Relax In This Stunning Botanical Garden On Vacation In Zagreb

The charming city of Zagreb has a lot going for it. The capital and largest city in Croatia, it is a cultural centre made up of 18th- and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architectural gems in the historic core of the city, excellent markets and cafes, fascinating museums, and pretty parks. If you are looking for a holiday destination with endless things to see and do and picturesque surroundings in which to do so, a villa in Zagreb is just the thing!

If you are a lover of gardens, in particular, and are exploring Zagreb, you must set aside some time to pop into the Botanical Garden of Zagreb, located in the University of Zagreb. Positioned in the heart of the city, it is a wonderful place to relax and take a break and is full of delightful scents, fascinating plants, and much more besides. Free of charge to enter, it is an excellent addition to any itinerary of Zagreb.

Founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz, a professor of the University of Zagreb, and opened to public in 1891, the Botanical Garden of Zagreb is spread over 5 hectares of land nestled right in the historic centre of the city. The majority of the space is occupied by the Arboretum, styled as an English landscape garden, where you can see some incredible prehistoric trees among other species. In addition to this, however, the Botanical Garden is home to: a French-style flower parterre with decorative herbaceous plants and roses in the western section; the Rock Gardens with indigenous Croatian plant species including the country's rarest and endangered plant, the Velebit Degenia (which can be purchased); 14 greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants (though these are generally not open to the public); lakes and ponds with marsh plants and turtles; and the recently restored Red Pavilion, an exhibition area and information centre. Some of the plant collections in the Garden include native Croatian flora, Mediterranean plants, mountain and alpine plants, aquatics, conifers, cacti and other succulents, palms, carnivorous plants, and herbaceous and annual plants.

While the garden is home to some 10,000 different species of plants from all over the globe, it is, however, mainly a scientific institution devoted to researching, cultivating and protecting Croatian indigenous plants. A such, compared to some botanic gardens, not as much is on show to the public. Despite this, it is a truly wonderful place to go for a wander and there are lots of lovely restful little spots to sit with a book or to just relax for a while. It is worth noting that guided tours can be arranged in English but these need to be scheduled with the administration at least five days ahead of your visit. If you're interested, be sure to contact them in advance and secure your tour.

Croatia is one of the richest European countries in biodiversity and this very special botanic garden perfectly reflects that and goes towards preserving it for future generations to enjoy. Uniquely Croatian and highly informative and lovely, the charming Botanical Garden of Zagreb is a must for plant-lovers and those looking for some peace and quiet who have found a vacation rental in Zagreb and are spending time exploring the cultural gem and capital of Croatia!

Botanical Garden of Zagreb
Marulicev trg 9a, University of Zagreb, Croatia
botanickivrt@biol.pmf.hr
+385 (01) 4898 066

Opening hours:
From April 1st to November 1st – Mon to Tue 9am-2.30pm & Wed to Sun 9am-7pm* (*until 6pm in October)
Open during March and November if the weather permits – until 5pm in March and 4pm in November.
Open during holidays except for Assumption day (15 August), All Saints’ Day (1 November), and Easter
Closed over winter and in case of extreme weather.

Entrance to the park is free.