Contact us
Dipartimento del territorio
Isole di Brissago
6614 Brissago (CH)
T + 41 91 791 43 61
Opening times
2025 Season
From 19 March to 9 November
Tickets
Adults: CHF 10.-
Children (up to 16 years): free admission
Guided tours on reservation
Story
The Brissago lslands, that are formed by Isola Grande (San Pancrazio) and Isola Piccola (Sant'Apollinare), are located in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, and represent a natural, historical and landscape heritage of inestimable value.
In 1885 they were purchased by Baroness Antoinette de St. Léger, who inhabited Isola Grande, and transformed the land into a garden characterized by exotic colours, that soon became a place for cultural meetings. After just over forty years, the noblewoman was forced to sell the property to Max Emden - a businessman from Hamburg - who built a new sumptuous palace. In 1949, the lslands were purchased by Canton Ticino, three neighbouring municipalities, and two landscape and nature conservation organizations which approved the opening of the Botanical garden to the public. Since 2020, the lslands are entirely owned by Canton Ticino, in order to further safeguard and enhance such a unique heritage. On the Isola Grande is located the Botanical Garden of the Canton Ticino, which in just 2.5 hectares houses over 2000 plant species from subtropical climates. Here we find, side by side, species from the Mediterranean basin, the Cape region of South Africa, the Californian coast Australia, the central zone of Chile, and Southeast Asia.
Guided tours for the general public, educational activities for schools, and the treasure hunt for young children offer you the chance to discover the wonders of the Garden; while the hotel and restaurant of Villa Emden allow visitors to enjoy a unique experience and relax surrounded by the colours and scents of the Garden.
In 1885 they were purchased by Baroness Antoinette de St. Léger, who inhabited Isola Grande, and transformed the land into a garden characterized by exotic colours, that soon became a place for cultural meetings. After just over forty years, the noblewoman was forced to sell the property to Max Emden - a businessman from Hamburg - who built a new sumptuous palace. In 1949, the lslands were purchased by Canton Ticino, three neighbouring municipalities, and two landscape and nature conservation organizations which approved the opening of the Botanical garden to the public. Since 2020, the lslands are entirely owned by Canton Ticino, in order to further safeguard and enhance such a unique heritage. On the Isola Grande is located the Botanical Garden of the Canton Ticino, which in just 2.5 hectares houses over 2000 plant species from subtropical climates. Here we find, side by side, species from the Mediterranean basin, the Cape region of South Africa, the Californian coast Australia, the central zone of Chile, and Southeast Asia.
Guided tours for the general public, educational activities for schools, and the treasure hunt for young children offer you the chance to discover the wonders of the Garden; while the hotel and restaurant of Villa Emden allow visitors to enjoy a unique experience and relax surrounded by the colours and scents of the Garden.
Private events
Would you like to organize a meeting, a workshops, or a course in a particular part of the gardens?
On the big island you can!
On the second floor of Villa Emden you can find two meeting rooms. Technical support: a beamer, a retro projector, a diaprojector, a TV set with a video recorder/DVD, and a HIFI set.
For botanic courses, besides all material which is offered from the garden, we have a laboratory with binoculars, microscopes and a scientific library.
Accommodation gives you the unique opportunity to discover the magical atmosphere of a desert island. The Villa offers 9 Rooms (single or double) and one suite.
For more information:
Hotel Villa Emden
T. + 41 (0)91 780 54 25
E. info@villaemden.com
On the big island you can!
On the second floor of Villa Emden you can find two meeting rooms. Technical support: a beamer, a retro projector, a diaprojector, a TV set with a video recorder/DVD, and a HIFI set.
For botanic courses, besides all material which is offered from the garden, we have a laboratory with binoculars, microscopes and a scientific library.
Accommodation gives you the unique opportunity to discover the magical atmosphere of a desert island. The Villa offers 9 Rooms (single or double) and one suite.
For more information:
Hotel Villa Emden
T. + 41 (0)91 780 54 25
E. info@villaemden.com
Restaurant
On the beautiful terraces and verandas of contemporary restaurant, become immersed in lush subtropical vegetation and taste our delicious dishes, prepared by our Chef Joao Antunes with high quality ingredients and passion.
Good food is inspired. Our menu gleans inspiration from our unique region, the wonderful producers and growers who surround us.
Good food is inspired. Our menu gleans inspiration from our unique region, the wonderful producers and growers who surround us.
Hotel
The Isole di Brissago Hotel is located on the wonderful Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore and it is surrounded by a lush garden. It was established in the historical palace that was built in the 1920s by Max Emden.
The Hotel has direct access to the beach, its restaurant is always open and the rooms have an amazing view on the lake and free Wi-Fi. The 10 rooms of the Isole di Brissago Hotel have elegant walnut parquet floors and are provided with coffee and tea making facility, flat screen TV, table and private bathroom with shower, hair-drier, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries.
The Hotel has direct access to the beach, its restaurant is always open and the rooms have an amazing view on the lake and free Wi-Fi. The 10 rooms of the Isole di Brissago Hotel have elegant walnut parquet floors and are provided with coffee and tea making facility, flat screen TV, table and private bathroom with shower, hair-drier, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries.
Documentations
Topics & Upcoming Events
TOPIC
In the name of rose
Discover with us the most beautiful rose gardens created in Italy!
TOPIC
Merry Christmas
running
ENDS 9 NOVEMBER 2025
Brissago Islands: 75th anniversary of opening to the public