Here, where the path begins, lies the Haupteingang Botanischer Garten Frankfurt. It is more than just an entrance. It marks the start of a journey into a world of botanical wonders.
The Botanischer Garten Frankfurt began as a vision. Johann Christian Senckenberg, a man of medicine, established it between 1763 and 1774. He needed a place to grow medicinal herbs for his hospital. This first garden was near the Eschenheimer Turm. It served Frankfurt well for many years.
Imagine that first garden. It was modeled after Carl Linnaeus’ garden in Uppsala. Physicians directed it for over a century. By 1903, it held over 4,000 species. Hospital expansions gradually reduced its size.
A new chapter began in 1907. The Botanischer Garten Frankfurt moved east of the Palmengarten. This second garden was larger, about 1.4 hectares. When the university opened in 1914, it became a research hub. They added an arboretum, an alpine garden, and sand dunes in the 1930s.
The garden moved again between 1931 and 1958. This time it was to its current location on Siesmayerstrasse. World War II delayed the process. Finally, it settled in the northwestern Grüneburgpark. A laboratory and greenhouse were added soon after.
Today, the Haupteingang Botanischer Garten Frankfurt welcomes you to explore 7 hectares. It is administered by the City of Frankfurt since 2012. Before that, Goethe University maintained it. The garden now boasts around 5,000 species. Special collections include Rubus and central European plants.
Step inside. Discover the geobotanical area. Explore the alpine garden and arboretum. Wander through meadows and steppes. Find plants from the Canary Islands and East Asia. The systematic and ecological collection awaits. See crop plants and endangered species. Admire ornamental plants and roses.
Don’t miss the Neuer Senckenbergischer Arzneipflanzengarten. It is a special highlight. This medicinal plant garden spans 1200 square meters.
The Botanischer Garten Frankfurt is part of the Palmengarten Frankfurt since 2012. It offers barrier-free access. The Senckenbergische Arzneipflanzengarten caters to visitors with visual impairments. It is a garden for everyone.
Consider joining a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides share stories of plants and animals. Learn about the garden’s history and conservation efforts. The Freundeskreis Botanischer Garten offers many events.
The Haupteingang Botanischer Garten Frankfurt is more than just an entry point. It’s a gateway to botanical discovery. It is a place where education, conservation, and beauty intertwine. Take your time and let the Haupteingang Botanischer Garten Frankfurt reveal its secrets.