The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden
The Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is the northernmost botanic garden in the world. It is administered by the Troms University Museum and is located in Tromsø, Norway. It first opened in 1994. Arctic and alpine species from all over the northern hemisphere can be found in the garden. The garden is located southeast of the University of Tromsø Campus, with views of the mountains to the east and south. There is no gate or barrier: there is no admission fee, and the garden is open year-round, all day and all night.
The location, which corresponds to Alaska's north coast, evokes images of a severe Arctic environment. A branch of the Gulf Stream sweeping up the coast of North Norway, however, has a moderating impact, and Tromsø has one of the mild winters - January average 4.4 °C (24.1 °F) and cool summers - July average 11.7 °C (53.1 °F). The Botanic Garden is open from the end of May to the middle of October. From May 15 to July 27, the sun is always above the horizon in Tromsø. This period of midnight sun compensates plants for the short growing season and low temperatures by providing an average of 200 hours of actual sunlight per month in May, June, and July. The sun never rises between November 21 and January 17. Snow usually covers the ground in October or November and lasts until the beginning of April. Snow then gradually melts, and the ground is normally bare by mid-May at sea level, while it can last far into the summer at higher elevations.
The Garden has 25 collections, including a newly established peonarium. Most of them offer outstanding species selections that you would have to look hard for elsewhere. The Arctic collection is centered on the highest hill. The Himalayas and South America are also significant. The Garden even has its own African collection, which includes plants that can withstand a Tromso winter without protection. Some collections are organized methodically by plant family, with saxifrages, primulas, and gentians having the most species. Above the red building is a big North Norwegian Tradition Garden with about 700 plants brought in from traditional gardens in North Norway.
Created: in 1994
Location: Tromsø, Norway
