Ciszterci Arboretum Zirc

1. BGs as living treasuries – maintenance and development of living collections

Hungary’s highest located arboretum – 400 meters above sea level – showcasing mainly the native vegetation of the Bakony Hills with 570 taxons,

2. BGs as green laboratories – scientific activities and research infrastructure

The researchers of the Hungarian Natural History Museum carry out observations regarding the flora and fauna of the High-Bakony region in the park.

3. BGs as experience-based class-rooms – education activities and infrastructure5

The park accepts visitors all year round, offering recreation for the body and soul amongst the 200 year old trees. Guided tours and events are also available.

4. BGs as custodians of biodiversity – conservation activities, saving endangered species, gene banking

The arboretum has been under nature reserve protection since 1951. 40% of the species is native and circa 162 wild herbaceous species can be found. Because of the collection for spices the Allium ursinum will endangered species in Hungary. The garden has a huge collection of this species exhibited, several endangered species in Hungary are amongst them.

5. BGs as perpetuators of cultural heritage

The history of the arboretum is closely related to that of the Hungarian Cistercian order. The monks started to build the park in 1779, which gained the features of an English park from 1804. The first exotic tree species were planted from 1900. The arboretum is Hungary’s most intact classical English park.