DBW's Botanical Garden

The Visby Botanical Garden is a stunning natural oasis nestled in the heart of Visby on the picturesque island of Gotland. Located in Sweden, this garden amazes with its mild microclimate, allowing even exotic plants unusual for northern latitudes to flourish.

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

Founded in 1855 by the "Bathing Friends" society (De Badande Wännerna), the garden harmoniously combines a scientific approach with aesthetic perfection. Its grounds feature about 30 themed zones where local species coexist with rare trees from around the world. A special atmosphere is created by the ancient ruins of St. Olaf's Church, located in the southern part of the park.

This place is rightfully considered one of the most romantic and tranquil spots in the city. The garden is situated between the rugged medieval walls and the shores of the Baltic Sea, creating a unique contrast between historical heritage and lush natural greenery.

For more details before your visit, you can check the official website or find the location on the map.

The main highlight here is taking leisurely strolls along winding paths that lead to the rose garden, designed as a symmetrical amphitheater. In the warmer months, you can witness the blooming of rare rhododendrons, fig and mulberry trees, as well as the famous Empress tree (Paulownia), considered one of the jewels of the collection.

Nature lovers will appreciate the local fauna: salamanders are often found in the ponds, and unusual moths resembling hummingbirds flutter over the flowers. The garden's peaceful setting is perfect for meditative relaxation on one of the many benches or for a small picnic in the shade of century-old trees.

For photography enthusiasts, the garden provides endless subjects—from majestic Gothic ruins draped in ivy to vibrant, eclectic compositions that maintain their beauty well into late autumn.

The Visby Botanical Garden is located in the heart of the historic center on Strandgatan. Thanks to its central position within the medieval walls, it is easily accessible on foot from almost anywhere in the old town. A walk through the cobbled streets is a pleasant addition to visiting this green haven.

If you are staying outside the city walls, you can take local buses to stops in the city center. For those who prefer an active holiday, renting a bike is an excellent choice—Gotland is famous for its cycling infrastructure. You can also quickly reach the garden by taxi from the city port or airport.

The garden's founding in 1855 is linked to the philanthropic society Sällskapet DBW (an abbreviation for De Badande Wännerna, which translates as "The Bathing Friends"). It was initiated by Professor Hans Petter Gustavsson, who sought to create a place of beauty that also spread practical botanical knowledge among the townspeople.

In the 1930s, the area underwent a major reconstruction, which shaped its current appearance with its elegant layout and thoughtful zoning. It was then that the garden acquired the enchanting look that attracts thousands of tourists today.

An important milestone in its history was an agreement in the 1970s between the DBW society and the Gotland municipality. Under the agreement, the garden remains free of charge for the public, the region covers the operating costs, and the DBW board continues to oversee the scientific and botanical aspects, with a focus on preserving rare plant species.

For a quick stroll through the main paths and to see the primary floral displays, 25–60 minutes is usually enough. This is plenty of time to walk the key trails and take some beautiful photos.

However, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere, relax by the pond, or study the rose collection and the church ruins in detail, it is better to set aside 1–2 hours. The garden invites leisurely contemplation, so there is no need to rush.

The Visby Botanical Garden is exceptionally accessible to guests. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week—from Monday to Sunday. This allows visitors to enjoy the morning magic of the garden at sunrise or take a quiet evening walk under the stars.

Exploring the area around the garden allows you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the medieval town and complement the natural beauty with historical discoveries. Around almost every corner, you'll find a unique architectural monument or a cozy square.

Below are some of the most interesting sites located within walking distance of the garden that are definitely worth visiting during your walk through Visby.