ARBORETUM

The Gödöllő arboretum was founded in 1902, on an area of 190 hectares, for the purpose of naturalizing tree species suitable for planting on sandy, plain land. The settling of the grove bearing the name of Archduke Joseph was accomplished by 1914 and was considered the most significant botanic garden in Hungary World War II caused heavy damage to the stock of trees. From 1960 on, the workers of the Scientific Institute of Forestry started a large-scale settlement programme which has resulted today in 110 gymnospermous and 650 leafy species of trees, with their respective subspecies or variants.

At present the institution operates on an area of 350 hectares. 90 per cent of this serves the purposes of research work and 10 per cent was converted into a park. From 1989 on the arboretum has received visitors at regular opening times.