The Fata Morgana Greenhouse

Nestled on a sun-drenched southern slope of the Troja hillside, the Fata Morgana Greenhouse boasts a modern design with a captivating serpentine layout. Its standout feature is its seamless integration into the rocky terrain, which has been cleverly utilized to create terraced plant displays. The rugged natural rock forms the greenhouse’s back wall, enhancing its aesthetic. Covering an impressive 1,800 square meters (approximately 19,375 square feet), Fata Morgana stands out as a unique gem in Europe. The greenhouse features a network of visitor pathways totaling approximately 740 feet (225 meters) in length. The expositions are enhanced with water features, including ponds and waterfalls. Among the most striking elements is a pond in the central part of the greenhouse, which is about 13 feet (4 meters) deep and has a total volume of around 7,000 cubic feet (200 cubic meters). There is also a waterfall almost 20 feet (6 meters) high.

The greenhouse features a network of visitor pathways stretching approximately 740 feet (225 meters). The expositions are enriched with water features, including ponds and waterfalls. A central highlight is a pond about 13 feet (4 meters) deep with a total volume of around 7,000 cubic feet (200 cubic meters), complemented by a nearby nearly 20-foot (6-meter) waterfall.

The greenhouse is divided into three distinct sections, each with varying temperature and humidity levels, offering visitors a chance to explore diverse flora from tropical and subtropical climates. The plant displays are organized by major phytogeographic regions and are designed to evoke natural plant communities. Unlike other greenhouses, Fata Morgana Greenhouse features many species that, while common in their native areas, may seem less important in horticultural contexts. These include localized plants collected during expeditions by our botanists, providing valuable study material and showcasing our commitment to plant conservation.

The first section introduces arid tropical and subtropical vegetation, starting with the dry Australian bush and rare flora from Madagascar. Next, visitors encounter xeric vegetation from southern Mexico and various African regions, including the striking Cape Namaqualand and Little Karoo.

The central and largest section of the greenhouse represents the lowland rainforest of the humid tropics. This area connects to the succulent section via an underground tunnel carved into the rock, leading to two expansive freshwater aquariums teeming with tropical fish and other aquatic life.

In the rainforest area, you will find plant communities from South America, selected Central American locales, as well as sections dedicated to flora from Australia and Oceania, Africa and Madagascar, Vietnam, the Sunda Islands, and the Philippines. Enjoy observing tropical lake life from above or take a moment on the observation terrace to absorb the rainforest atmosphere, accompanied by the soothing sound of a nearby waterfall.

The final, cooler section of the greenhouse depicts the harsh environment of high tropical mountains, featuring plants from the Andes, mountainous regions of continental and island Asia, and subtropical southern Africa. The central part of this section is dedicated to the rare vegetation of Venezuela’s Tepuis, or table-top mountains.

A journey through tropical nature at Fata Morgana Greenhouse is a year-round delight. The ever-changing shapes, colors, and structures of the plants, along with a variety of blooming flowers and new plant additions, make each visit a unique experience. Whether exploring exotic mountains, forests, or semi-deserts, every curious visitor will find something to marvel at, regardless of the season.

All-access points and pathways within the greenhouse are fully accessible.