How to Visit the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection: A Complete Travel Guide

Last Updated on 27th January 2026 by Charlotte Nadeau

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If you’re a plant lover or just looking for a unique experience in Zurich, then the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection is a must-see destination. This hidden gem showcases one of the world’s most important succulent collections, displaying over 4,500 varieties from 78 different families from all over the world. It’s a gloriously green delight to see! In this guide, we’ll talk you through all there is to know about visiting and what to expect!

History

The history of the collection can actually be traced back to the 1920s, when horticulturist Jakob Gasser tried (unsuccessfully) to sell his personal collection of about 1,500 succulents to the city of Zurich. However, in 1929, Julius Brann Gassersche, a local shop owner, acquired the unique collection and later donated it to the city.

The Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich, as it’s known in Swiss, was founded in 1931. In the first twenty years or so, the collection served simply as a public display, open for visitors to explore. The collection originally began in an existing greenhouse at Mythenquai, before expanding several times over the decades.

The main complex that houses much of what you see today was constructed in 1947 and officially opened to the public in 1948. Major extensions took place in the decades that followed, thus helping the collection evolve as both a popular visitor attraction and an important scientific resource.

Even now, there are ongoing talks of expanding the greenhouses further to accommodate even more succulents!

At one point, in the 1990s, the Swiss government actually attempted to shut down the garden. But, luckily, local plant lovers rallied together to save this green haven. Today, the garden is considered part of the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National and Regional Significance.

Highlights of a visit

There are a total of seven greenhouses, and several outdoor areas, and you’ll find that most of the rooms are divided into sections where each succulent comes from in the world. As there are literally thousands to see, here are a few highlights you shouldn’t miss:

Greenhouses

The heart of the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection lies in its series of interconnected greenhouses, each designed to recreate the natural habitats where succulents thrive. Each greenhouse focuses on a specific climate or geographic area, showcasing succulents from arid deserts, semi-arid landscapes, and dry mountainous regions.

The glasshouses have been carefully curated in such a way that visitors can easily engage with and enjoy learning about the incredible diversity of succulents. You’ll find that the exhibition signs throughout are written in both English and German.

The rockery

One of the most underrated highlights of the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection is its rockery, an outdoor area designed to showcase hardy succulents growing in near-natural conditions. Set among carefully arranged rocks and gravel beds, this section demonstrates how cleverly succulents are able to adapt to life in challenging and dry environments.

Herbarium

The garden museum is also home to an important scientific herbarium dedicated entirely to succulent plants. Established in 1952, the herbarium plays a key role in research, conservation, and plant identification.

Library

There’s a specialised library, which isn’t your traditional lending library, but rather for researchers and experts, focusing on succulent plants.

“Queen of the Night” (Selenicereus grandiflorus)

Probably the most famous of the museum garden’s collection, this impressive cactus blossoms with large, sweet-scented flowers just one night per year. In fact, the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection often coordinates special events or alerts when the Queen of the Night is about to bloom!

Café

There’s a small on-site café where you can pick up a hot drink or a small snack after venturing through the garden. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, I recommend looking at some of the several other restaurants that reside along the lakefront.

How to Visit

Opening times

The museum is open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm, and it’s also open on public holidays. It is located directly on the edge of Lake Zurich.

Entry fee?

The most wonderful thing about this Zurich spot is that it’s completely free to visit! Simply turn up on the day, and you’ll be greeted at the entrance before you head off to explore the gloriously green collection.

Top tips

Bring a camera – Photography is allowed. Of course, one of the best things about a visit to this green haven is taking a few snaps of the collection. After all, succulent patterns and textures are incredibly photogenic!

Check for workshops – Be sure to check in advance for workshops. There’s a varied educational program for both adults and children, so if you visit, you might get to learn even more in-depth about succulents.

Visit nearby attractions – Of course, it’s well worth exploring other attractions while near Lake Zurich. The most popular place to head to has to be Lindt Home of Chocolate, where you can learn all about (and taste plenty of) Switzerland’s favourite sweet treat!

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