Arboretum national du vallon de l'Aubonne

The National Arboretum of the Aubonne Valley (Arboretum national du vallon de l'Aubonne) sits near Montherod in the canton of Vaud, on the border between the municipalities of Aubonne and Montherod. It is the only arboretum of its kind in Switzerland, spread across the slopes of the Aubonne river valley between Lausanne and Geneva.

What is the Aubonne Valley arboretum?

Founded in 1968, the park covers more than 120 hectares inside a roughly 200-hectare landscape of meadows, farmland and forest. Its collections hold over 3,000 species and varieties of trees and shrubs from the temperate zones of every continent. The mission is scientific, educational and recreational.

What will you see?

• Species groves - plants are grouped by species and by their soil and climate needs, so you can compare habit and foliage colour side by side.
• Pomological sector - "orchards of yesteryear" with heritage fruit varieties and wild roses.
• Reconstructed forests - stands modelled on forests of the American Pacific Northwest and Japan. The Japanese forest idea came out of a 1979 trip to Japan.
• Wood Museum (Musée du Bois) - on the grounds, devoted to the trades of wood and forestry.

How do you get there?

Post buses serve Aubonne, Montherod and St-Livres. From the Montherod-Battoir stop the entrance is about 1.7 km on foot. By car, follow the signs into the valley from Aubonne or Montherod.

When should you visit?

The park can be visited all year. Spring blossom and autumn colour are the highlights. The Wood Museum and the snack bar run seasonally and close in winter. Check arboretum.ch for current opening times and ticket prices before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for families? Yes. Paths run through meadows, orchards and woodland, and the site features among recommended family outings in Switzerland.

How long should I plan? The grounds are large. Allow a few hours for a relaxed walk, or a full day to cover more.

Is the arboretum open in winter? The park itself is open year-round. The Wood Museum and snack bar close for the winter.

Can I reach it by public transport? Yes, by post bus to Aubonne, Montherod or St-Livres, then on foot.