Let's start our journey with two of the oldest and most famous botanical gardens in Poland - Krakow and Poznan.

The Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, founded in 1783, is a real gem on the map of Polish gardens. Located at 27 Kopernika Street, it is easily accessible from the city center - just a 15-minute walk from the Main Square. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to dusk (hours may change seasonally, it's worth checking on the official website: www.ogrod.uj.edu.pl), it offers visitors more than 5,000 plant species on an area of 9.6 hectares. Admission tickets cost about £9 for adults and £5 for children (as of 2023), making it affordable for families.

What makes the Krakow garden stand out? First of all, it's its historical value and the richness of its collection. Here you can admire Poland's oldest tree specimens, including a 230-year-old pedunculate oak, and unique collections of tropical plants in historic greenhouses. Families with children may find the 'Bible Garden' particularly attractive, where they can learn about plants mentioned in the Scriptures, as well as an educational path about useful plants.

Keep in mind that the garden can be quite crowded during the summer season, especially on weekends. It's best to plan a visit during the week or early in the morning. The garden has benches and gazebos where you can relax, but bring a blanket with you for a picnic - there are many charming corners perfect for a family break.

Moving to the west of Poland, discover the Botanical Garden of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan. Located at 165 Dabrowskiego Street, it is a bit far from the center, but easily accessible by public transportation - buses 169, 174 and 190 stop right at the entrance. Open to the public from April to October, from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (hours are subject to change, up-to-date information at: ogrod.amu.edu.pl).

Poznan's garden, although younger than Krakow's (established in 1925), impresses with its vastness - it covers as much as 22 hectares! It's an ideal place for a longer walk or even a day trip. Ticket prices are affordable - about PLN 12 for a regular ticket and PLN 6 for a discounted one (as of 2023).

What is worth seeing in Poznan? First of all, an impressive collection of aquatic and marsh plants, including Europe's largest collection of insectivorous plants. Children will surely find fascinating the alpinarium with water cascades and the 'Garden of the Senses', where you can learn about plants with all your senses. Numerous educational and cultural events are held here during the summer season, so it's worth checking the calendar of events before visiting.

Both gardens offer facilities for people with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible paths. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and headgear on sunny days. Both sites have cafes, but you can also bring your own provisions.

Both the Krakow and Poznan botanical gardens are not only tourist attractions, but above all research and educational centers. A visit here is a great opportunity to combine pleasure with utility - relaxing in nature with learning about the fascinating world of plants.

Let's continue our journey by moving to the capital and one of the most important cities in eastern Poland - Lublin.

The Botanical Garden of Warsaw University, located in the heart of the city at 4 Ujazdowskie Avenue, is a true oasis of green in the urban jungle. Just a few minutes' walk from the Royal Lazienki Park, it is easily accessible by public transportation - buses 116, 166 and 180 stop right next door. The garden is open daily from May to September from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and in other months from 9:00 a.m. to dusk (for exact hours, visit: www.ogrod.uw.edu.pl).

The Warsaw garden, despite occupying a relatively small area of 5.16 hectares, surprises with the richness of its collection - more than 5,000 plant species! Ticket prices are affordable - about PLN 12 for a regular ticket and PLN 6 for a concessionary one (as of 2023). What distinguishes this garden? First of all, its modern approach to environmental education. Here you will find interactive exhibitions on climate change and biodiversity conservation.

Families with children will find the 'Nature Explorers' educational path particularly attractive, where the youngest can learn the secrets of plants through play. Note the collection of biblical plants and unique specimens of trees, including a 200-year-old ginkgo biloba. On warm days, fountains and ponds provide pleasant cooling.

Keep in mind that the Warsaw garden, due to its location, can be quite crowded on weekends. It's best to plan a visit during the week or early in the morning. There is a cafe on the garden grounds, but you can also bring your own picnic - there are many charming corners perfect for a family getaway.

Let's now move to Lublin, where the Botanical Garden of the Maria Curie-Skłodowska University awaits. Located at 3 Slawinkowska Street, it's a bit far from the center, but easily accessible by bus lines 5 and 18. It's open daily from April to October, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (hours may change seasonally, for up-to-date information visit: www.garden.umcs.pl).

The Lublin garden, established in 1965, impresses with its vastness - it covers as much as 21.25 hectares! It's an ideal place for a longer walk or even a day trip. Ticket prices are very affordable - about PLN 10 for a regular ticket and PLN 5 for a discounted one (as of 2023).

What is worth seeing in Lublin? First of all, an impressive collection of roses - more than 1000 varieties! - and a unique in the country arboretum with a collection of trees and shrubs. Children will certainly find the ponds with aquatic and marsh plants and the 'Garden of the Senses' fascinating. During the summer season, numerous educational and cultural events are held here, including the popular 'Nights of Biologists'.

The garden in Lublin is also distinguished by its rich collection of steppe and xerothermic plants, making it unique in the country. It is an excellent place to learn about the diversity of ecosystems.

Both the Warsaw and Lublin gardens offer facilities for people with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible paths. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and headgear on sunny days. Both sites have refreshment facilities, but you can also bring your own provisions.

A visit to these gardens is not only relaxing in nature, but also a fascinating lesson in biology and ecology. These are places where tradition meets modernity and science meets recreation, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

At the end of our botanical journey, we will visit two unique places - the garden in Powsin, near Warsaw, and the University Garden in Zielona Gora.

PAN Botanical Garden - CZRB in Powsin is a true gem among Polish botanical gardens. Located on the outskirts of Warsaw, at 2 Prawdziwka Street, it is easily accessible by bus line 519 from the city center. The garden is open daily from April to October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in other months from 10:00 a.m. to dusk (for exact hours, visit: www.ogrod-powsin.pl).

Covering an impressive 40 hectares, the Powsinski Garden is the perfect place for a day trip. Ticket prices are affordable - about $15 for a regular ticket and $7 for a discounted one (as of 2023). What sets this garden apart? First of all, its scientific background - it is not only a place of recreation, but first of all an important research center.

Families with children will find the thematic gardens, including the Japanese and mountain gardens, and the educational path 'Ecosystems of Poland' particularly attractive. Note the collection of useful plants, where you can learn about the history and use of many species. The garden is also famous for its beautiful collection of magnolias and rhododendrons, which create a fabulous spectacle in spring.

Remember that the garden in Powsin is a vast area - it's worth planning at least 3-4 hours for the tour. There is a cafe and picnic areas on site, but you can also bring your own provisions. On weekends there are often workshops and events for families - it's worth checking the calendar on the website before visiting.

Let's now move to the west of Poland, to Zielona Gora, where the Botanical Garden of Zielona Gora University awaits. Located at 50A Botaniczna St., it is easily accessible by bus lines 8 and 80. The garden is open daily from April to October, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (hours may change seasonally, for up-to-date information visit: www.obuz.robia.pl).

The Zielona Gora garden, although relatively young (founded in 2007), impresses with its diversity and innovative approach to nature education. It covers an area of about 2.5 hectares, making it ideal for shorter but intensive visits. Ticket prices are nominal - just $2 for a regular ticket and $1 for a discounted ticket (as of 2023), making it the most affordable garden in our list.

What is worth seeing in Zielona Gora? First of all, unique collections of plants characteristic of the Lubuskie region, including vines - referring to the city's wine-making traditions. Children will certainly find the minizoo fascinating, as well as the interactive educational stations located throughout the garden.

The garden in Zielona Góra is also distinguished by its commitment to protecting endangered plant species. It's a great place to learn about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it.

Both the Powsin and Zielona Gora gardens offer facilities for people with disabilities. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and headgear on sunny days. In both places you can find places to rest and picnic.

A visit to these gardens is not only relaxing in nature, but also a fascinating lesson in biology, ecology and local history. These are places where science meets recreation, offering an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

To sum up our tour of the most beautiful university botanical gardens in Poland, it is worth noting that each has its own unique character and atmosphere. From the historic collections of Krakow, to the modern approach of Warsaw, to the regional treasures of Zielona Gora, each garden offers something unique. Whether you are passionate about botany, looking for a place for a family picnic, or just want to relax among the greenery, the university's botanical gardens are ideal destinations. Remember that these gardens change with the seasons, so each visit can be a new and fascinating experience. Plan your green adventure today!