If You’re Visiting Berlin, Germany and Want To Spend Your Time In A Quiet Place, the Botanical Garden Should Be On The Top Of Your List. This sprawling green haven is a haven for nature lovers and garden nuts, located in the southwest district of Steglitz.

With its origins in establishment as a medicinal plant garden for the adjacent Free University of Berlin in 1679, the Botanical Garden has burgeoned into one of the world’s leading botanical institutions. It now covers 43 hectares and houses a magnificent collection of flora from all over the world.

History and Evolution

That richness of history can be traced over that three centuries to the Botanical Garden. A scientific institution supplying medicinal plants for the university, it went through a process of evolution till its final purpose was to be a center of research and education. Over the years the garden has grown, expanded to meet changing botanical sciences.

One piece of noteworthing from the garden is the construction of the garden’s iconic Great Tropical House in 1907. The structure itself — designed by Alfred Koerner — is an impressive one. But more important, the structure has become a symbol for the garden’s commitment to conservation and education; it’s home to a diverse array of tropical plants.

Exploring the Gardens

After entering the Botanical Garden you will be immediately welcomed with a mesmerizing display in colors and scent. The garden covers different themed areas with a different experience.

The Outdoor Gardens

The outdoor gardens are the best place to begin your journey. On this site you can discover a finely curated collection of regional German and native flora. Lush green lawns, majestic trees that lend shade to sit and relax under and bright flowerbeds are parts of the city that you can stroll through.

You definitely need to visit Rhododendron Valley when it blooms out, the explosion of color is breathtaking. Another must see are the Alpine Garden which holds alpine plants from mountainous regions from around the world.

The Greenhouses

For unveiling the exotic and tropical plants, we go to the collection of green houses. There are controlled environments where delicate plants can be grown that can’t take the Berlin climate.

The mentioned above Great Tropical House is the biggest greenhouse where the hot and humid conditions as in tropical rainforests are reproduced. You’ll see towering palm trees, orchids, bromeliads and the like up close.

Other fine displays include the Cactus Pavilion, with a large variety of prickly plants from the Americas and beyond. Look at their strange shapes and sizes, and find out how they’ve adapted to very harsh environments.

Events and Activities

The Botanical Garden is more than a place for a stroll. With its broad choice of events and activities all year round, it becomes a lively centre of learning and entertainment.

Lectures and Workshops

If you have an interest in learning more botanical knowledge, the garden offers lectures and workshops put on by the experts. It ranges from plant care, gardening techniques and ecological conservation. No matter if you’re new to it or not, there’s something for everyone here.

Seasonal Festivals

The garden’s many seasonal festivals mark the beauty and diversity of plants from all over the world. At the botanical garden, you never know what’s going on from spring (Cherry Blossom Festival), to winter (Christmas Market)…

Children’s Activities

Special programs are also made for children in the garden caters to younger audience. Seeing kids not only have fun but also learning about the wonders of nature, educational tours, hands on workshops and interactive exhibits are organised.

Tips for Your Visit

To make the most of your visit to the Botanical Garden, keep these tips in mind:

Plan Your Time

Due to the size and choices available, it’s smart to plan ahead before your visit. There’s also plenty of time to do your own exploring of the gardens and greenhouses, but set aside enough time for any event or activity that might pique your interest.

Check the Seasonal Highlights

Some plants may be in bloom or the last of the specials for the season. If you visit the Botanical Garden when it is open, check their website or ask at the visitor center to find out what is open and what is going on because you don’t want to miss any highlights.

Comfortable Attire

You’re going to be doing a bit of a lot of walking, so it’s important to have comfortable shoes. Also make sure that you are dressed for the weather, as the garden is open all year round, and the weather is sketchy.

Bring a Camera

The Botanical Garden boasts its stunning array of flora and its picturesque landscapes providing hundreds of photo opportunities. Bring your camera or smartphone, and help capture the beauty of the gardens and create lasting memories.

Conclusion

The Botanical Garden in Berlin is more than a botanical garden (for which it’s a destination), though it’s also an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. It shares its historical significance and plant collections and programs with everyone. If you’re ever in Berlin, skip the urban jungle and go experience the wonders of the natural world at the Botanical Garden.