Botanical gardens in Czechia: Tropical jungles, Japanese gardens, and carnivorous plants
From Czech meadows and forests to tropical jungles, dry African steppes, and the mountainous slopes of Asia, Czechia is home to a wide array of botanical gardens. These gardens offer visitors the chance to admire plant species from around the world and serve as vital centres for nature conservation and ecological education.
Botanical gardens in Prague
Near Prague Zoo and the Baroque Troja Chateau lies one of the largest botanical gardens in Czechia. Spanning 52 hectares, it’s known for its collections of plants from southern Africa, Australia, and the Mediterranean. Visitors can explore various exhibits, including a unique Japanese garden and the tropical greenhouse Fata Morgana. Inside Fata Morgana, guests are immersed in a rainforest atmosphere, surrounded by blooming orchids and cascading waterfalls—all just minutes away from the city. Beyond its vast plant collections, the Troja Botanical Garden offers stunning views of the Vltava River.
On Prague’s south-eastern edge, in Průhonice, stands one of the country’s most important botanical gardens. Established in the 19th century, it is especially noted for its extensive collections of rhododendrons, azaleas, irises, and roses—the largest variety in Czechia. Visitors can also enjoy rock gardens and displays featuring plants from various climate zones. The Průhonice Botanical Garden is part of UNESCO’s cultural heritage.
Also in Prague is Charles University’s Botanical Garden, established in 1775, making it the oldest continuously operating botanical garden in Czechia. Originally located in Smíchov, it was relocated in 1898 to its current site near Albertov. The garden contains over six thousand plants, including themed collections of tropical and subtropical species, medicinal herbs, and flora native to the Bohemian Karst. It’s a perfect destination for botany lovers interested in plant diversity and conservation.
Botanical garden in Brno – botanical research
In Brno, the botanical garden operated by Mendel University houses a rich collection of plants from around the world, including rare and endangered species. The highlight is its extensive greenhouses filled with tropical and subtropical plants. Visitors can admire species rarely found in Czech nature while learning about conservation efforts to protect them.
Botanical Garden in Olomouc – central European flora
One of the oldest botanical gardens in Czechia is located in Olomouc. It features unique greenhouses with exotic plants, including rare species. The garden includes palm, cactus, tropical, and subtropical greenhouses. Visitors can enjoy tropical flowers, fruiting coffee plants, and even exotic animals housed in terrariums and a large marine aquarium. Olomouc’s garden focuses on ecological education and frequently hosts exhibitions that attract visitors from across the country.
Botanical garden in Liberec – rich collection of tropicals and subtropicals plants
The Liberec Botanical Garden, which opened in 1876, is renowned for its distinctive greenhouses. Though smaller in size, it offers a rich collection of tropical and subtropical plants, carnivorous species, orchids, and an extensive fern exhibit. Cactus and succulent enthusiasts will appreciate a dry section featuring flora from Africa and South America. The garden also emphasizes the protection of endangered species and ecological education.
Botanical garden in Plzeň – native and exotic plants
The Plzeň Botanical Garden is both a place of beauty and a hub for ecological education. Visitors can explore a diverse range of plants, including herbs, fruit trees, and cacti. A highlight of the garden is its tropical greenhouse. Its “Demonstration Ecological Area” serves schools and families, offering an interactive way to learn about Czech nature.
Botanical garden in Hradec Králové – medicinal plants
The Hradec Králové Botanical Garden specializes in the cultivation and study of medicinal plants. Though primarily a research and educational facility, it is open to the public. Visitors can explore a collection greenhouse, rooftop garden, outdoor medicinal plant exhibits, a section for poisonous plants, a peony collection, a French garden, and the Pharmacy Educational Trail. The garden also collects seeds of medicinal plants for international exchange.
The most beautiful arboreta
Beyond botanical gardens, Czechia is home to several remarkable arboreta. These places transport visitors in moments from Europe to Asia, America, or the Caucasus.
One of the largest and best-known is Arboretum Nový Dvůr near Opava. Founded in 1906, it introduces visitors to trees and shrubs from five continents. With over 7,000 woody plants, it boasts one of Central Europe’s richest collections.
According to the arboretum’s website, visitors can explore plant species from heathlands, peat bogs, and Baltic coastal dunes, as well as flora from the Himalayas, China, the Far East, Japan, and various regions across North America, including the east and west coasts and the Midwest.
It’s especially famous for its vast rhododendron collection—one of the largest in Czechia. Highlights include giant sequoias, Arizona bristlecone pines (which can live over 4,000 years in their native habitat), and the ancient, sacred, and medicinal ginkgo tree—a living witness to the age of dinosaurs.
Other smaller arboreta include Arboretum Bílá Lhota near Olomouc, Arboretum Křtiny near Brno, and Arboretum Sofronka near Plzeň, which specializes in pine trees and their breeding.
Most Czech botanical gardens contribute to the protection of endangered species and the study of their cultivation. Many collaborate with international organizations to help save rare plants—some of which find their last refuge in these gardens.
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Prague Gardens
Gorgeous views of Prague, gushing fountains and ornamental flower beds. Greenery and calm amid the hustle and bustle of the big city.
