Contact us
Dipartimento del territorio
Isole di Brissago
6614 Brissago (CH)
T + 41 91 791 43 61
GPS coordinates:
Lat.: 46.132133
Long.: 8.735502
Opening times
Season 2024
From 20 March to 3 November
Tickets
Adults: CHF 10.-
Children (up to 16 years): free admission
Guided tours on reservation
Story
The Islands of Brissago are situated at latitude 56° 08' N and longitude 08° 44' E. The larger island (San Pancrazio) covers an area of 25,568 m², and the smaller (Sant' Apollinaire) an area of 8,186 m².
The former rises to a height of 6.5 m above the average level of the lake, which is 193.5 m above sea level, and the latter to a height of6.9 meters. Immersed in the waters of Lake Maggiore, which accumulate heat during the summer and return it to the atmosphere in the winter, the Islands enjoy a subtropical climate.
In 1885, the Baron and Baroness Richard and Antoinette Fleming de St. Léger purchased the Islands of Brissago, which were home to the remains of a convent. After restoring the convent the St. Légers initiated the creation of the garden. They brought good soil and dung to the Isola Grande, built paths and planted subtropical plant species. In 1927 the Baroness sold the property to Max Emden. Emden was not really a botany and gardening enthusiast; his main interest was cultivating the art of good living. However, we have him to thank for the creation of the palatial residence that overlooks the lake from the highest point of the Isola Grande. Max Emden stayed on the islands until 1940. In 1949 the Cantonal Government, the municipalities of Ascona, Brissago and Ronco, the Swiss League for the protection of the national heritage (Swiss Heimatschutz), and the nature conservation league (Pro Natura) joined forces and purchased the Islands and the house.
On Palm Sunday morning, 2 April 1950, the Botanical garden of Brissago was opened to the public. Today, over 1,700 species from all over the world thrive in the gardens.
The former rises to a height of 6.5 m above the average level of the lake, which is 193.5 m above sea level, and the latter to a height of6.9 meters. Immersed in the waters of Lake Maggiore, which accumulate heat during the summer and return it to the atmosphere in the winter, the Islands enjoy a subtropical climate.
In 1885, the Baron and Baroness Richard and Antoinette Fleming de St. Léger purchased the Islands of Brissago, which were home to the remains of a convent. After restoring the convent the St. Légers initiated the creation of the garden. They brought good soil and dung to the Isola Grande, built paths and planted subtropical plant species. In 1927 the Baroness sold the property to Max Emden. Emden was not really a botany and gardening enthusiast; his main interest was cultivating the art of good living. However, we have him to thank for the creation of the palatial residence that overlooks the lake from the highest point of the Isola Grande. Max Emden stayed on the islands until 1940. In 1949 the Cantonal Government, the municipalities of Ascona, Brissago and Ronco, the Swiss League for the protection of the national heritage (Swiss Heimatschutz), and the nature conservation league (Pro Natura) joined forces and purchased the Islands and the house.
On Palm Sunday morning, 2 April 1950, the Botanical garden of Brissago was opened to the public. Today, over 1,700 species from all over the world thrive in the gardens.
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!