University of Latvia Botanical Garden: A Green Escape in Riga

The University of Latvia Botanical Garden, the oldest in Latvia, offers a tranquil retreat with diverse flora and fauna. Founded in 1922, the garden spans 15 hectares and showcases over 5,500 plant species from various corners of the world. From the Baltic Sea dunes to Australian forests, the Amazon jungle to the Caucasus Mountains, and the Mexican deserts to the Far East, the garden is a tapestry of global ecosystems. Originally located in Dreiliņi, the garden moved to its current location on the former Wolfschmidtshof Manor in 1926. Today, the garden features open-air collections and greenhouses housing over 1,500 tropical and subtropical plants. Don't miss the Tropical Butterfly House, open from March to October, where you can immerse yourself in a jungle-like environment with butterflies from South America, Asia, and Africa. The garden's appeal extends throughout the year. In February and March, the azalea collection bursts into color, while April sees the magnolias bloom. Rhododendrons flourish in late May, roses in summer, and the arboretum transforms with autumnal hues. Explore the Plant Systematics exhibition to learn about plant diversity, or discover local flora in the Marsh and Grassland exhibition. The garden also houses an Earth observation station and the geodetic starting point of the Latvian trigonometric network. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a botany expert, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, the University of Latvia Botanical Garden offers something for everyone.