The Forest Botanical Garden Tharandt invites visitors to experience a unique diversity of plants. With its more than 3000 species from 182 plant families, it is one of the largest collections of hardy woody plants in Europe.
The Forest Botanical Garden, established in 1811, is one of the oldest scientific collections of woody plants in the world and is located on the slopes of the Kienberg. The Forest Botanical Garden Tharandt belongs to the TU Dresden and is an important institution for research and teaching. But the botanical garden, which is also Saxony's state boretum, has much to offer not only for students. On the 18 km long network of paths, small and large nature lovers and recreation seekers can go on a voyage of discovery through the 34 hectare Botanical Garden. Whether admiring the blossoms of the snowdrop tree, marveling at the magnificently blooming magnolia trees, or experiencing the autumnal coloration of American maples, a hike through the diverse Forest Botanical Garden is worthwhile at any time of year. The park is divided mainly into two parts, separated by the Zeisiggrund: the historical part with its time-honored trees and the North American part, which has been expanded since 2001. While the eastern historical part mainly features traditional single-trunk collections, visitors can expect to find more complete forest communities in the western North American part, where the main landscape areas of North America are recreated. In all, there are 42 North American forest formations to discover, such as Appalachian forests, Rocky Mountain forests and Douglas fir forests.
In addition to plant diversity, the Forest Botanical Garden also features a labyrinth, a greenhouse with tropical plants, lookout points, and a Forest Botanical Museum (free admission). This, along with the Bonnsai Forest Garden Shop, is located in the Schweizerhaus, a half-timbered house built in the Swiss architectural style in 1844.