Arboretum Bukovina

Arboretum Bukovina is a small but historically significant dendrological park set on the rocky Hruboskalsko plateau, roughly a kilometre southwest of the village of Sedmihorky in the Semily district. Covering just under 3 hectares at an elevation of about 360 metres, it sits right in the heart of Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj), the protected landscape area famed for its rock towns and sandstone formations.

How did the arboretum come to be?

The park was founded around 1860 on the initiative of Jan Bedřich Lexa of Aehrenthal, then owner of the Hruboskalsko estate, together with his estate manager Leopold Anger. It began life as an experimental plantation for foreign tree species — one of the very first ventures of its kind in Central Europe. The goal was straightforward: test whether trees brought over from North America could take root and thrive in the Central European climate, and observe how they would develop over the following decades.

What is there to see?

The core collection consists of 35 tree species, the vast majority native to North America. Many of these have since grown into truly impressive specimens, several of which are now recognised as monumental trees — among them a towering Grand Fir whose dimensions draw the attention of tree enthusiasts from across Europe. Because the plantings are so old, Bukovina is regarded as one of the earliest sites of foreign tree introduction anywhere in Central Europe, giving it scientific as well as scenic value.

Within the grounds stands a historic garden house, built in the second half of the 19th century in a distinctive Swiss style. Today the building houses a small exhibition on the arboretum's history and its collection, and during July and August it also doubles as a seasonal tearoom and tourist information point.

Why is it worth a visit?

Arboretum Bukovina suits visitors who'd rather stroll quietly among century-old trees than jostle for space at Bohemian Paradise's more famous crowd-pullers. Its compact size means a visit doesn't take long, yet it offers a close look at trees that have been growing on this spot for over 150 years. It also makes a convenient stop on a longer day out — its proximity to Sedmihorky and the Hruboskalsko rock plateau means a visit here pairs easily with a longer hike through the surrounding trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Arboretum Bukovina founded? Around 1860, on the initiative of Jan Bedřich Lexa of Aehrenthal and his estate manager Leopold Anger.

How big is the arboretum? It covers an area of about 2.73 hectares.

What trees grow in the arboretum? The core collection includes 35 tree species, mostly from North America, including several recognised as monumental trees.

Is there anything besides trees to see there? Yes, a historic 19th-century garden house in Swiss style houses a small exhibition, and it operates as a tearoom in the summer months.

Where exactly is the arboretum located? On the rocky Hruboskalsko plateau, about a kilometre from the village of Sedmihorky, in the Semily district, within the Bohemian Paradise region.