Parks, Gardens and Squares

Vullierens Castle, together with its magnificent gardens and sculpture park, constitutes one of Switzerland’s most remarkable heritage sites with a superb 180° view of the Alps, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

A natural haven of peace located on Montriond hill in the heart of Lausanne. In this little green paradise, full of brightly coloured flowers and large trees, you’ll be able to escape into a haven of relaxation – even though you’re practically in the city centre still.

Egguweg – herbs and culture The Egguweg trail takes visitors on an exciting 17-stop tour of Albinen’s natural and culture heritage.

Time seems to have stood still in the impressive 18th-century Palais with its smartened-up French garden, despite its close proximity to the busy city centre. The Hotel DuPeyrou was once surrounded by vineyards, and the gardens that belonged to it stretched all the way to Lake Neuchâtel.

Tropenluft schnuppern? Staunen über fremdartige Pflanzen? Düfte des Mittelmeers einatmen? Blühende Alpenrosen bewundern? Dann nichts wie los in den Botanischen Garten der Universität Zürich.

Im schweizweit einzigartigen Homöopathie-Garten in Zug kann man zwischen Giftpflanzen wie Belladonna, gemeinem Schöllkraut und purpurrotem Fingerhut spazieren.

Each year, there are some 2,900 roses, of which there are 300 varieties, blooming in Winterthur’s Rose Garden. These also include rare and historic roses such as the French rose, which is the oldest cultivated species still available today, or the deep-pink Queen of Denmark rose. Aside from all the flowers that are in bloom, you’ll also find a place of relaxation here, and glorious views over the city of Winterthur.

Hikers can admire the Japanese garden perched atop a glacial moraine deep in the Tortin Valley, south of Nendaz.

Close to the castle and particularly close to the shores of Lake Geneva, the Parc de l'Indépendance in Morges offers an ideal setting for a peaceful stroll. In spring, it is transformed into a veritable flower show with over 100,000 tulips during the Tulip Festival, a unique event in Switzerland.

Der Alte Botanische Garten ist eine idyllische Oase inmitten der Zürcher Innenstadt. Seine Geschichte geht bis in das Jahr 1837 zurück.

Roses and dahlias, medicinal plants, exotic blossoms and undemanding herbs: the Botanical Garden of Geneva houses over 16,000 species of plants. The exotic bird species in the zoo within the Botanical Garden are just as colorful as the flowers.

Set in the Aubonne Valley, between Morges and Rolle, the Arboretum cultivates thousands of trees in a natural environment for scientific purposes, species preservation and for the enjoyment of walkers.

The castle at the foot of the Calanda is the highlight of Haldenstein. When the roses flower in the spring, the castle garden is a visual and olfactory feast.

Der romantische Rosengarten auf der «Guggiwiese» inmitten der Stadt Zug ist ein Geheimtipp für Rosenliebhaber.

Butterbur, common spotted-orchid, wild thyme – medicinal herbs and plants flourish on the lush meadows of the Val d’Err.

The Botanical Garden in Neuchâtel lies high above the city and is a fantastic spot for relaxing strolls at any time of year. A great excuse to get some fresh air and get acquainted with native and exotic kinds of plants, just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

An emblematic walk in Morges, the quays are in bloom all year round, with the Alps in the background.

Countless medicinal herbs grow in front of and next to the Metzger natural apothecary in Beatenberg.

A place for anyone who seeks peace and quiet, appreciates nature and wants to experience history. The historic hotel and Alpine landscape are what makes this spot 300 metres above Davos so special.

This magnificent botanical garden is set on the Gambarogno side of Lago Maggiore, on the hillside terrace between Piazzogna and Vairano. Here, the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno foundation lavishes endless love and skill on the over 17,000 square metres of gorgeously colourful plants.

On the peak dominating the Rochers de Naye valley, this high-altitude botanical garden with magnificently laid-out rock gardens has a rich collection of specially-cultivated plants, in addition to its reserve containing over 600 varieties of native plant life.

The Apple Trail and a walking route through the village attest the longstanding importance of fruit-growing in Altnau's agriculture. 24 information panels with puzzles, jokes and questions about apple varieties impart valuable knowledge about the apple-growing region and the rosy-skinned fruit itself. Visitors will also meet Fredi, Lisi and Emma – three appealing apple mascots.

Experience the unspoilt beauty of the lovely Laufen Valley. The village of Nenzlingen in the Baselbiet is nestled in the Jura and surrounded by cherry orchards, rolling hills, woods, meadows and pastures.

Since 2014, Le Port has opened its doors from May to September as an inviting place for people to pass the time. The seasonal project, located on the site of an old gas works, offers the general public a wide range of activities free of charge.

Around 8,000 plant species from all over the world thrive on the two hectares of the Botanical Gardens at Stephanshorn, St. Gallen. Special features include the Tropical House, with its rainforest plants, succulents and orchids, and the architecturally remarkable Alpine House.

The village of Sagno is located in Ticino’s southernmost valley, the Muggio Valley. It boasts a unique, sun-drenched hillside location on the slopes of Monte Bisbino, which straddles Switzerland and Italy. This is where the important ingredients are grown for the local gin Bisbino – Ticino’s first ever gin.

The history of the botanical garden of the University of Basel goes as far back as the 16th century, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It also offers an exciting variety of plants in a well-maintained haven of peace right in the heart of the city.

The Swiss Ornithological Institute in Sempach is the national centre of research and protection of local birds and their habitats, which is supported by the population. The new visitor’s centre is clearly the destination and the tourist attraction on Lake Sempach.

With its charming French gardens and English park with sculptures by Richard Serra – both of which can be enjoyed on Sundays – Villa Wenkenhof is Basel’s answer to Versailles in miniature.

The Ermitage in Arlesheim can look back on a colourful history spanning more than 200 years. It is the largest landscaped English garden in Switzerland. Ponds, caves, winding paths and idyllic nature enchant walkers and transport them to a mystical world full of secrets.

Seit 1931 beherbergt die Sukkulenten-Sammlung in Zürich eine der weltweit grössten und bedeutendsten Spezialsammlungen sukkulenter Pflanzen.

The botanical garden Alpinum Schatzalp is privately run through the Berghotel Schatzalp. The Alpinum is at an average altitude of over 1800 meters and covers a total area of approx. 5 hectares. Numerous different habitats merge into one another and form the most diverse Locations for plant collections such as edelweiss, gentian, bluebells and much more.

There is a popular hiking trail along the Jura mountain route from Passwang – the summit and viewpoint are 1,204 metres above sea level. Take this hiking route from Laufen, where Ricola has its head office.