Parks, Gardens and Squares

The park surrounding the Villa dei Cedri, which today is home to the Municipal Museum for Modern and Contemporary Art, is a living example of an English-style park of the 19th century. A further attraction is the vineyard behind the villa, whose grapes are used to produce the popular Merlot.

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.

Located between Monte San Salvatore and Monte Arbostora at an altitude of just under 700 metres, the botanical gardens are a mecca for park visitors and plant lovers – particularly in April and May, when the azaleas and rhododendrons form a fragrant carpet.

The San Michele Park sits high above Lugano and offers spectacular views of the city, the lake and the mountains. The typically southern vegetation is sure to thrill many of its visitors too.

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.

Rosengarten, the rose garden, is situated next to the entrance of the Munot Fortress and covers an area of about 2,000 sq.m. In 1981 the town nursery together with the Swiss association of rose lovers designed it in the French Renaissance garden-style.

Forest bathing is a gentle, guided, half-day relaxation program in nature. It is organized in the parks of Basel (mostly in the Merian Gardens) and in the forests around Basel. By experiencing nature, it promotes health and is a simple relaxation technique.

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.

Planted by the lake in 1854 to visually improve the wooden harbour, this was the first English-style park in Geneva. In the heart of the English Garden, you’ll find the famous Flower Clock, made up of 12,000 kinds of flowers, and the National Monument commemorating Geneva’s integration into the Swiss Confederation.

The La Grange Park sits right next to the Eaux-Vives Park and offers a unique view of the lake basin. The wonderful flower garden stretches out over 12,000 square metres and delights its guests with more than 200 varieties of roses.

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.

Looking for the perfect setting to bring your team together around the topic of sustainability? Come to the Centre Nature du Vallon de l'Allondon, a peaceful location in the nature preserve in the canton of Geneva.

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.

At the heart of the Peuchapatte wind farm (canton Jura), this original educational trail will teach you more about wind energy, the wind and the Franches-Montagnes region.

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 park is located in the heart of the city and offers a breathtaking view of Lausanne and of the lake.

Children from all over the world play, mums and dads chat away to one another and students read here at the City Park Biel. The large park with playground and lawned areas provides a peaceful spot for people to gather in the heart of the city.

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.

Explore and discover the mountain forests in the Parc Ela together with Evla the golden eagle: with its different research equipment and a forest diary, the mountain forest goodie bag contains everything that is needed for an exciting day out in the nature.

This elegant city park with its majestic trees, carefully placed sculptures and beautifully cultivated flowers acts as a green lung in the centre of the city.

On the hills above Lausanne, Sauvabelin Park is a popular destination with families and nature lovers. Anyone who scales the 302 steps up to the platform of the Tower of Sauvabelin will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

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

This magnificent country park boasts one of the best vantage points in Lausanne. But the panoramic views are by no means the only attribute that attracts visitors. There is a tree here that is worth a visit all on its own. This is a unique weeping willow, situated some 50 metres from the manor house, that was planted in the middle of the 19th century.

Fontana Park is set in the heart of Chur. It is the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city, to enjoy the atmosphere, or to read a book.

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.

The Vernex Park is set on the shores of Lake Geneva next to the Auditorium Stravinsky and offers walkers a green area along the extension of the flourishing quays of the Montreux Riviera. Each July, one of the stages for the Montreux Jazz Festival is set up in this park.

Feed the ducks on the shores of Lake Thun or read and rest on a bench in the sun. Or take a walk along the paths leading through the woods, along the avenue and across the meadows that are so inviting to sunbathers in the summer (although there is no direct access to the water).

Parc des Bastions is a wonderful park in the heart of Geneva. Along its shady avenues, you can find some of the city’s most beautiful monuments, including the well-known Reformation Wall. The giant chessboards that are regularly used by the locals will immediately catch your eye.

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.