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The Botanical Garden: Copenhagen’s Living Green Heart

Discover Copenhagen’s historic Botanical Garden, a serene oasis with Victorian glasshouses, winding paths, and thousands of rare plant species in the city’s heart.

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The Botanical Garden in central Copenhagen is a lush, historic oasis home to thousands of plant species from Denmark and around the world. Established in the 19th century and part of the University of Copenhagen, its iconic Victorian glasshouse, tranquil lakes, winding paths, and diverse themed gardens offer a peaceful escape for plant lovers, families, and travelers alike. The gardens are open daily with minimal admission fees for special exhibits.

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Local tips

  • Entrance to the garden grounds is free; access to the Palm House glasshouse requires a small admission fee.
  • Visit in late spring or early summer for the fullest bloom, especially the rhododendrons and water lilies.
  • There’s a café with coffee and light snacks near the central glasshouse; picnicking is allowed only in designated areas.
  • Wheelchair access is best along the main paths, but some older gravel areas and the Palm House upper walkway may be challenging.
  • Check the schedule for rotating exhibitions or guided tours, often included in the price of Palm House admission.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the bustling city center and main rail station, it’s a pleasant 10–15-minute stroll past historic museums and scenic city lakes. The dramatic glass dome of the Palm House is visible above the tree line, making the garden easy to spot. The area around the entrance is pedestrian-friendly, but expect some gentle slopes and gravel paths.

  • Public Transport

    Several city bus and metro lines connect central Copenhagen with the area near the Botanical Garden. Disembark at stops adjacent to the lakes or close to the National Gallery, from which the entrance is just a few minutes’ walk. A standard adult fare within the city is around 24–30 DKK. Both metro and bus services run frequently throughout the day.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Copenhagen typically reach the Botanical Garden in under 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 80–120 DKK for a short ride. There’s a taxi drop-off near the main entrance, though parking for private cars in the vicinity is limited and subject to city meter rates.

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Nestled at the heart of Copenhagen, the Botanical Garden (Botanisk Have) is one of the city’s greenest jewels and a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts, local residents, and wandering travelers. Established in 1874 on its present site, the garden boasts over 13,000 unique species spread across 10 hectares of meticulously landscaped grounds. As a scientific institution managed by the University of Copenhagen, it serves as both a living laboratory and a place of natural wonder. The garden’s showpiece is its elegant 19th-century Palm House, an icon of Copenhagen. Step inside to find towering tropical palms, rare orchids, and delicate ferns thriving in steamy Victorian-era glass and iron architecture. Outside, themed gardens showcase plants native to Denmark and abroad, including rockeries, medicinal beds, and an impressive rhododendron collection bursting with color each spring. Serene lakes attract herons and ducks, while meandering gravel paths lead to sun-dappled benches ideal for relaxation. For families, the garden is a safe haven where children can spot butterflies, frogs, and hidden sculptures. Researchers and students frequent the herbarium and library, while locals drop by for lunch breaks or leisurely walks. Seasonal flowerings transform the landscape, ensuring beauty in every season. Although the main grounds are free, entrance to the Palm House, with its lush canopy walkway, requires a modest fee. Visitor facilities include a small café and restrooms, and exhibitions frequently highlight current research and plant conservation efforts. Whether you seek tranquility, education, or just a spot for a scenic stroll, the Botanical Garden is a perennial favorite in Copenhagen’s vibrant cityscape.

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