7 most beautiful arboretums in Hungary – PHOTOS

An arboretum is a kind of botanical garden, which usually presents trees and shrubs. Its stand is usually varied: a number of species can grow even on a very small place. Arboretums may have various aims: to show rare species not native in Hungary, to save endangered species or to carry out scientific experiments. They are also useful in education but have aesthetic purposes as well. Despite its relatively small territory, Hungary is rich in arboretums. Let’s see some of them in detail!

Arboretum of Alcsút

The arboretum of Alcsút is located in Alcsútdoboz. Its building started in 1825 and it was founded by Archduke Joseph, Palatine of Hungary. The garden got renewed after 1870 when loads of pine trees and shrubs were planted there. Its current territory is 40 hectares and its main attraction is Hungary’s biggest snow-drop field, which is about 2 hectares large. It is suitable for a lazy walk in the weekend, but weddings can also be held there as it even has a chapel.

Arboretum of Jel

This arboretum is frequently called Magic Garden. It is not surprising, as nature there is simply magical. It was founded by István Ambrózy-Migazzi in 1922, its territory is nearly 100 hectares. Its main attraction is the largest rhododendron stand in Europe. According to their website, you have a number of options on how to spend your time there: walking, biking or horse riding in the beautiful nature, hunting, fishing, rafting on River Rába or swimming in the lakes nearby. Its open hours are longer when rhododendrons are blooming.

Arboretum of Budafa

It is located in the Southern part of Zala county. The forests were owned by the Zichy family up until 1945. This is the year when the arboretum’s construction began. It had partly scientific, partly practical purpose – to show and examine plants not native in Hungary. Its current territory is 48 hectares. Zalaerdo.hu reports that the arboretum got renewed a few years ago: the hunting lodge was renovated, a new playground and a look-out tower were built. It is a perfect place to go on a trip with the whole family.