Koch Garden

Are you looking for a quiet spot in the city center? Koch’s Garden is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Bratislava. Many also call it “Bratislava’s secret garden” because it’s tucked away among the villas.

The garden was created between 1930 and 1932 as part of a modern sanatorium belonging to the prominent Slovak physician Dr. Karol Koch. The sanatorium building was designed by architects Dušan Jurkovič, Jindřich Merganc, and Otokar Klimeš and is considered one of the most significant works of Slovak functionalism. The entire complex—both the sanatorium and the garden—is now a national cultural monument.

What makes it special?

🌳 It was designed as a therapeutic garden for the sanatorium’s patients.

🌿 Originally, it contained approximately 120 plant species, including many rare exotic trees.

💦 The garden’s centerpiece is a historic pool with a water feature that was used by patients for rehabilitation.

🗿 Here you’ll find romantic paths, stone staircases, terraces, benches, and artistic sculptures, such as “Mother with Child” and “Lovers.”

🌸 Thanks to the undulating terrain, the garden appears much larger than it actually is. It is often referred to as “Little Mlyňany,” since the planting was designed by the renowned gardener Jozef Mišák from the Mlyňany Arboretum.

The garden is open daily, free of charge, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The entrance to the garden is on Bartoňova Street; the nearest public transit stop is Radvanská.

Location: Bartoňova, Bratislava, Slovakia
Date: Open year-round
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Admission: Free

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