Parks, Gardens and Squares

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Bring Your Team Together for a Day of Inspiration and Action on Sustainability! Looking for the ideal setting to bring your team together around the topic of sustainability? Come to the stunning Lavaux region for a purpose-driven, full-day workshop at the Le Baron Tavernier seminar centre.

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.

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.

Piazza della Riforma in Lugano is the vibrant center of the city, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants. Cultural events take place here and the square is the ideal starting point for exploring sights such as Lake Lugano and Parco Ciani.

Originally a private landscape garden, the City Park is today the largest contiguous green space in the St. Gallen inner city area. With its lawned areas under beautiful old trees, it is the epitome of a peaceful oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. It is surrounded by Theater St. Gallen, the Museum of Art, and the Historical and Folklore Museum.

The “Ufschötti” – the extensive expanse of greenery by the lake – is the place half of Lucerne heads for in the summer A 200-metre-long strip of sandy beach gives all its visitors real seaside vibes.

This gem among the parks of Zurich was built in the middle of the beautiful park for a high-classicist style villa at the start of the 19th century. Today, this villa is home to the renowned Belvoirpark hotel management school and a restaurant.

Sechseläutenplatz, located between Bellevue and the Zurich Opera House, combines tradition and modernity and is a place of relaxation. Here, young and old alike walk, sit and play on the square, which covers an area of 16,000 square metres and is made of Vals quartzite. The many trees, places to sit and water elements lend it an urban cosiness.

In the green parks around the lower basin of the lake, there’s always something going on in the summer months. Inline skaters, water sports enthusiasts, jewellery sellers and street artists all gather here to create a colourful scene. Anyone looking for peace and quiet will be able to escape the hustle and bustle on the Zürichhorn at the end of the lakeside promenade, in the wonderful Chinese Garden.

The Uferpark recreational area on the outskirts of Solothurn invites old and young alike to linger, relax and enjoy themselves. With a wide bike path, a promenade for those out for a stroll, barbecue areas complete with wooden benches, as well as windows to nature with access to the Aare river and a beach, who could ask for more?

Just a few minutes from the city centre, shady green spaces, tall trees and a pebble beach offer the perfect spot for fun in the water and relaxation. Walking trails wind their way through the expansive lawned areas, and the view of the Bernese Alps is simply marvellous.

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

In Rheinfelden, everything revolves around this “white gold”. From the story of how salt was discovered to how it is used today – salt can be experienced in all its aspects. The city built on salt has so much to offer and is definitely worth a visit.

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.

From Ouchy, the quays open out into a vast public park with extensive lawned areas and magnificent age-old trees. The grounds are graced by a 16-metre-high Thai pavilion.

The Minster Terrace with its green spaces and large chestnut trees is perfect for picnics, playing and relaxing. The breathtaking view of the Aare river, the Alps and Bern’s Matte neighbourhood make the old churchyard a popular place to meet and hang out.

Located on the shores of Lake Lugano, this 63,000 square metre park constitutes the city’s green lung. Here you can recover from the hustle and bustle of the city as you walk along paths lined by magnificent centuries-old trees.

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.

Richard Wagner lived here on the shores of Lake Lucerne for six years. The museum named after him is surrounded by an extensive park right by the lake, offering unique views of the mountains. The park can be reached within a 30-minute walk from Lucerne, along a wonderful lakeside path.

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.

Tracing the origin of the Tête de Moine AOP: Set in the heart of the Chasseral Nature Park, this culinary treasure hunt is all about solving riddles, meeting local producers and trying regional specialties. Away from the crowded tourist haunts, this enjoyable hike takes visitors through the culinary heritage of an enchanting region.