The garden was established on the grounds of the former Tøyen Manor, which is still located within the park.
It maintains a specialized 'scent garden' designed specifically for visually impaired visitors, featuring plants with intense fragrances and textured leaves.
The Victoria House features a glass dome specifically engineered to accommodate the Victoria amazonica water lily, which blooms only at night.
The garden serves as a primary site for the conservation of rare and endangered Norwegian plant species.
The Palm House remains one of the oldest cast-iron structures in Norway, preserved in its original late-Victorian architectural style.
The Botanical Garden in Oslo is the oldest botanical garden in Norway, established in 1814 as part of the University of Oslo. It covers 15 hectares and houses approximately 5,500 plant species from around the world. The grounds feature two primary climate-controlled structures: the Palm House, dating back to the late 19th century, and the Victoria House, built specifically to house the giant Amazon water lily. The site serves as a research and educational facility for the University's Natural History Museum. Its layout includes a scent garden, a systematic garden, and an arboretum with mature trees. The on-site cafe, Handwerk, serves locally sourced baked goods and beverages. The garden is open to the public year-round for recreational and educational use. It is located in the Tøyen district of Oslo.
The interior of the Victoria House, specifically when the giant water lilies are in bloom.
Visit the Palm House and Victoria House during the shoulder seasons to avoid high humidity levels experienced in the summer.
Check the University of Oslo's online plant blooming calendar before visiting to see what is currently in season.
Bring a picnic blanket, as the garden lawns are designated for public use during the warmer months.
Do not pick any flowers or seeds, as many are part of long-term scientific experiments and research plots.
The outdoor garden is open daily, while the glasshouses have restricted access hours that change seasonally.
Stay on marked paths in the systematic gardens to protect research collections; dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.
