University of Strasbourg Botanical Garden

Four centuries of university botany

The garden was born in 1619 within Strasbourg's former Protestant Academy, where the medical professors needed plants for their teaching. First located in the Krutenau district, it moved in 1884 to the new Neustadt campus, behind the Palais Universitaire. The siege of 1870 and a hailstorm in 1871 had damaged it; another hailstorm, in 1958, destroyed the large greenhouses, which were demolished in 1963. It is now part of the University of Strasbourg.

Giant sequoia, bald cypresses and 5,500 species

Across its 3.5 hectares, the garden brings together more than 5,500 plant species from all over the world. Its arboretum includes remarkable trees, among them a giant sequoia and several bald cypresses, recognisable by the roots that poke out of the ground near the water. The garden has been a listed historic monument since 1990 and has held the “Jardin remarquable” label since 2004. Botanical labels let you learn as you stroll, at your own pace.

The Bary greenhouse and the observatory

The twelve-sided Bary greenhouse was built to house giant Victoria water lilies and is protected as a historic monument. The garden also has a cold greenhouse, a tropical greenhouse and one for plants from arid environments. Note: for access and safety reasons, the greenhouses are closed from 14 October 2026 to 17 May 2027. The astronomical observatory stands at the centre of the garden, and you can also spot a polyhedral sundial from 1694, restored in 1995.

Planning your visit

Entry is free for individual visitors; groups need to book. The garden opens in the afternoon, with hours that vary by season and a closure for part of the winter, so check the garden's website (jardin-botanique.unistra.fr) before you come. Trams C, E and F stop at Observatoire, nearby. The visit pairs well with the Palais Universitaire, the zoological museum and a stroll along the avenues of the Neustadt.

Frequently asked questions