Botanical Garden

Imagine a vibrant ocean of greenery spreading right at the foot of a majestic castle—this is the Uppsala Botanical Garden. It is one of the oldest and most significant scientific gardens that Sweden takes pride in. As part of the prestigious Uppsala University, it occupies an impressive territory of 14 hectares, where strict Baroque geometry and the riot of tropical flora coexist harmoniously.

Uppsala Botanical Garden. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Located in the city of Uppsala, this attraction is striking for its biodiversity: more than 11,000 plant species grow here. The main treasure of the collection is considered to be the laurel trees, which are over two centuries old—they were planted back in the time of the great scientist Carl Linnaeus. The heart of the garden is the magnificent Linneanum orangery, built at the end of the 18th century with donations from King Gustav III.

Today, this place is not only a site for serious research but also a favorite spot for walks among locals and tourists. Here you can see the rarest exotic flowers, stroll through the water garden, or explore the rockery. Thanks to its high rating and unique atmosphere, the Botanical Garden is deservedly considered a must-visit point on any traveler's itinerary through Scandinavia.

For more details before your visit or to book group tours, you can use the official communication channels. The garden staff is always ready to help visitors find their way around seasonal events.

A visit to this place is a true treat for the senses. You can start your walk with a leisurely promenade along the central alleys, where plants are arranged strictly according to the Linnaean classification system. This is an excellent opportunity to see how botanical thought has evolved over the centuries. Be sure to stop by the tropical greenhouse: under its vaults hide exotic palms, orchids, and even small waterfalls, creating an atmosphere of a real jungle in the heart of the northern city.

If you find yourself here during the warm season, don't miss the chance to observe vibrant butterflies in special areas or have a picnic on one of the well-kept lawns with a magnificent view of Uppsala Castle. The garden often becomes a venue for themed festivals and concerts, turning a scientific space into a cultural center. For children, there are play and educational zones where the secrets of nature are told in an interactive way.

Photography enthusiasts should pay attention to the rockery—a rocky garden with alpine plants that looks incredibly striking in the rays of the setting sun. It is also interesting to compare the modern garden with the "old" Linnaeus Garden, located nearby, to feel the scale of this green collection's evolution.

Getting to this natural corner is easy. The garden is located at Villavägen 6-8, practically opposite the famous Uppsala Castle. If you arrive in the city by train from Stockholm (the journey takes about 40 minutes), it is most convenient to take buses No. 20, 115, or 801, which depart from the Uppsala Centralstation. The trip to the Slottsbacken or Botaniska trädgården stops takes only 10–15 minutes.

For those who prefer walking, the path from Uppsala Cathedral takes about 20–25 minutes. It is a pleasant uphill route that allows you to see the historical center. You can also take a taxi—the ride from the station will be quick and comfortable—and for those who enjoy active recreation, there are many bike rentals in Uppsala where you can reach the entrance in 10 minutes.

If you are traveling by car, the drive from the city center takes no more than 10 minutes via Dag Hammarskjölds väg. Paid parking is available near the garden. Travelers heading straight from Arlanda Airport will need about 45 minutes by car or slightly more time if choosing the high-speed train and then transferring to a bus.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the development of science. Although the first university garden appeared in Uppsala as early as 1665, it faced many trials, including a devastating fire. The Botanical Garden owes its current appearance to King Gustav III, who in 1787, at the initiative of scientist Carl Peter Thunberg, donated the university lands near the castle to house botanical collections. This decision allowed for the relocation of plants from the old garden of Olof Rudbeck the Elder to a more spacious area.

The great Carl Linnaeus played a special role in the garden's prosperity. Although he managed the "old" garden, his methods and passion for categorizing the living world formed the basis of the new exposition. In 1807, for the centenary of Linnaeus's birth, his successor Thunberg completed the plant transfer and ceremoniously opened the Linneanum orangery, which remains an architectural and scientific gem of the park today.

Today, the Uppsala University Botanical Garden is not just a monument of Baroque landscape art, but also a living museum. It carefully preserves laurel trees that remember Linnaeus himself—they are over 250 years old. The garden continues the traditions of the great Swedish naturalists, replenishing its collections with specimens brought from expeditions to Africa and Japan.

To explore the main locations at a leisurely pace, visitors usually need about 2–3 hours. This time is quite sufficient to walk along the open park alleys, look into the orangeries, and pay attention to the famous rockery. If you are passionate about botany and plan to study the information boards, your visit time may increase.

For those who want to combine the visit with a tour of Uppsala Castle or the old Linnaeus Garden, it's worth setting aside half a day (about 4–5 hours). The garden is an ideal place to relax, so many tourists prefer to stay longer to enjoy the peace or have a small picnic with a view of historical buildings.

The Botanical Garden welcomes guests daily, offering a convenient schedule for walks both early in the morning and in the evening. The grounds are open for visits with the following working hours:

• Monday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Tuesday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Wednesday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Thursday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Friday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Saturday: 07:00 – 21:00
• Sunday: 07:00 – 21:00

Please note that access to the orangeries and the Linneanum building may have more limited hours, which are recommended to be checked on the official website before your visit. Admission to the open park areas of the garden traditionally remains free.

The Botanical Garden is located in the heart of the historical district, so a walk through it can easily be combined with visiting other iconic sites. The surroundings of the garden are literally steeped in the history of the Swedish Enlightenment and royal majesty.