Located on the banks of the Emajõgi River in Tartu, the University of Tartu Botanical Garden is Estonia's most species-rich garden, covering an area of 3.5 hectares. The university established the garden in 1803 and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in the diversity of flora, plant use, and conservation. The garden is also a peaceful oasis where visitors can take a moment to stop and smell the flowers, quite literally. Visitors can escape the northern climate by stepping into the steamy, jungle-like palm house, complete with its own fishpond and tropical birds. With 220 years of history, the collections at the botanical garden are vast, with over 11,000 taxa and plant species from a range of environments, from the tundra to tropical rainforests.