We often talk about the famous natural beauty of Croatia, a land known for its gorgeous coastline and lush inland landscapes but there are also the spaces where nature and man come together and work hand-in-hand to create something extra-special, like the Botanical Garden of Zagreb. Located in the University of Zagreb, right in the heart of the city, it is an ideal spot of peace and beauty for a moment of calm when you book a villa in Zagreb and explore all that it has to offer.
All around, in the capital city of Croatia, you’ll see 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architectural gems and the picturesque centre also boasts incredible museums, markets, cafes, and other parks but the Botanical Garden is a must. Free to enter, it reopens in May 2024 and is a charming addition to any trip to the city.
Spread over five hectares, it is composed of an Arboretum in the style of an English landscape garden with everything from prehistoric trees to weeping willows to delicate cherry blossoms, a French-style flower parterre, rock gardens with indigenous Croatian plants, 14 greenhouses, lakes and ponds populated by turtles, and the Red Pavilion, which acts as an information centre and exhibition space.
There are also some 10,000 plant species from all around the world represented in the gardens. Much of the space, however, is used for research and teaching and not necessarily open to the public. Although you'll be glad to know that if you want to learn and see more, you can book a guided tour (in Croatian or English) by contacting them and securing a spot at least five days ahead of your visit.
Founded in 1889 by Antun Heinz, a professor of the University of Zagreb, and first opened to public in 1891, this delightful botanic garden is a dreamy space for a wander or to sit with a book for a while during your time on vacation in Zagreb and is just one of the picturesque city’s many cultural gems.
Botanical Garden of Zagreb
Marulicev trg 9a, University of Zagreb, Croatia
botanickivrt@biol.pmf.hr
+385 (01) 4898 066