Turku University Botanical Garden, Turku

The Turku University Botanical Garden, located on the picturesque island of Ruissalo, serves as both a scientific research hub and a public showcase of the plant kingdom's diversity. Part of the University of Turku's Biodiversity Unit, the garden plays a key role in supporting research and teaching within the Faculty of Biology. Founded in 1924 and relocated to its current 24-hectare site in 1956, the garden boasts an impressive collection of over 5,000 plant species from various climate zones, including rainforests and deserts.

Visitors can explore both the outdoor gardens and indoor greenhouses, which feature plants from all corners of the world. The outdoor gardens are home to annuals, meadow flowers, exotic trees, and colorful ponds filled with water lilies and wetland plants, while the six greenhouses, designed by architect Jarmo Saarinen, offer a tropical experience year-round. The indoor gardens are open daily, and visitors can enjoy a relaxing stop at Café Vanha Tammi after their exploration.

With around 43,000 annual visitors, including 18,000 greenhouse visitors, the Turku University Botanical Garden is not only a center for education and research but also a peaceful retreat for nature lovers of all ages.