Botanical Garden, Innsbruck

The Botanical Garden of the University of Innsbruck spans 2 hectares and serves as a lush sanctuary. Managed by the University, it celebrates the rich variety and intricate nature of plants. Open to the public daily, the garden offers a chance to explore its extensive plant collections, while the greenhouses are accessible on Thursday afternoons for a fee, providing a closer look at delicate and exotic specimens.

Established around 1911 to replace an earlier garden, the Botanical Garden underwent significant redesigns from 1948 to 1965, with further revisions to its alpine rock garden from 1987 to 1990, following modern systemic principles. The greenhouse journey began in 1909 and expanded over the years, including additional greenhouses in 1977-1979, a succulent house in 1993, and a sixth greenhouse for container plants in 1997.

Presently, the Botanical Garden houses over 5000 species, meticulously categorized to reflect their natural habitats and connections. The Alpinum, a vast alpine garden covering more than 2000 square meters, showcases over 1000 plants from non-tropical alpine regions worldwide, offering insights into high-altitude plant life. The garden is divided geographically and geologically, with specialized zones like fern areas, moors, and ponds, providing a comprehensive view of alpine biodiversity.

The Arboretum section features a diverse range of woody plants, including Gymnosperms, Angiosperms, and perennials, illustrating the evolutionary journey and diversity of tree and shrub species. The Cactus houses, spanning 330 square meters, host around 500 cactus species and other succulents, demonstrating the adaptability and beauty of desert flora.

The Botanical Garden of the University of Innsbruck serves as both a hub for botanical study and a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts. Its dedication to showcasing plant diversity, from alpines to succulents, enriches Innsbruck's cultural and scientific landscape while contributing to the broader botanical community.