Ermitage Arlesheim
The largest English landscape garden in Switzerland, laid out in 1785 with grottoes, ruins and winding water.
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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 from 1808. 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 you actually see
- 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.
Honest expectations
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.
What to pack for Ermitage Arlesheim
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.