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Copenhagen’s Living Greenhouse: The Botanical Garden

A tranquil botanical haven in central Copenhagen, featuring Victorian glasshouses, lakes, rare flora, and seasonal displays for all ages in a historic setting.

4.5

Located in the heart of Copenhagen, the Botanical Garden is a serene 10-hectare oasis boasting one of Denmark’s largest plant collections. Part of the Natural History Museum, its Victorian-era glasshouses, tranquil lakes, and manicured landscapes offer a peaceful escape into the vibrant world of Nordic flora, rare exotic species, and centuries-old botanic history.

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Local tips

  • Entrance to the outdoor gardens is typically free, but access to the iconic Palm House may require a small fee.
  • Plan extra time if you wish to explore the extensive herbarium or join a themed workshop or guided tour.
  • Picnicking is encouraged in designated areas; bring your own snacks, as café facilities are limited.
  • Don’t miss the butterfly house if visiting in summer—children especially will love the colorful displays.
  • The garden is stroller and wheelchair friendly, but some historic glasshouse paths may be uneven.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the bustling city center near Nørreport Station, the garden is a gentle 5 to 10-minute walk through lively university quarters and past notable sites like the National Gallery and Rosenborg Castle. The Palm House’s impressive glass dome is easily recognizable on the approach. Expect mostly flat paths and excellent pedestrian signage.

  • Public Transport

    The Botanical Garden is directly accessible from Nørreport, the city's busiest transport hub serviced by metro, S-trains, and buses. A single metro or S-train fare within Zone 1 typically costs DKK 24. From the hub, it’s a very short walk to the garden entrance, making public transport an efficient and reliable option year-round.

  • Taxi

    Taxis from central Copenhagen locations reach the Botanical Garden within 5–10 minutes. Fares are usually in the range of DKK 70–120, depending on traffic and time of day. Taxis can drop passengers directly near the garden’s main entrance.

  • Driving/Parking

    While driving is possible, parking is limited in the immediate vicinity, with metered public parking typically costing around DKK 19–24 per hour. The area can be busy during weekends and holidays, so consider public transport for greater convenience.

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At the heart of Copenhagen sprawls the enchanting Botanical Garden, a verdant haven that has charmed residents and travelers since its foundation in 1874. This captivating green space is not merely a collection of plants; it’s a living museum boasting over 13,000 species from across the globe, including rare Alpine flowers, lush subtropical palms, and Denmark’s largest collections of native flora. The garden’s crown jewel is its stunning 19th-century Palm House, a domed cast-iron-and-glass structure that immerses visitors in a steamy world of tropical plants, winding iron staircases, and exquisite Victorian design. Year-round, the Botanical Garden showcases the changing faces of Danish nature. In spring, carpets of wildflowers explode with color along gently curving paths. Summer brings fragrant roses and deep shade beneath ancient beech and oak trees, while autumn sets the gardens ablaze with fiery hues. Purpose-built rock gardens, tranquil lakes filled with waterlilies, and tidy herb beds offer towers of texture, scent, and color throughout the seasons. Specialized sections focus on medicinal plants, arctic ecosystems, and historic botany, with signage in both Danish and English. Visitors encounter not only lush greenery but an atmosphere of calm that feels utterly removed from the city’s bustle—yet the garden is embedded in Copenhagen’s cultural core, framed by the National Gallery, Rosenborg Castle, and lively university life. The garden is a favorite for nature lovers, families, aspiring botanists, and anyone seeking peaceful contemplation or a lingering picnic. Frequent exhibitions, workshops, and guided tours offer further insight into environmental conservation and Nordic horticulture. With its diversity of plants, grand architectural flourishes, and peaceful water features, the Botanical Garden provides a truly unique and immersive window into both Denmark’s natural landscape and humanity’s enduring fascination with the plant world.

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