Ermitage Arlesheim

The Ermitage was laid out from 1785 by Balbina von Andlau and her cousin Heinrich von Ligertz in the sentimental English manner, using a wooded limestone valley whose natural caves, springs and crags suited the fashion for the picturesque exactly. Paths wind between grottoes, a hermitage, artificial ruins, ponds and viewpoints, arranged so that scenes reveal themselves in sequence rather than all at once. French revolutionary troops wrecked it in 1793 and it was rebuilt around 1812. The ruins of Birseck castle stand on the rock above and are part of the composition. It has been publicly accessible for a long time and remains free, which for a garden of this scale is unusual.

What's there

• Switzerland's largest English garden - laid out from 1785 in a limestone valley.
• Grottoes, ponds and follies - scenes revealed in sequence along the paths.
• Birseck castle ruins - the medieval rock above, absorbed into the design.
• Free entry - unusual for a landscape garden of this size.

When to go

April to October for the planting; open all year. Half a day.

Good to know

Paths are steep and rooty in the upper sections. It can be muddy after rain. The garden is a designed landscape rather than a flower display - expect trees, rock and water. Weekends bring Basel families.

Nearby

Arlesheim's cathedral is in the village; Basel is a short tram ride north.

Key facts