mexico and South America.

Declared a protected area in 1981, the Borová Hora Arboretum serves not only as a base for serious scientific research but also as a wonderful place for cultural recreation. Walking along its trails, visitors can discover rare plant forms and enjoy the harmony of the landscapes in the central part of the Hron River basin.

To plan your visit and inquire about group tours, please use the contact details provided below. We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date information before your trip.

At the Borová Hora Arboretum, visitors will find an atmosphere of tranquility and aesthetic delight. The primary activity here is leisurely walks along winding paths, where you can study the richness of Slovak dendroflora. Botany enthusiasts can examine rare tree forms, while those seeking inspiration will find it among hundreds of flowering plants, each accompanied by detailed information about its origin.

The famous rose garden deserves special attention. During its peak season, it transforms into a sea of colors and delicate fragrances, providing the perfect backdrop for photos. It is equally interesting to explore the warm greenhouses, where whimsical cacti and exotic succulents grow side by side, creating a striking contrast to the familiar European landscapes.

If you are planning a trip in late May or early June, try to attend the special events—"Rhododendron Days" and "Rose Days". During these weekends, the park opens its doors for large-scale festivities, allowing guests to see the collections at their peak. It is a wonderful time for family picnics in the fresh air and participation in educational tours where experts share the secrets of ecology and dendrology.

This unique dendrological park is located at Borovianska 2176/66, Zvolen, just 3 kilometers from the center of Zvolen, on the border with the spa town of Sliač. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via Borovianska cesta—on-site parking is available for visitors.

For those who prefer public transport, regular buses run from Zvolen and Sliač to stops in the Borová Hora area. The nearest airport is in Sliač (approximately 10 km away), from where you can quickly reach the park by taxi. Since the arboretum is situated on a hill in a wooded area, a taxi or a rental car is the most comfortable way to reach the entrance.

The history of this green treasure began in 1958 when Ing. Jozef Pagan proposed the creation of a specialized arboretum at the University of Forestry in Zvolen. After careful preparation and consultation with leading experts from Prague, a scenic site on Borová Hora was chosen. The official founding date of the park is March 30, 1965, when the first saplings were planted, laying the foundation for the future collection.

The concept, developed by Professor Svoboda in 1964, was based on a rigorous scientific approach: unlike many other parks, the focus here was on native dendroflora. Plants were collected from across the entire country—from wild Slovak forests and specialized nurseries—to study their variability and preserve the genetic pool of local species. Due to its scientific significance, the arboretum was officially granted the status of a protected natural area in 1981.

Over the decades, the arboretum has evolved from a university training ground into a recognized scientific incubator. Under the leadership of distinguished directors, such as Professor Jozef Pagan and Associate Professor Ivan Lukačik, the park became an important platform for students of the Technical University in Zvolen. Today, Borová Hora continues to develop, integrating into European research programs while preserving the unique natural heritage of the region.

To take a leisurely stroll through the alleys and enjoy the beauty of the collections, a typical visitor will need between 2 and 3 hours. This is usually enough time to see the main tree displays, visit the rose garden, and spend some time in the succulent greenhouses.

If your visit coincides with the blooming period of the roses or rhododendrons, when the park is filled with incredible scents and colors, we recommend setting aside up to 4 hours. During these times, many themed events take place, and the picturesque views are perfect for long photography sessions or quiet contemplation of nature.

The arboretum operates on an academic institution schedule. You can visit the park from Monday to Friday, 07:00 to 15:00. Please note that on regular Saturdays and Sundays, the grounds are closed to the general public.

Exceptions are made for special seasonal events, such as "Rose Days" or "Rhododendron Days" in late May and early June, when the park is also open on weekends. Before your visit, we strongly recommend checking the official website to confirm any possible changes to the schedule or information regarding public holidays.

A visit to the arboretum can be perfectly complemented by exploring the surroundings of Zvolen and Sliač. Discovering local sights will allow you to feel the atmosphere of the region more deeply and find interesting spots for relaxation or memorable photos.