Trsteno Arboretum (Botanical Garden)

Trsteno is a small town on the coast of Croatia, about 15 km north of the tourist center of Dubrovnik. The town of Trsteno on the main road from Dubrovnik towards Split is known for its great botanical garden, one of the few on the Croatian Adriatic. The arboretum is a “collection” of trees, i.e. a botanical garden with a focus on woody plants. The park also has a great villa, old fountains, ponds and much more. The Trsteno Arboretum is a great day trip destination for anyone vacationing in and around Dubrovnik. In the town of Trsteno there are some great beaches under the arboretum.

Directions to the Botanical Garden (Trsteno Arboretum): Coming by car from Dubrovnik, turn left into a small street in town. The arboretum is signposted here, but we still missed the turnoff. The sign is quite small. The road also leads to a campsite, which is slightly more signposted. There are some parking spaces at the entrance to the botanical garden. If you drive further down the mountain on the narrow road after the arboretum, you will reach the beach after about a kilometer. You can also reach Trsteno by bus from Dubrovnik.

Entrance fees for Arboretum Trsteno: 10 euros for adults, 7 euros for children. As of April 2024. Well, everything around Dubrovnik is a bit more expensive.

Trsteno Botanical Garden opening hours: The arboretum is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., in winter only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no day off.

Tours from Dubrovnik: There are a large number of day trips by bus, boat, kayak… City tours etc.: All can be booked on the well-known ticket website Getyourguide.

What can you see in the Trsteno Arboretum?

Lots of exotic trees (with signs with names, etc.), an old villa, fountains, a small cafe in summer, lots of green spaces and much more.

The Trsteno Arboretum is famous for its historic gardens, extensive green spaces and diverse collection of plant species. The arboretum dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in Europe. One of the most notable features is the ancient giant plane tree that towers over the landscape, creating a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.

The Trsteno Arboretum and the Game of Thrones series

The Trsteno Arboretum has gained international recognition as a filming location for the popular TV series “Game of Thrones,” increasing its appeal to visitors from around the world. Scenes in the fictional city of King’s Landing were filmed here. In the series, the Arboretum replaced the palace gardens of the Red Keep, the seat of the ruling monarchs of the Seven Kingdoms. The Arboretum’s lush greenery, ancient trees and ponds provided a stunning backdrop for several unforgettable scenes, including those featuring characters such as Cersei Lannister and Sansa Stark.

Visitors to the Botanical Garden are partly nature lovers and partly fans of the Game of Thrones series.