Bern Botanic Garden

The University of Bern's Botanic Garden at Altenbergrain, founded in 1859, is classified as Swiss cultural heritage of national importance — one of the country's highest protection categories. Laid out across terraces above the Aare, it combines open-air beds, alpine plant sections, and Victorian-era glasshouses that have been in continuous use since the garden's founding. As an academic institution, it maintains a scientifically curated collection of plants from around the world, serving both university research and general visitors. Entry is free, the garden opens daily with summer hours until 17:30, and the peaceful grounds offer a genuine contrast to Bern's busy old town.