Accessible many months and always worth a visit

Accessible many months and always worth a visit

Here you will find ideas for excursions and courses that are always worth a visit. Since not all gardens, parks, etc. are accessible in winter, it is worth consulting the relevant website.
Lausanne Botanical Garden, 1007 Lausanne
The botanical garden of Lausanne is an oasis of peace. Although located close to the city center, you will find a relaxing tranquility in this little green paradise. A large, lush rock with a waterfall is the dominant feature of the landscape. A stroll through the garden transports visitors to another world. The beauty of the carnivorous and tropical flowers, which glow in a thousand colors, touches everyone. From the smallest flower to the stately tree, this magical place has a total of 4000 plants from all over the world. To protect the regional fauna, the Botanical Museum, which houses a specialized library and the cantonal botanical collections, raises public awareness on this subject through visits, activities and exhibitions.

natureum.ch
The Gardens of Château de Vullierens, 1115 Vullierens
The Vullierens Gardens in the Morges hills are an absolute oasis of beauty. The chateau, with its view over Lake Geneva and the Alps, is the precious guardian of 30 hectares of gardens which are covered with flowers, mainly irises. Open during the iris flowering season – from May to mid-June – the garden is a riot of color with more than 50,000 flowers representing more than 400 varieties. Although the house itself is not open to the public, the gardens have a lot to offer, with a collection of about 85 sculptures which changes every year, local wine tastings and a restaurant serving delicious meals and Sunday brunch. The Château is open until the end of October.

region-du-leman.ch
Arboretum, Chem. de Plan 92, 1170 Aubonne
On the heights of the vineyard of La Côte, between Morges and Nyon, 200 hectares of enchantment await you at the Arboretum. Walkers have a choice of several circuits zigzagging between trees and shrubs, river and pond. Didactic panels for learning and picnic places to relax enhance this pleasant nature excursion for the whole family. Since spring 2021, an all-terrain wheelchair "JST MultiDrive" is available at the Arboretum. It allows visitors with reduced mobility to access 2 paths in complete safety. Reservations are required by telephone (021 808 51 83) or by e-mail ([email protected]).

morges-tourisme.ch
Meyrin Botanical Alpine Garden, 1217 Meyrin
In the town of Meyrin, plants descend from the mountain peaks into the heart of the urban space. However, the collection is by no means limited to these alpine plants. Visitors also encounter many plant species from the lowlands and from other parts of the world. In addition, an animal park with Appenzell hens and booted goats enlivens this popular city park with its 3000 or so plant species and varieties.

meyrin.ch
Geneva Botanical Garden, 1292 Chambésy-Genève
Roses and dahlias, medicinal plants, exotic flowers, and frugal herbs: Geneva's botanical garden is home to over 16,000 plant species. The bird species in the botanical garden's animal park are just as colorful as the flowers. The botanical garden on the outskirts of Geneva is both a teaching ground for botany and a popular local recreation area. The large park with plants, trees, flowers, special habitats, greenhouses, and animal park has been open to the public since 1904. The plant species are grouped thematically according to habitat and labeled with information boards: protected plants, medicinal and useful plants, garden plants and flowers as well as exotic blossoms. The animal park is home to endangered breeds of domestic animals and fallow deer, while ducks and flamingos live in special water features.

cjbg.ch
Botanical Garden of the University of Fribourg, 1700 Fribourg
Founded in 1937, the Botanical Garden of the University of Fribourg is a true natural jewel in the heart of the Pérolles district. Originally, the garden was dedicated to teaching medicinal plants to pharmacy and medical students. Over the years, it has expanded its collections: crop plants, geophytes, tropical plants, alpine plants, protected plants, etc. Today it has 23 themed areas, including 3 show greenhouses, and displays around 5000 plant species. The Botanical Garden works with various partners to preserve the rarest and most endangered plants. It is open free of charge every day of the year and offers a rich program of activities.

unifr.ch
La Thomasia Alpine Botanical Garden Pont-de-Nant, 1880 Les Plans-sur-Bex
The La Thomasia alpine garden is a botanical garden dedicated to the knowledge and preservation of mountain plants. Located at an altitude of 1260 meters, it is set against the spectacular western face of the Grand Muveran. The botanical garden has nearly 2000 mountain plants, classified according to their geographical origin. Flowers from the Alps stand alongside those from the Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, the Caucasus, the Andes, Japan, the mountains of New Zealand, the Moroccan Atlas, or the Arctic regions. The emphasis is on species from the Vaud Alps, such as the Alpine white anemone. The Alpine Garden is open from around mid-May to around mid-October.

botanique.vd.ch
Neuchâtel Botanical Garden, 2000 Neuchâtel
Just a stone's throw from the Centre Dürrenmatt, in the Vallon de l'Ermitage, an 8-hectare park presents eight varied botanical collections (around 2,500 species) and exceptional natural environments. The Alpinum, renovated in 2017, features species from seven European mountain regions, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Caucasus. The medicinal plant garden, created in 2020, showcases most of Switzerland's medicinal plants. The garden was completed in 2022 with the «kaleidoscope», a trail that allows visitors to discover nature with all their senses.

jbneuchatel.ch
Jurassica Botanical Garden, 2900 Porrentruy
The Jurassica Botanical Garden in Porrentruy was founded in 1799 and is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the former Jesuit College, in the heart of the old town. More than 600 local plant species from the Jura Mountain ranges, from Lake Biel to the Chasseral, are on display. The emphasis is on over 70 varieties of roses and 180 varieties of iris, which, when in bloom, transform the garden into an immense sea of color. In addition, since the 1960s, several greenhouses have housed numerous exotic plants, offering visitors a lush tropical experience.

jurassica.ch
Rose Garden, 3006 Bern
The Rose Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in Bern and offers an unrivaled view over the rooftops of the historic Old Town and the river. Whether you stroll slowly through the park, read a book on a bench, share a picnic with friends, or simply sit on a garden wall, the Rose Garden’s relaxed atmosphere invites visitors to stay a while. Although its name suggests otherwise, the Rose Garden is also known for its variety of flower species. Over 400 types of roses and irises as well as 28 different rhododendrons flourish all over the park. An enchanting water lily pond with fountain and the large, open grassy areas give the park a spacious fee.

bern.com

Fleurop info about roses you can also find HERE.
Botanical Garden of the University of Berne, 3013 Bern
Since 1859, the Botanical Garden of the University of Berne (BOGA) has been a varied and colorful oasis in the heart of the city of Berne. Some 6,000 plant species flourish here on an area of 2.5 hectares. Its collection is divided into more than 60 sections according to habitat, geography, ecology, systematics, and human use. The 150-year-old trees, the Alpine Garden, the medicinal plant garden, the greenhouse devoted to steppe flora and the Gondwana House, opened in 2022, with plants from every continent in the southern hemisphere, are extremely attractive. It shows the fascinating diversity of plants and their great importance to mankind, but also draws attention to their endangerment.

boga.unibe.ch
Papiliorama and Nocturama, 3210 Kerzers
The Papiliorama and Nocturama tropical gardens are home to plants and animals from the tropics. Countless animal species animate the jungle, in which just as many different plant species grow. In addition, over 1000 exotic butterflies and rare hummingbirds can be observed. The Nocturama is a worldwide unique exhibition: the translucent roof of the dome filters the natural daylight and creates a full moon night atmosphere inside. The reversed day and night rhythm makes it possible to take a nocturnal walk in the middle of the day and observe the nocturnal animals of the tropical forests. Since 1989 the Papiliorama has been running a nature reserve in Belize, Central America. Jungle Trek is an authentic copy of these rich tropical habitats and offers visitors an exciting hike through the tropical forest.

papiliorama.ch
Oberhofen Castle, 3653 Oberhofen on Lake Thun
The romantic castle complex looks back on an eventful history of ownership. Purchased by the aristocratic Pourtalès family in 1844 and converted into a summer residence, the castle took on its current appearance. Attached to the castle is a 2.5-hectare park, which impressively demonstrates the various trends in the history of garden design. Conifers, deciduous trees and four exotic sequoias still dominate the appearance today. The hornbeam pergola is unique in its kind, evoking romantic feelings and providing shade in summer. The view of the imposing mountain backdrop above the lake makes it one of the most beautiful gardens in the Alpine region. The parc is open from March to November.

schlossoberhofen.ch
Tropenhaus Frutigen, 3714 Frutigen
Experience the green wonder. At the foot of the Bernese Alps there is a paradise to discover: the Tropical House Frutigen. The mountain water, the fish farm, and the tropical garden - a harmonious trio under one roof and at the same time an innovative energy concept. The Tropical House Frutigen conveys all this. In the adventure exhibition «How the fish came to the mountain», you travel from the depths of Siberian waters up to the Lötschberg and back 200 million years into the past. On a guided tour through the Tropical house, you can immerse yourself in the fascinatingly colorful world of the tropical alpine enclave. And for a change of pace, you can enjoy delicious food in the Tropengarten restaurant.

tropenhaus-frutigen.ch
Ricola herb garden, 3718 Kandersteg
The Kander Valley is situated in the mountain landscape of the Bernese Oberland. There, some of the most beautiful hiking trails in Switzerland are waiting to be discovered. In Kandersteg, right next to the historic «Ruedihus» inn, lies one of the five Ricola show gardens. The fascinating world of herbs invites you to rest and linger in an alpine setting. As you would expect, the Ricola show gardens focus on the 13 herbs that make Ricola’s herbal canies so unique. Other Ricola herb gardens can be found in Zermatt, Pontresina, Nenzlingen and Trogberg.

rico.la/kraeutergarten

Fleurop info about herbs you can also find HERE.
Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Since its foundation, the Open-Air Museum Ballenberg has been dedicated to traditional gardening and landscape conservation: it enables visitors to actively experience the importance of farm gardens and cultural landscapes with all their senses, while also growing traditional varieties of fruit and vegetables and providing a vivid demonstration of how people used to preserve food. In addition, more than 200 farm animals and over 100 rural buildings from all over Switzerland can be discovered in the open-air museum. Buildings are classified according to the region of origin and grouped into typical regional building groups. Finally, there are many activities: for example, medicinal herb Sundays in summer, with guided tours through the unique medicinal herb and fragrance garden. The Open-Air Museum is open from April to October.

ballenberg.ch
Erschmatt variety garden, 3957 Erschmatt
Founded in 1985, the Erschmatt variety garden is in a terraced landscape above the village. Covering an area of around 10 acres, it provides a home for old cultivated plants that are otherwise rarely planted but are worth preserving to protect biodiversity. In addition to the presentation of old grain varieties, rare field flowers are also shown. With courses and a museum, the variety garden conveys Valais diversity and tradition and is committed to the preservation of intangible cultural assets. The variety garden is part of the Erschmatt rye experience. Erschmatt is all about rye bread: terraces, barn, granary, mill and bakery bring to life how a village used to supply itself with its own bread.

erschmatt.ch
Botanical Garden of the University of Basel, 4051 Basel
The history of the botanical Garden of the University of Basel dates back to the 16th century. This makes it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world and offers an exciting variety of plants in a well-maintained haven of peace in the heart of the city. The new tropical house was opened at the end of May 2023 and the unique titan arum bloomed shortly afterwards. A highlight of the garden, which was moved to the Spalentor in the 19th century, is the historic «Viktoriahaus», which was reconstructed in 1995. The popular tropical house also takes visitors into the fascinating world of the cloud forest.

botgarten.unibas.ch
Merian Gardens, 4052 Basel
The Merian Gardens are a magical place of beauty. The spacious botanical garden on the outskirts of Basel enchants with incredible plant diversity and lush blooms. In addition to the «Rhododendron Valley», an English Garden and the protected dry meadows, the iris collection is one of the absolute highlights. The modernly converted New Barn houses a restaurant with a view into the greenery. The gardens are open daily, and admission is free.

meriangaerten.ch
Hermitage, 4144 Arlesheim
The Hermitage in Arlesheim is a place of peace and quiet, reflection and strength. A walk through the English garden at the Hermitage is like walking into another world. It is a very special place filled with mysticism and tranquility. Numerous small natural caverns with romantic names serve as points of interest along the way: the Diana grotto, Apollo grotto, Proserpina grotto and Hermit’s grotto. The Apollo grotto was so named because of its topographical similarity to the area around Delphi and thus with the legend of the Oracle of Delphi. The buildings have been listed as historical monuments since 1999, and the grounds have also been made into a nature reserve.

ermitage-arlesheim.ch
Herb path, 6133 Hergiswil b. Willisau
The signalized herb trail starts in the middle of Hergiswil. In the hilly Napf area, you hike across meadows and through forest and marvel at the variety of wildflowers and herbs. There are currently 3 themed trails: the herb trail, the milk-herb-cheese trail and the Chrüterhäxli-Lilli-Gwonderweg. On the herb trail wild herbs are described and there is currently still an herb garden. On the milk-herb-cheese trail there is, among other things, a nice herb memory. Children can find their way to the herbs by playing games. And, on the Chrüterhäxli-Lilli-Gwonderweg many wild herbs and trees are described in a child-friendly way.

kraeuterdorf.ch

Fleurop info about herbs you can also find HERE.
Homeopathy Garden, 6300 Zug
With about 130 plant varieties arranged according to homeopathic indications, the garden is not only an enrichment for homeopaths, but also for interested nature lovers, because it gives an insight into the diversity of medicinal plants. The SHI Homeopathy Garden is accessible at any time and can be discovered solo with the plant documentation provided. Each plant, its field of application and the parts used to prepare homeopathic remedies are briefly described therein. In addition, there is a test trail to deepen the acquired knowledge. It is worth visiting the homepage, as lectures are offered from time to time.

shi.ch
Brissago Islands, 6614 Brissago
The Brissago Islands are one of Ticino’s most magical places - a small subtropical paradise on Lake Maggiore that is easily accessible by boat. The Island to visit is the Isola Grande. Particularly striking are the areas with the Roman baths, the panoramic viewpoint at the extremity of the island, the thick reed grove, and the small beach. The excursion allows visitors to walk through typical habitats from the Australian, Asian, and African continents and, not to be missed, the section reserved for Mediterranean vegetation.

ascona-locarno.com
Cooking with Meret Bissegger, 6713 Malvaglia
From 14 years as a restaurateur and chef (with 14 Gault&Millau points) she has taken a wealth of experience with her to her Casa Merogusto in Malvaglia (Blenio Valley). There she shares her knowledge and passion with interested people. She regularly offers cooking courses for beginners and advanced cooks, as well as wild plant courses (spring), herb walks and culinary delight weeks. Learn more about the use of wild plants, herbs as well as edible flowers in the kitchen, about Slow-Food, Pro-Specie-Rara products and specialties of local producers.

meretbissegger.ch
Parco Tassino, 6900 Lugano
Parco Tassino is a wonderful place of tranquility. If you like roses and the English garden culture, you are in the right place. With an area of 21,000 square meters, this park is characterized by a wide avenue that leads up to the pink «Enderlin Tower» among centuries-old trees and evergreen magnolias. There you will find a panoramic terrace with a wide selection of shrub roses, offering a magnificent view of Monte Brè, part of the lake and over the city of Lugano.

luganoregion.com
Succulent Plant Collection Zurich, 8002 Zurich
One of the largest and most important collections of succulent plants in seven greenhouses as well as in cold frames and a rockery under the open sky: over 4400 different species from 78 plant families are cultivated here, which is between a third and half of all known succulent plants. A fascinating panoply of shapes and colors invites visitors to embark on a tour of discovery and wonder, all year round. A sense of detail and variety is heightened. To protect plant diversity, the succulent plant collection has been exchanging seeds with over 200 botanical gardens from all over the world for more than 70 years.

zuercher-museen.ch

Fleurop info about succulents you can also find HERE.
Botanical Garden Zurich, 8008 Zurich
Sniffing the tropical air? Marvel at alien plants? Then let's go to the Botanical Garden of the University of Zurich. It is in the park of the former Villa Schönau in Riesbach. It is home to around 9000 different plant species from the most diverse climatic zones of the world on an area of around 53,000 square meters. The Botanical Garden is famous for its three show houses. Each house is dedicated to a specific climatic region (tropical rainforest, lowland rainforest, tropical dryland). A large meadow and a pond invite you to linger.

bg.uzh.ch
Chinese Garden Zurich, 8008 Zurich
The Chinese Garden is a gift from the city’s Chinese partner town of Kunming. The garden was given in thanks for the technical and scientific support provided with expanding drinking water supplies and urban drainage in Kunming. It was opened in 1994 and is considered one of the highest-ranking gardens outside of China. The garden is an intensive study of one of the main themes of Chinese culture, the «Three Friends in Winter». These are the pine, the bamboo, and the winter plum, which together brave the cold season. The inscriptions and paintings indicate the peculiarity of Yunnan's culture, in which manifold influences of different ethnic minorities merge with the traditional Han culture.

chinagarten-zuerich.ch/
Hauenstein show garden Rafz, 8197 Rafz
Various species and varieties of roses, perennials, bulbous plants, trees, shrubs, and conifers can be seen over an area of 10,000 m2. Garden enthusiasts are always keen to use the attractive plant combinations as inspiration for designing their own gardens. In addition, themed gardens are presented in all their beauty, for example a rhododendron garden, a pond, and a magnificent rose garden. The garden changes its face again and again depending on the season. A relaxing stroll through nature is worthwhile at any time of year. The Botanica restaurant is the perfect place to take a break.

hauenstein-rafz.ch
Ittingen Charterhouse, 8532 Warth-Weiningen
Kartause Ittingen is not only an atmospheric location; it is also one of the region’s cultural highlights. The former monastery houses two museums featuring regional artists, world-class exhibits, seminars, and other unique events. The cultural program is complemented by the famous Ittingen Whitsun concerts and other musical offerings. A stroll in the massive rose gardens culminates in the cozy beer garden. Enjoy festive occasions in our excellent restaurant with products from our own farm and gardens.

kartause.ch
Botanical Garden, 8627 Grüningen
On a hill left behind by the Linth glacier after the last ice age around 15,000 years ago, a well-tended garden has been thriving for over 60 years. In addition to popular garden plants and native species, rare and exotic trees, dwarf shrubs and perennials from all over the world are also on display. Tropical and subtropical useful and ornamental plants as well as many begonia species thrive in the newly opened greenhouse in 2012. Visit this place of inspiration and experience the fascinating variety of plants. The botanical garden is open from April to October.

botanischer-garten.ch
Rose Gardens Rapperswil, 8640 Rapperswil
Often known as the rose town, Rapperswil is famous for its more than 20,000 roses that bloom from May to October. Today, in addition to many private rose gardens, four public ones adorn the old town of Rapperswil: the rose garden at the foot of the vineyard near the Capuchin monastery, the rose garden near the Einsiedlerhaus, the Mainaugärtchen on Hintergasse and the special section of highly fragrant rose bushes which is a garden for the visually challenged on the Schanz. The latter contains 1522 plants of 75 special scent varieties, all of which are signposted with Braille and normal letters.

zuerich.com

Fleurop info about roses you can also find HERE.
Enea Tree Museum, 8645 Jona
The museum – located in a beautiful 75’000 m2 park close to Lake Zürich in Rapperswil-Jona – shows many selected trees from the collection of the Swiss landscape architect and world-famous tree collector Enzo Enea. The tree museum features approx. 50 trees, representing more than 25 varieties, some of which are over 100 years old. The tree collection consists exclusively of species from our climate zone. Since 2013, contemporary sculptures by renowned artists are also being exhibited in the park and surroundings.

enea.ch
Gardens in Grüental, 8820 Wädenswil
In a unique location high above the Lake of Zurich, a variety of gardens and green spaces containing more than 4,000 different plant species have been created over the last 40 years. The gardens are based on themes that are closely related to the research and educational activities of the Institute of Natural Resource Sciences and are used as an infrastructure for 'explorative learning'. Discover botanical collections such as the peony garden, experience the magic of wild perennial mixtures, get to know new protein plants for our future diet, explore healing TCM medicinal plants and varietal vegetable and fruit gardens on the approximately eleven-hectare campus.

zhaw.ch
Park Seleger Moor, 8911 Rifferswil
The park Seleger Moor is a relaxing oasis and flower paradise. Hundreds of thousands of rhododendron and azalea flowers enchant visitors with their brilliant colors. If the weather is mild, the peonies begin to offer a resplendent riot of color as early as April. The splendid water lilies delight the eyes until August. The mystical fern garden with its many shades of green, is a panacea for relaxation of the senses. In autumn, the warmth of light and typical leaf colors envelops the park in a magical atmosphere.

selegermoor.ch
St. Gallen Botanical Garden, 9016 St. Gallen
The first botanical garden in St. Gallen was created in 1878 but had to make way for the construction of the Historical Museum 40 years later. The second garden also fell victim to a building project. It was not until 1945 that the botanical garden in Stephanshorn found its current location. Around 8000 species thrive on an area of 2 hectares. In addition to the Tropical House, the architecturally remarkable Alpine House is one of the special features. The diverse outdoor areas display plants from all over the world, and the nutrient-poor (but species-rich) grassland area is home to over a hundred native meadowland species.

stadt.sg.ch
Mainau Island, D-78465 Mainau Island (Germany)
Tulips in spring, roses in summer and dahlias in autumn - in addition to these seasonal blossom highlights, Mainau Island has a variety of attractions and nature experiences in store. So, you can enjoy the season and let your soul dangle, participate in musical events, take part in the Count’s Island Festival, or experience the thrill of the high ropes course at first hand. By the way: from April to September 2024 Eurobus offers one-day bus trips to the Mainau Island.

mainau.de

eurobus.ch

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