The Ultimate Alpine Garden

Posted on: February 15th, 2013 by paul

Botanical Gardens are a great way to experience the natural beauty of an area. While nature is found all over botanical gardens organize all there is to be seen into an easy day trip. Plus a little grooming never hurts when it comes to making an impression as I’d much rather walk through the gardens than get lost in a forest to get the same experience. If you’re ever on vacation near Bern, Switzerland you’re definitely going to want to stop at the Bern Botanical Gardens.

The City of Bern – Photo courtesy of Amy Dianna

This Botanical Garden, founded in 1859, has 2.6 acres of wildlife located right in the city! Not only do they have a mixture of ecosystems that include the Swiss Alps, but they also have a number of tropical plants for show. Enter the gardens through a gate marked with a bronze antelope, meant to signify the strange plants in the gardens, and open your senses to the wonders of this natural abode.

The Alpine Garden, Alpinum, is located right on the River Aare at 520 meters above sea level. Because of its waterfront location this area has the richest, most beautiful collection of plants with over 1,500 species. Here you’ll find species from many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia and North America. It’s like visiting the Himalayas, Rocky Mountains, Balkins and Alps all at the same time!

If you get tired of walking through the garden visit one of their six greenhouses for an in depth look at a number of species. Admire tropical species in the Orchid House or the Palm House or increase your plant knowledge at the Institute of Plant Sciences.

Photo courtesy of Amy Dianna


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