A 130-hectare botanical garden on the hills above the Dnipro with lilac, magnolia and rose collections, tall oak woods and river views, the largest planted green space in central Kyiv.
The M.M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine covers about 130 hectares on the steep right bank of the Dnipro, just south of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra district. It is far larger than the Fomin garden, with open meadows, collections of lilacs, magnolias, roses and trees from every continent, and wooded ravines whose paths drop toward the river. The garden's main entrance is on Timiryazevska Street, and the nearest metro stations are Vydubychi and Pecherska, from which it is a 10-15 minute walk or a short minibus hop. A 5-7km circuit at a relaxed pace takes about three hours. The best time is May, when lilacs and magnolias peak, but October colour is also strong. Paths are wide and mostly gravel or asphalt. The garden has been repeatedly affected by the war (it lies close to the river and to the area around the Lavra), so current access, ticketing and any closed sections should be checked at the garden's website or by phone before visiting.
| Distance | 5-7km of wide garden paths |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy to moderate |
| Trailhead | Green metro line to Pecherska or Vydubychi, then 10-15 minute walk or minibus |
| Best season | April-October |
| Address | vul. Tymiryazevska 1, Kyiv 01014, Ukraine |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Pechersk district, above the Dnipro, near Vydubychi
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Sun hat
- Offline map (Google Maps or Maps.me)
Location
vul. Tymiryazevska 1, Kyiv 01014, Ukraine
50.4126, 30.5576 View on map
Highlights
- Lilac collection in flower around early May
- Dnipro viewpoints from the upper terraces
- Large Japanese-garden and rose areas
- Long quiet woodland paths in an almost rural setting
Tips for visiting
- Check the garden website (nbg.kiev.ua) for current entry rules and ticket office hours.
- Combine with the nearby Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and Lavra caves in a single day.
- Bring water; there is little shade on the open meadow sections.
- Early May is peak lilac season and the busiest weekend period.
When to visit
Early to mid May for lilacs and magnolias; late September to October for foliage.
Accessibility
Main alleys are wide and paved or compacted gravel, but slopes are long and some ravine paths include steps.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach the Hryshko garden by metro?
Take the Green line to Pecherska or Vydubychi station, then walk about 10-15 minutes or take a local minibus toward Timiryazevska Street.
How long does a visit take?
Plan 2-3 hours for a main circuit; allow a half day if combined with the Dnipro-slope paths.