About this place
Nový Dvůr Arboretum is one of the most remarkable botanical gardens in the Opava region of Czechia, located roughly 12 km west of Opava in the village of Nový Dvůr, within the Jamnice municipality. Spread across more than 23 hectares, the collection brings together nearly 7,000 species of trees and shrubs from five continents, making it one of the richest gardens of its kind in the country.
How did the arboretum come to be?
The arboretum's story began in 1905, when it was founded by Quido Riedl, the owner of the nearby chateau in Nový Dvůr at the time. For over a century the park has framed the historic residence with greenery, gradually growing into one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. Today the site is managed by the Silesian Museum in Opava, which also runs educational and research activities here.
What can visitors see?
The collection's greatest strength lies in its geographic diversity. Visitors can walk among plantings characteristic of peatlands and heathlands, vegetation from the sand dunes of the Baltic coast, Himalayan species, and trees brought from China, the Far East and Japan. A substantial separate section is devoted to plants from the eastern and western coasts of North America, as well as its midwestern regions.
A particular point of pride is the rhododendron collection, considered one of the richest in the Czech Republic — during the flowering season it draws crowds of gardening enthusiasts and nature photographers alike. The grounds also include 200 square metres of greenhouse space, maintaining tropical and subtropical conditions that allow species unable to survive Czech winters outdoors to thrive year-round.
Why is it worth a visit?
Nový Dvůr Arboretum appeals both to botany enthusiasts and to anyone looking for a peaceful place to walk among greenery. The extensive grounds, varied microclimates and carefully arranged plantings mean the park changes character with the seasons — spring brings blooming rhododendrons and azaleas, summer is dominated by lush deciduous growth, and autumn showcases the vivid colours of trees from North America and Asia.
The proximity of the historic chateau adds a layer of heritage to the visit, and the location close to Opava makes it an easily accessible stop when exploring the wider Opava region.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the arboretum located? In the village of Nový Dvůr, about 12 km west of Opava, within the Jamnice municipality.
How many plant species does the collection include? Nearly 7,000 species of trees and shrubs from five continents, spread across more than 23 hectares.
Who founded the arboretum? It was founded in 1905 by Quido Riedl, the then-owner of the chateau in Nový Dvůr.
What is the collection's biggest highlight? One of the richest rhododendron collections in Czechia, along with greenhouses covering 200 square metres of tropical and subtropical plants.
Who manages the site today? The arboretum is part of the Silesian Museum in Opava.
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