Botanical Garden (BOGA)
A tranquil, free botanical garden in Bern featuring thousands of plant species, medicinal herbs, and a peaceful riverside setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak floral beauty
Botanical Garden (BOGA)
Best Time
Peak floral beauty
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil, free botanical garden in Bern featuring thousands of plant species, medicinal herbs, and a peaceful riverside setting.
"A true hidden gem in Berne and a fantastic place to escape city life."
🤫 It's a Local Secret
This gem is often missed by tourists! Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and unique plant collections.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy a relaxing picnic by the Aare river. Free entry makes it ideal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medicinal Plant & Herb Gardens
Designated garden sections
Explore a diverse collection of plants with detailed labels, perfect for learning about their uses.
Riverside Relaxation
Along the Aare River
Unwind by the Aare river amidst lush greenery, ideal for picnics and quiet contemplation.
Palm House
Greenhouse structure
Step into a tropical oasis within the charming palm house, a delightful contrast to the outdoor gardens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover a Hidden Gem
Best Time for Lush Blooms
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Balboa Botanical Garden
🤫 It's a Local Secret
This gem is often missed by tourists! Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and unique plant collections.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy a relaxing picnic by the Aare river. Free entry makes it ideal.
US Botanic Garden is one of favorite spots in the city.
The gorgeous Botanical Building on a recent visit
🏷️ Learn as You Wander
All plants are well-labeled with botanical information, making it an educational experience.
☕ Charming Cafe Stop
A small cafe offers coffee and snacks, perfect for a break during your visit.
Botanical Garden
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 It's a Local Secret
This gem is often missed by tourists! Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and unique plant collections.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy a relaxing picnic by the Aare river. Free entry makes it ideal.
🏷️ Learn as You Wander
All plants are well-labeled with botanical information, making it an educational experience.
☕ Charming Cafe Stop
A small cafe offers coffee and snacks, perfect for a break during your visit.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
The park extends to the Aare river, offering beautiful views and a lovely place to walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Botanical Garden as a serene, hidden gem offering a peaceful escape with diverse plant collections and beautiful riverside views. Its free entry and educational labeling make it a highly recommended spot for locals and those seeking a tranquil experience away from typical tourist crowds.
"A nice place to stay in the nature if you don't want to go far. Special flowers, smells, insects, cool tiny paths make this garden a, special place"
Olha Faryma
"This place is one of the hidden gems in Bern. It is seldom mentioned on tourist attraction websites. You will see locals wandering the medicinal plant and the herb areas, students having a picnic lunch and of course a lot of resident lizards and insects enjoying the lush vegetation. All the plants are very well labelled with botanical information, you never have to wonder what you are looking at. I will return to the Universität Bern Botanical Gardens every time I visit or pass Bern since it is only 5 minutes walk from the main station."
Donnavan Kruger
"Such a lovely, calm and beautiful place to spend your day. It’s along the Aare river, with lots of trees and plants around, where you can just lay down and chill. You can enter for free.
There’s also a cute cafe to get coffee and small food. Highly recommended for a picnic and relaxing day:)"
Reshma Krishnan Sudha
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Botanical Garden is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Bern's main station, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by train.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, its proximity to the main station suggests public transport is the most recommended and easiest way to reach the garden.
Bicycles are not allowed within the park itself, and the stone paths can be challenging for biking. It's best to explore on foot.
Yes, the garden is situated along the Aare river, offering beautiful views and access to the riverside.
Walking is the best way to explore the garden's winding stone paths, waterfalls, and diverse plant collections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Botanical Garden offers free admission, making it an accessible and popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, especially for the greenhouses. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most current times.
No advance booking is required as the garden has free entry. You can visit spontaneously.
All areas of the garden, including the greenhouses and outdoor sections, are generally accessible with the free entry.
The palm house is typically included in the free general admission to the Botanical Garden.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You'll find thousands of plant species, including a significant collection of medicinal plants and herbs, as well as diverse outdoor flora and tropical plants in the greenhouses.
Yes, there is a charming small cafe on-site offering coffee and light food, and restrooms are available for visitors.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the different plants, observing insects and lizards, and the open spaces for a picnic.
Absolutely! The garden is a popular spot for picnics, especially along the Aare river.
Focus on the intricate details of the plants, the unique greenhouse architecture, and the serene riverside views. Early morning light is often best.
📸 📸 Photography
The palm house offers unique architectural shots, while the diverse plant collections provide endless macro photography opportunities. The riverside also offers scenic views.
Drone usage is generally not permitted in public parks and gardens to ensure the peace and safety of visitors. It's best to assume it's not allowed.
Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquility and details of the garden.
While general photography is encouraged, professional shoots or commercial use might require permission. Always be respectful of other visitors.
Yes, the garden is home to many resident lizards and insects, offering great opportunities for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key Recommendations: Pack snacks for a picnic by the river, encourage kids to look for different types of plants and insects, and take advantage of the free entry for a budget-friendly adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Top Tip: Instead of expensive cafe meals, pack your own lunch and drinks to maximize savings while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers & Relaxation Seekers
Must-Do: Find a quiet bench along the Aare river or within a secluded garden section to unwind and recharge. The well-labeled plants also offer a gentle, engaging activity for a solo exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Haven of Biodiversity
Beyond its scientific value, the garden serves as a peaceful sanctuary. Locals frequent its paths for leisurely strolls, quiet contemplation, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty. The presence of resident lizards and insects adds to the vibrant ecosystem, making it a living laboratory. The well-maintained paths and clear labeling ensure an enriching experience for all visitors, regardless of their botanical knowledge.
Insider Tip: Many visitors are surprised by the sheer variety of plants, especially the extensive medicinal herb collection. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the traditional uses of these plants.
Exploring the Greenhouses and Riverside
Complementing the structured greenhouses is the garden's beautiful setting along the Aare River. The park extends to the riverbank, providing a serene natural landscape. This area is perfect for picnics, offering a tranquil spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. The gentle flow of the river and the surrounding greenery create a calming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
Community Insight: Redditors often rave about the peacefulness of the riverside section, highlighting it as a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit