Butterfly Garden in Grevenmacher Prepares for Winter Closure

Greenhouse to close from October 31 to April 1 for seasonal rest and renovation

The Butterfly Garden in Grevenmacher will temporarily close its doors to the public from October 31 until April 1, following its annual winter break. The pause allows the greenhouse to rest, undergo maintenance, and restart the butterfly life cycle in spring.

During the summer months, the 600 m² tropical greenhouse maintains a warm temperature of around 28°C, home to nearly 500 butterflies fluttering among lush plants. But as autumn arrives and outdoor temperatures drop, the atmosphere inside changes. “The temperature, usually 28 degrees, will gradually drop to 16 degrees,” explained Sandra Tibolt, head of the Butterfly Garden, who has been caring for the insects since 2011.

Colder weather and shorter days make butterflies less active and halt reproduction. “As the butterflies move less and no longer reproduce, we stop ordering new chrysalises and focus on caring for the remaining species,” Tibolt said. By the end of winter, only about fifty butterflies will remain. The full cycle will begin anew in March, when around 1,500 chrysalises arrive to prepare for the April reopening.

The winter closure also serves a practical and environmental purpose. “Keeping the greenhouse heated all winter would be too costly and would harm the environment,” Tibolt noted. The cooler months give the plants time to grow and allow staff to renovate paths, ponds, and other parts of the facility without the challenge of working in tropical heat and high humidity.

The temperature, however, will not fall below 16°C — essential for the well-being of the other greenhouse residents, including chameleons, turtles, birds, and bees, all of which continue to be monitored during the closure. A team of nine employees will continue working full-time through the winter to maintain the space and prepare for the next season.

While the butterflies rest, Tibolt hinted that visitors can expect a few new surprises when the garden reopens in spring, keeping the experience fresh for both returning guests and first-time visitors.
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