Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden - Saxon State Arboretum

Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden - Saxon State Arboretum

The Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden invites visitors to experience a unique diversity of plants. With more than 3,000 species from 182 plant families, it is one of the largest collections of hardy woody plants in Europe.

Established in 1811, the Forest Botanical Garden is one of the oldest scientific tree and shrub collections in the world and is located on the slopes of the Kienberg. The Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden is part of TU Dresden and serves as an important facility for research and teaching. But the Botanical Garden, which also serves as Saxony’s state arboretum, has much to offer beyond just students. Along its 18-kilometer network of trails, nature lovers of all ages and those seeking relaxation can embark on a journey of discovery through the 34-hectare Botanical Garden. Whether to admire the blossoms of the snowbell tree, marvel at the magnificently blooming magnolia trees, or experience the autumnal colors of American maple species, a walk through the diverse Forest Botanical Garden is worthwhile in every season. The park is mainly divided into two areas separated by the Zeisiggrund: the historic section with its venerable trees and the North American section, which has been under development since 2001. While the eastern, historic section primarily features traditional single-tree collections, the western North American section—which recreates the major landscapes of North America—offers visitors more complete forest communities. In total, there are 42 North American forest formations to discover, such as Appalachian forests, Rocky Mountain forests, and Douglas fir forests.

In addition to its plant diversity, the Forest Botanical Garden also features a maze, a greenhouse with tropical plants, observation decks, and a Forest Botanical Museum (free admission). This museum, along with the Bonsai Forest Garden Shop, is located in the Schweizerhaus, a half-timbered house built in the Swiss architectural style in 1844.

You can find more information on our website: https://info.forstpark.de/

At the Forest Garden Shop, you can find informational materials, books, and gifts related to trees, as well as ice cream and beverages. You’re also welcome to visit our online shop.

www.forstgartenshop.com

Good to know

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday: 8–17 o'clock

The Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden is open daily from March 29 to October 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



The Forest Garden Shop/Museum in the Schweizerhaus (free admission) is open during the season as follows:


Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00

p

.

m.


Wednesday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 2

:

00

p.m.
Friday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.


Closed on holidays. Opening hours are subject to weather conditions.



At the Forest Garden Shop, you can find informational materials, books, and gifts related to trees, as well as ice cream and beverages. You’re also welcome to visit our online shop.


www.forstgartenshop.com



Please check our website for the current opening hours:


https://info.forstpark.de/besucherinfos/fakten/


Price information

Admission to the Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden is free, but we would greatly appreciate any donations.



Interested groups are also welcome to sign up for a guided tour of the forest garden led by an expert (for a fee):


Max. 15 people per group


Duration: 1.5–2 hours


Price: 70 euros


Getting there

By car
: Take the A4 (Exit 77a, Wilsdruff) or the A17 (Exit 2, Dresden-Gorbitz)
and

drive through Kesselsdorf and Grumbach to Tharandt

Tharandt Forest Botanical Garden - Saxon State ArboretumAddress and Contact

Discover the Dresden Elbland Newsletter!

Stay up to date