Zielonka Forest Arboretum

The Forest Arboretum in Zielonka is a free-to-visit tree collection run by the Poznań University of Life Sciences, set deep inside the Puszcza Zielonka forest northeast of Poznań, Poland. About 1,100 species and varieties of trees and shrubs grow here, along with a pond, a boardwalk through a small river valley and two nature trails. It is one of the most relaxing things to do near Poznań, and a perfect pit stop on a forest bike ride.

Where it is and how to get there

The arboretum sits in the tiny village of Zielonka (say "zhyeh-LON-kah"), about 33 km by road from Poznań, the main city of Greater Poland. Poznań has an international airport and direct trains from Berlin and Warsaw. The nearest railway station is Murowana Goślina, around 10 km away, and there is practically no public transport into the forest, so most visitors arrive by car or bike. The official address is Zielonka 6, 62-095 Murowana Goślina. Staff ask visitors to park at the unguarded forest car park at the entrance to the village, next to the bonfire area, where you will also find a shelter and a playground.

A short history

The arboretum was founded in 1979 on the initiative of Professor Jan Meixner, then dean of the forestry faculty in Poznań, and built by students and staff as volunteer work. Today it belongs to the university's experimental forest station and is used for teaching and research. A boulder with a plaque honors the founder, and the avenues are named after notable Poznań scientists.

What to see

The whole site covers 86 hectares, but the part open to visitors is a 23-hectare landscape garden; the rest is research forest.

• About 1,100 tree and shrub species and varieties, planted according to their natural habitats.
• More than 100 varieties of heathers and heaths – best from late summer into early fall.
• A reed-fringed pond, one of the most peaceful spots on the walk.
• Two large horse chestnuts at the main entrance, protected as natural monuments.

Nature trails for families

The Insect Garden (Owadogród) is a roughly 500 m path with nine stops about insects, with wooden insect sculptures, a traditional tree beehive and a weather station with a camera tracking plant growth. The Trojanka valley bog trail crosses a small peatland where marsh marigolds and yellow irises grow; with luck you may spot beaver signs or hear cranes. Information panels are in Polish, so a translation app helps.

Opening hours and tickets

As of October 2026, the arboretum is open daily 6 am–10 pm from April 1 to October 30 and 8 am–5 pm from November 1 to March 31. Admission is free – there are no tickets. Dogs are welcome on a leash and muzzled. Swimming in the pond, open fires, smoking and alcohol are not allowed, and photo shoots or drone flights need staff permission. A bonfire site next to the car park can be booked for a fee (in PLN). Avoid the grounds in storms or strong wind.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially with children or as part of a cycling day in the forest. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours. Spring blossom and fall color are the highlights. Right next door, a 3 km nature loop circles Lake Zielonka, and forest roads lead on to several small nature reserves.