Gardens in Grüental
Our gardens and plant collections at the ZHAW campus in Wädenswil are open all year round from sunrise to sunset. Why not come and visit us?
In a unique location high above the Lake of Zurich, a variety of gardens and green spaces containing more than 5,000 different plant species have been created over the last 35 years.
The gardens are based on themes that are closely related to the research and educational activities of the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences and are used as an infrastructure for 'explorative learning'. The interdependence of plants, animals and humans is represented by innovative design and communication, and visitors are encouraged to explore ways of acting consciously and sustainably as part of nature.
On our eight-hectare campus you can discover a range of natural habitats and botanical collections of national importance.
Teaching and research gardens and exhibitions
Ecotechnology - From nature to technology
A sustainable future thanks to clever handling of limited resources - six brand-new ideas from research into the recycling industry are waiting for your visit.
to the website Ecotechnology - From nature to technology
Erdreich
Dive into the world under your feet! In the garden "Erdreich" the valuable resource soil is brought into focus.
to the website «Erdreich - Treasure below your feet»
Exhibition #misläbe
Your life, your everyday life and your behaviour are in the centre.
to the webseite #misläbe
TCM Medicinal Plant Garden
With over 130 Chinese medicinal plants, it’s the perfect garden for learning and research.
to the «TCM Medicinal Plant Garden» website
Ornamental Grass garden
Versatile beauty for every season.
to the «Ornamental Grass Garden» website
Green open spaces for all
An equal experience for people with visual, hearing or mobility disabilities.
to the «Green spaces for all» website
vegetable collection garden
An exceptional range of ancient and rare vegetables and crops.
to the «vegetable collection garden» website
Solar Pergola
Energy production, weather protection and greening of the pergola at the same time.
to the «Solarpergola» website
Grasslands
The importance of grasses in cultural history, nutrition, renewable resources and green space design.
to the «Grasslands» website
Zombie attack on Campus Grüental
Save the world! This Science Mission offers a surprising experience in the gardens of the Grüental.
to the webseite «Science Mission»
Plant education programme
Learn about local plants in nature and interactively with an App.
to the «Plant education programme» website
Mixed perennial plants
Attractive and low-maintenance greenery systems all year round.
to the «Mixed Perennial Plants» website
«Plant search» - Interactive map
Search for all plants on the campus using an online map.
to the «Plant search» interactive map
Peony Garden
More than 250 varieties of peonies offer a unique blend of horticultural tradition and culture.
to the «Peony Garden» website
Collection of apple varieties
Over 360 Swiss apple genotypes as a reservoir of diversity for breeding.
to the «Collection of apple varieties» website
Vineyard Au
A varied collection of grape varieties and forty vine training systems in a sunny location.
to the «Vineyard Au» website
Visitor information
Nature takes the stage!
Enjoy our gardens and plant collections all year round from sunrise to sunset. The gardens at Grüental are there for you to make your own unique discoveries: they are a source of inspiration for everyone and particularly garden and nature enthusiasts, who enjoy sharing their expertise.
The cafeteria with its wonderful lake-view terrace is open during the university semesters from Monday to Friday. Members of the public are with Covid certificate welcome.
- Location map and venue to the Grüental(PDF 3,7 MB)
- The IUNR teaching and research team
- Foto gallery «the garden year on the Grüental campus»
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Plant learning parcours
Don't miss our new app, which will lead you on various walks through the gardens.
Speciality market
The Grüental gardens
Plant learning parcours
The spring market for special plants.
Thomas Kimmich takes you on a tour of the gardens in Grüental.
Don't miss our new app, which will lead you on various walks through the gardens.