Parks, Gardens and Squares

Von der Seerose bis zum Edelweiss gedeihen im Botanischen Garten der Universität Freiburg fast 5’000 Pflanzenarten.

In the place where the machine factory, Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO), once stood, an architecturally fascinating park hall bears witness to the past usage of the site. Particularly in summer, the facility is frequently used for various cultural events, such as open-air movie theatres or festivals of all kinds.

The expansive Elfenau Park is one of the jewels of the City of Bern. It offers plenty of activities to delight young and old alike: whether that’s strolling through the historic park, swimming in the Aare river, watching the kingfishers by the river’s edge, attending a concert in the orangery or simply enjoying an afternoon in the park’s own café.

Situated in Europe’s most beautiful mountain valley, the Engadin, Pontresina is a summer and winter holiday resort popular with mountain climbers, hikers, families and winter sports fans.

The stunning Camellia Park in Locarno has more than 850 different camellia varieties, with a flowering period of nine months. A little slice of paradise not only for those who love camellias, but for all those looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the heart of the city.

In a relaxed atmosphere, far from the stress of everyday life, you have the opportunity to play golf. The 9-hole course of Vulpera with alpine game enjoyment on the edge of the national park offers a challenge for all levels and requires good tactics and precise play.

Irchelpark is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy being surrounded by nature. Trees and bushes shield this relaxing retreat from the streets surrounding it. It’s not uncommon to cross paths with students of the University of Zurich’s Irchel Campus here. The institution’s buildings are set in an enchanting location in the upper part of the park.

A detour to the Messeplatz exhibition space in Basel is always worthwhile - even when there’s no large-scale exhibition taking place. The spacious area at the heart of what’s known as Kleinbasel - little Basel, is surrounded by some mind-boggling architecture: The 105 sky-meter-high Morger & Degelo tower - and the new Herzog & de Meuron construction with its “window to the heavens.”

The park around the Grand Casino Baden is home to ancient trees and constitutes a green oasis in the centre of town.

The team event at the Hübeli organic farm in Kallnach takes you straight to the field. Together you can help out in the vegetable fields and experience organic farming at first hand. Harvest your own dinner!

The 26 fountains of the Parliament Square’s water display represent the 26 cantons of Switzerland. Sometimes in rhythm, sometimes randomly, the water sprays up to seven metres into the air. This image is quite amazing in many regards. Such a sight would be practically unthinkable in front of other seats of government.

With its views of Lake Geneva, Parc des Eaux-Vives is probably one of the most beautiful and oldest parks in the city of Geneva. Nature lovers will appreciate the many hundred-year-old trees and the expansive lawned areas. Plage des Eaux-Vives (Eaux-Vives Beach) is also just a stone’s throw away.

Herb gardens at the Panorama Trail on the southern flank of the Lötschberg speak to all of one's senses. In three carefully planned gardens as well as in the Bach Flower Garden between Ausserberg and Mund a veritable nature-apothecary delights the eye and dispenses its aromas.

The Kandertal valley is set in the unique mountain scenery of the Bernese Oberland. You will find some of Switzerland’s most impressive hiking routes here, around the Oeschinen and Blausee lakes, the Gemmi and the Blüemlisalp.

Piazza Grande in Locarno is one of the largest town squares in Switzerland and the social heart of the city. It covers around 17,000 square meters and is known for its striking cobblestones and historic arcaded houses. The famous Locarno Film Festival and numerous other events take place here.

The newly created garden with its own grape vines and a fragrant rose garden invites you to dream. These areas with various plants lend the castle a pleasant feeling of spaciousness.

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a short while and enjoy a picnic in the museum garden of the Oskar Reinhart “Am Römerholz” collection. Stately chestnut trees and outdoor sculptures are scattered throughout the verdant park, making it the perfect spot to slow down and recharge.

Dreilindenpark – colloquially also known as “Konsipark” – is not only the largest public park in the city of Lucerne, offering breathtaking views, but also a place of culture. Originally the home of the Lucerne School of Music, this is where works of fine art are to be put on display in the future.

Bonstetten Park serves throughout the year as a valuable public recreational area right on the lakeside: BBQ sites, open grassy areas and a playground make the park a popular destination for families as well.

Tassino Park, a glorious haven of peace, is graced with lush vegetation thanks to its sun-drenched position. If you like roses and English-style gardens then this is the place for you. What is now Tassino Park was at one time the hunting lodge of the wealthy Enderlin family, who in the 19th century were the owners of a beautiful villa on the hill of Tassino.

The Jura "Chemins du Bio" are circular walks from farm to farm, including meals and sometimes accommodation with farming families: memorable encounters with local people in their working and living environment.

The hiking routes around the resort of Zermatt – site of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn – offer you breathtaking panoramic vistas, lush flowering meadows and fragrant larch forests.

In the centre of Biel, the watchmaking capital of Switzerland, the newly redesigned Schüssinsel Park (Île de la Suze) offers a perfect place to relax. Over 600 trees and various water landscapes create a green oasis.

The 70,000 m2 Rieterpark is Zurich's largest and most impressive landscaped garden and is set in the district of Zurich Enge near Lake Zurich.

Ittingen Charterhouse, a former Carthusian monastery with more than 850 years of history, is one of the most important cultural sites in the region.

In this green oasis in the centre of Fribourg, the Jean Tinguely fountain is particularly striking. It was created by the contemporary Fribourg artist in memory of his friend and racing driver Jo Siffert.

You can experience nature up close with Wild und Wald. Guided tours take you through the wildlife of the Solothurn Jura.

Golfing at the oldest golf club in Switzerland - Home of Swiss Golf since 1893!

Villa Negroni is one of Ticino’s most important villas. One of the reasons is the valuable expansive garden surrounding the villa. There is a clear division into two contrasting elements: an Italian flower garden and an English-style park.

Morcote was once opon a time the largest harbor at Lake Lugano and an important reloading point for goods for the Milanese dukes during the Middle Ages. Today the charming Ticinese village with the richly decorated facades and the Scherrer Park is a popular destination for excursions.

The Strandboden area is located right by Lake Biel. Here is where locals take time out from their busy lives to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and splendid views.

In the middle of the city of Bern is the Botanical Garden of the University of Bern. 5500 plant species invite you on a botanical journey around the globe: From the hot tropics, the Central Asian steppes to the spicy-scented Mediterranean region or the shady forests of East Asia to the cool Alpine air.

The stately trees and broad promenade are picture perfect at any time of the year. All three of the parks in Rheinfelden are popular spots for snapping photos as they are located directly on the Rhine and offer a wonderful view of the old town.

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.