A Swiss Sanctuary Booklet 2022

RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW 2022

A Swiss Sanctuary STAND 285

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Switzerland is just a great ight away.

Travel is what you make of it.

swiss.com

Made of Switzerland.

Grüezi.

Bonjour.

Buongiorno.

Allegra.

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elcome to A Swiss Sanctuary – a pocketsized slice of Switzerland for you to enjoy and in which you can discover the many hidden gems and delights of Swiss flora and fauna and much more besides. In this special edition souvenir booklet, designed to celebrate our participation at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 (stand 285), allow us to take you on a grand tour of Switzerland and learn more about the home of edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum) – our national emblem.

From the alpine meadows of the Bernese Oberland to the mountain herb gardens of the Lake Geneva region to the Mediterranean parks of Ticino, you’re never far from nature in Switzerland. And thanks to our fully integrated public transport system, which runs like (Swiss) clockwork, this compact country can be criss-crossed with ease and in comfort. Switzerland’s geographical location and climate means that nature is pleasingly seasonal, making it a destination to be enjoyed yearround. Through careful stewardship of our natural landscape, Switzerland is now recognised as a leading sustainable travel destination.

We are delighted to have the rare opportunity to showcase a selection of the flora and fauna of Switzerland at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022. We are equally thrilled to be working in partnership with the exceptionally talented designer Lilly Gomm. In this booklet, you will learn of Lilly’s inspiration for her Swiss Sanctuary garden design, on her trip to Switzerland – it’s a captivating and engrossing read. You can also learn more about the regions of Switzerland she visited, the essence of which she will bring to life through the plants for this garden.

Switzerland’s climate means that nature is pleasingly seasonal, making it a destination to be enjoyed year-round.

We hope that you enjoy our exhibit and that it will ultimately inspire you to visit Switzerland.

Alex Herrmann, Director United Kingdom & Ireland/ Head of Europe West Switzerland Tourism

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A little piece of

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Lilly Gomm, the landscape architect and garden designer behind the Swiss Sanctuary garden. lillygomm.com

ow do you design a garden that encompasses a whole country? That was the challenge facing award-winning landscape architect Lilly Gomm when she was asked to design a garden for Switzerland Tourism at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Luckily, a research trip (see page 12) allowed Lilly to gain some first-hand inspiration, although she admits she was far from prepared for just how diverse that inspiration would be. “I imagine this garden may come as a bit of a surprise to many people who, like me, didn’t appreciate just how multi-faceted Switzerland’s landscapes are,” she says. Some, expecting perhaps the quintessential image of a wooden chalet in an alpine meadow, may even question how Swiss the garden is, but that is just what Lilly wants. “I was particularly inspired by the private garden of a plantsman and author I visited in Zurich, which was packed full of plants he’d collected over the years,” she says. “I hope that’s what this Chelsea garden can convey – that a garden can be as creative and as personal as you like. It’s simply a matter of identifying the plants, places or details you enjoy, and working out how you can interpret that within your own boundaries.”

Lilly is a big fan of alpine plants, admiring their beauty and resilience in what can be harsh, exposed conditions in their natural mountainside habitats, and the garden opens with a choice collection.

Sedums, saxifrages, gentians, campanulas and more are planted either side of a gravel path, reminiscent of a hiking trail, that leads deeper into the space and to the water feature at its centre. The alpines gradually give way to meadow grassland species and then to an area of woodland underplanted with a variety of ferns. The final area, towards the rear of the space, references the plants Lilly encountered in the Mediterranean climate of Switzerland’s Ticino and Lake Geneva regions in the south of the country: glossy-leaved camellias, blousy rhododendrons (here used for structure) and mopheaded hydrangeas. “Though I haven’t done this

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on purpose, I realise the design begins with the image I had of Switzerland and then moves through to what I’ve discovered,” smiles Lilly.

An apple tree at the front of the garden was another direct inspiration from the trip. “I knew fruit growing was a big part of Swiss culture, but I hadn’t quite realised the extent,” says Lilly. “It felt like fruit trees – particularly apple trees – were everywhere.”

As with all her plants, rather than seeking to replicate local varieties, Lilly has instead chosen cultivars that she knows will thrive in the UK, and which will give most impact in a garden (see page 7).

Gardeners will understand that these diverse plant communities require markedly different conditions (full sun and free-draining soil for the alpines and acidic, more moisture-retentive soil for the camellias, for example) so Lilly has ensured that the areas are distinct, with plants that work between the two used to blur the edges. Such plants include roses, which are found across Switzerland, and, one of the country’s most iconic flowers, the red pelargonium. At the time of writing, it remains to be seen whether these will be in flower in time for the show, but even if not, they will still be included. “I’m keen to have an element of realism in the garden,” says Lilly. “Gardens aren’t perfect for just one month, so I’ve tried to illustrate the succession in the planting, with the fresh green foliage of spring, the excitement of many more joys to come and perhaps even some seedheads indicating beauty already past.”

The atmosphere of any garden is perhaps its most important quality and here, Lilly has taken great care to create a feeling of timelessness. The irregular paving beneath the bench is worn to suggest how many people have paused and sat there over the years, and plants are planted in the rock crevices and path edges as if they have self-seeded there.

“I’m hoping that the person who sits on the bench or who dangles their legs into the water will feel a sense of calm and escapism,” says Lilly. “I think that’s something we all need just now.”

I imagine this garden may come as a bit of a surprise to many people who, like me, didn’t appreciate just how multi-faceted Switzerland’s landscapes are

Snow-capped mountains and wooden chalets may epitomise Switzerland but there is far more to this varied country.

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OUR GARDEN The Switzerland Tourism garden is inspired by the diverse natural landscapes found in the country, from the alpine meadows and forests of the Bernese Oberland in the north to the Mediterranean parks of Ticino, bordering Italy.

Designed as a personal sanctuary, it seeks not to recreate these landscapes, but to capture and showcase elements that have particular resonance for the owner. A well-trodden gravel path is reminiscent of Switzerland’s countless hiking trails, while large stones give a sense of its majestic peaks – as beautiful in summer as they are in winter. The water feature references Switzerland’s crystalclear lakes and, along with the bespoke iron bench evocative of the train tracks that crisscross every corner of the country, provides an inviting spot to sit, relax and reminisce.

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WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR 1 The meadow zone is home to grassland and herb species such as stachys, achillea and echium.

2 Malus domestica.

Apples are Switzerland’s most popular fruit, and almost every rural garden has an apple tree. This beautiful specimen makes a striking feature at the front of the garden.

3 The woodland zone. Switzerland is known for its pine forests, often consisting of the Scots pine, Pinus sylvestris. Many other types of pine also grow in the country and Lilly is also using a Swiss stone pine, Pinus cembra here.

4 The boulders. Lilly has opted for Welsh

glacial boulders to conjure the feeling of a mountainous landscape while keeping the garden’s carbon footprint low.

5 The water feature references Switzerland’s many waterfalls and lakes (over 1,500 of them), and provides a calming place to sit and enjoy this garden sanctuary.

6 The boundary wall. Made of wood panelling, it features ornate decoration, reminiscent of the detailing seen on Swiss mountain chalets.

7 The path is made of compacted gravel bringing to mind Switzerland’s countless wildflowerfringed hiking trails.

8 The bench.

Made of iron and with a sinuous, criss-crossing design, this is a nod to Switzerland’s network of railways, the most sustainable way to see the country.

9 The alpine zone flanking the path at the front of the garden contains plants including gentiana, armeria, saxifrage and, of course, edelweiss.

10 Mediterranean zone. Very different from what most people think of as Mediterranean planting, this section captures the lush camellia, azalea and rhododendron gardens of the Ticino region.

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Scan the QR code for more information on the Swiss Sanctuary garden.

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*Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

ALL GAP PHOTOS: 1 VISIONS PREMIUM, 2 TIM GAINEY, 3 ELKE BORKOWSKI - A ROOM WITH A VIEW, DESIGN MIKE HAVEY, 4 THOMAS ALAMY, 5 FRIEDRICH STRAUSS, 6 RICHARD BLOOM

Key plants

1 Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum No Swiss garden could be complete without the star-shaped bracts of edelweiss, the country’s national flower.

2 Betonica officinalis ‘Hummelo’ A good clump-forming plant for the front of the border with scalloped leaves and upright purple flower spikes adored by bees. AGM*.

3 Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’ Full sun, good drainage and protection from winter wet is needed to get the best out of this herbaceous perennial whose blue bracts and silvery foliage shine in the light. AGM. 4 Achillea millefolium Much loved by pollinators, yarrow bears flat heads of creamy-white flowers on slender stems and is best grown in full sun.

5 Aster alpinus A late-flowering, clumpforming perennial with cheerful, daisy-like petals with golden centres. A mountain native, it needs good drainage and doesn’t like winter wet.

6 Erigeron karvinskianus Well known to many as Mexican fleabane, it is happy in sun or partial shade and flowers for months, producing hundreds of small daisy-like flowers that turn pink as they age.

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7 Rosa Westerland (= ‘Korwest’) Combining scent, glossy foliage, a long flowering period and a beautiful, intense apricot hue, this shrub rose has it all.

8 Sempervivum arachnoideum This tiny houseleek, with its cobweb-like hairs, is a marked contrast to many of the other plants in the garden. Mat-forming, it needs full sun.

9 Asplenium trichomanes The perfect plant for shady pockets where little else will grow, this hardy evergreen fern thrives in rock crevices and at the base of walls.

10 Alchemilla alpina As easy to grow as Alchemilla mollis, this has a more interesting leaf, deeply divided and edged with white.

11 Helianthemum ‘Sterntaler’ For much of the year, this rock rose is simply a cushion of evergreen foliage. That changes in late spring, when it converts into a clump of golden flowers.

12 Pinus sylvestris The Scots pine is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer that can be grown as a specimen tree or in groups.

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ALL GAP PHOTOS: 7 MICHAEL HOWES - RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW, 2011 PETER BEALES ROSES, 8 NEIL OVERY, 9 RAY COX - GARDEN: ATTADALE, 10 MARK BOLTON, 11 FRIEDRICH STRAUSS, 12 LEE AVISON

Key plants

GARDEN SUPPORTERS So many people have worked hard to bring this garden together.

Here are just a few of them:

1 Collinson’s Landscaping “Adam Collinson has years of experience building Gold medal-winning Main Avenue gardens,” says Lilly. “He’s incredibly calm and meticulous, essential qualities for RHS Chelsea.” collinsonslandscaping.co.uk 2 Bernhard’s Nurseries Lilly first worked with nurseryman Lewis Normand at RHS Tatton Park in 2016 and his team have grown the lion’s share of the plants in this garden. bernhards-nurseries.co.uk 3 Water Artisans This company specialises in landscape water features so they were not at all phased by Lilly’s request for them to recreate a serene mountain waterfall, starting with only a five-tonne boulder. waterartisans.com 4 Hillier Nurseries and Deepdale Trees Hillier (for whom Lilly designed a Gold medalwinning garden at RHS Chelsea 2019) and tree specialist Deepdale both supplied various sizes of Pinus sylvestris to capture the feeling of Switzerland’s pine forests. hillier.co.uk/trees; deepdale-trees.co.uk

5 Allgreen Group Hard landscaping materials supplier Allgreen stored the stones in tanks of water so that when installed to form the pool edge, they’d have a credible waterline. “It’s ideas like this that add realism to the exhibit,” says Lilly. allgreengroup.co.uk 6 Kevock Plants This hillside nursery near Edinburgh is known for its alpine plants. “Many plants I saw in Switzerland are not grown commercially in the UK and the team here has been so helpful,” says Lilly. kevockgarden.co.uk 7 Fish Fabrications This company, which specialises in fine metalwork, was ideally placed to forge the bespoke bench, echoing Switzerland’s many railways. fishfabrications.co.uk 8 Hortus Loci Known for the quality of its plants, Hortus Loci provided herbaceous stock for the garden and is a useful go-to nursery to find those last-minute plants that will flower perfectly at the show. hortusloci.co.uk

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Staying green As a country defined by its lakes, meadows and mountains, Switzerland is committed to protecting its environment and natural resources. Switzerland Tourism’s ‘A Swiss Sanctuary’ garden at RHS Chelsea is no different, and every care has been taken to ensure it is as sustainable as possible.

“We’re using large boulders in the garden to reference Switzerland’s mountainous terrain,” says designer Lilly Gomm. “It would have been so easy to import them from Switzerland, but instead, we’ve decided to keep their carbon footprint as low as possible and to replicate the effect with stone available closer to home.” To that end, the garden will feature rented glacial boulders from Wales, and gravel from Dartmoor. The garden also includes a diversity of planting and, therefore, a variety of habitats, from the nooks between the rocks to the pond fringes and the dense planting under the trees. This promotes biodiversity, providing food and shelter for pollinators and other wildlife – something that will live on long after Chelsea when many elements of the garden will be donated to parks and community gardens in south London.

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Swisstainable Blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, clean air and a thriving biodiversity, Switzerland invites you to travel lightly. Its sustainable strategy Swisstainable extends across the board, from a countrywide roll-out of greener hydro-electric and solar power to recycling and waste management. Almost 90 per cent of PET bottles are put to new use, while public water fountains are widely available to encourage reusable drinking bottles.

This low-impact ethos extends to the conscientious curatorship of peerless natural landscapes and historic locations to preserve them

for the enjoyment of future generations of Swiss nationals and visitors alike.

The public transport infrastructure is a dream, with regional incentives and free travel passes, services that run on time and access to remote corners and mountain villages.

With more than three million travel cards sold every year, explore the lakes and alps with a low-carbon footprint thanks to the Swiss Travel Guide App valid on trains, boats and buses. Switzerland is also a cycling and walking paradise, with a co-ordinated network of trails and footpaths, inviting you to stay longer and delve

deeper into local culture, and experience nature up close.

“If we have learned anything, it is that we have to play to our strengths even more confidently in the future.

And sustainable tourism is indisputably one of them,” says Martin Nydegger, CEO of Switzerland Tourism. You’ll find authentic hospitality, with self-sufficient kitchen gardens offering organic, seasonal produce and the chance to reconnect with nature, Swisstainable is a way of life here and a warm welcome awaits.

To plan your trip, visit: MySwitzerland.com

Highlights of Switzerland

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lose your eyes and think of Switzerland – what do you see? Snow-covered mountains? Wooden chalets? Acres and acres of meadows and wildflowers? All these things are true, but Switzerland has so much more to offer the garden lover, as designer Lilly Gomm discovered in the summer of 2020 when she travelled to the country between lockdowns, seeking inspiration for her Switzerland Tourism garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

“I had that typical alpine image of Switzerland but I was surprised at just how varied the country was,” says Lilly.

Having flown SWISS to Zurich, it wasn’t long before Lilly was on a train and heading south for the Ticino region.

“The landscape started to change almost immediately,” she says. “There were vineyards as far as the eye could see.

Then came the fruit trees – cherry, apple, plum and pear – and then the chestnut groves. In just over two hours we arrived in Locarno, and in a different world.”

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Locarno lies on the shores of Lake Maggiore, not far from the border with Italy, and the climate here is warm and sunny, with palms, cypresses and hydrangeas lining the streets. Two gardens in particular highlight the change of scene: the Casa del Tè, a small plantation on Monte Verità, where Lilly enjoyed a Japanese tea ceremony, and, even more disconcertingly, the floating gardens of the Brissago Islands.

Created between 1885 and 1928 by the Russian Baroness Antoinette de Saint Léger, these paradisiacal gardens are home to around 2,000 subtropical plants from all over the wold, including Himalayan cinnamon trees, gladioli from Madagascar and American swamp cypresses. The islands now form Ticino’s botanic garden and the larger of the two, complete with a neo-classical mansion at its centre, can be visited by boat, adding to the sense of enchantment.

Of course, the trip provided plenty of opportunity to see Switzerland’s famous alpine plants too, both in the Botanical Garden of the University of Bern and in the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden, somewhere Lilly had long wanted to visit. Accessible only via a 19th-century rack-and-pinion mountain train (or a very long, steep hike), the garden is set at an altitude of about 2,000 metres, 12

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and circled by the peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch.

Around 650 species grow here, including gentians, arnicas and the unofficial flower of Switzerland, edelweiss. “It was so fascinating talking to the head gardener about how they manage a garden in such an inaccessible place,” says Lilly.

“A one-hour meeting turned into three, hearing about how they had soil delivered by helicopter and looking through their seed collections and how they store them.”

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The famous Emmental AOP Show Dairy provided a chance to see a traditional farmer’s garden (densely planted to make use of the few flat Blaetzle or places), while a visit to one of herbal confectionery company Ricola’s show gardens allowed Lilly to learn more about the properties of the 13 different herbs the company uses, including yarrow (Achillea millefolium), lady’s mantle (Alchemilla xanthochlora) and the marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis). “How the plants were grown there was inspiration enough for a garden in itself,” says Lilly.

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Visits to other specialist gardens were also included – to the rose garden in Bern where more than 200 types of rose and almost as many iris blooms, to the stunning Parco delle Camelie in Locarno (its 850 or so species and cultivars ensure something is in bloom for nine months of the year) and to the spectacular Château de Vullierens, renowned for its iris and hemerocallis collections.

There was the chance, too, to appreciate the planting in several of Switzerland’s cities. At Lucerne’s world-famous Kapellbrücke, Lilly was excited to note how all the annuals for its iconic hanging baskets were raised and then

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1 At the Casa del Tè plantation, Lilly discovered Ticino offers the perfect growing conditons for Camellia sinensis. 2 Lilly toured Parco delle Camelie in Locarno with camellia expert Verena Pedrotta. 3 Ricola’s show gardens gave Lilly an insight into the herbs the company uses. 4 The Ballenberg Open Air Museum gave Lilly a chance to learn about Switzerland’s traditional architecture and gardens. 5 Hiking the alpine trails around the village of Mürren offered Lilly a glimpse of the region’s wild flora. 6 At Château de Vullierens Lilly witnessed an impressive ornamental planting scheme.

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composted within the canton, minimising unnecessary transport. And in Bern, she was thrilled to discover the terraced gardens below the Münsterplattform, overlooking the River Aare. “It’s a patchwork of private little green spaces, some decorative, many productive, and all immaculately tended,” she says. “It felt like being allowed to peer over someone’s garden fence – you don’t get to do that very often.”

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In Zurich she went one better – being invited not just to peer over the fence but to visit the private garden of author and journalist Andreas Honegger. “I could have spent hours there, just looking at all the details of how he’d built the garden to accommodate the many hundreds of plants he’s collected over the years,” says Lilly. These range from an avenue of different citrus trees (he has about 20 different varieties including bergamot and finger limes), to pockets of ferns, alpines and exotics such as brugmansia. “It was a real sanctuary, and a fascinating insight into how gardens can become so personal,” she says.

Throughout the trip, Lilly travelled by train, which was a revelation. “Often on holiday, the travel is the worst part,” she says. “But here it was a pleasure in itself, something to look forward to. I spent hours just staring out of the window and enjoying views you’d never get by car.” One stands out above all the rest – the view of Lake Thun going into Bern. “Seeing the mountains reflected in the water was just magical,” she says.

So, having seen so much of the country – what are her overall impressions? “I think there are two main things.

First, there’s a lot of pride in appearances. Everywhere I went people really looked after their homes and gardens – even if that was only a window box.

And secondly, Switzerland is not what you expect.

The trip was just full of surprises.”

7 Lilly’s visit to Château de Vullierens offered her an insight into Switzerland’s viniculture. 8 Looking down on these productive tiered gardens in Bern gave Lilly the feeling of peering into private gardens. 9 Lilly visited the inspiring private garden of Swiss journalist and gardener Andreas Honegger with Giardina Show manager Verena Zimmermann. 10 Lilly travelled across the country by train, loving the ever-changing scenery she could view through her train window.

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Ready to start your own Swiss adventure?

Join us on a tour of just three of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, which span its many cultures and four languages – German, French, Italian and Romansh – starting in Bern.

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elcome to Bern, the second-largest canton in Switzerland and home to the country’s capital, as well as three of Switzerland’s unspoilt natural wildernesses – the Bernese Jura, the Swiss Plateau and the Bernese Oberland. The capital city of Bern is an excellent starting point for any horticultural voyage of discovery with its Rose Garden overlooking the city’s picturesque historic centre (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The park’s extensive collection includes 220 roses, 200 types of iris and 28 different rhododendrons. The city’s Botanical Garden is a delightful green space curating a wide variety of alpine plants, as well as specimens from around the world, including medicinal herbs, and a large number of exotic flowers, bushes and trees.

Situated between the Lakes of Thun and Brienz, picturesque Interlaken is a charming lakeside city at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, offering idyllic green escapes, ranging from natural parkland to more formal, beautifully planted municipal gardens.

Take a stroll along the tree- and flower-lined walkways of Höheweg, the city’s main promenade, which also skirts the Höhematte, a beautiful 35-acre area of public parkland, or step into the peaceful Japanese Garden, a gift from Interlaken’s Japanese twin town of Otsu, and an oasis of calm in the busy city. Sitting right by Interlaken Ost railway station is the historic English Garden, an inviting natural environment on the banks of the River Aare, while the city’s Kursaal Park has also delighted visitors since the mid-19th century with seasonal planted beds, restful water features and a vibrant floral clock.

There is much to discover on nearby Lake Thun itself with not one, but five turreted castles with

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1 The Botanical Garden of the University of Bern is a green oasis in the heart of this bustling capital city.

2 Interlaken’s Japanese Garden is a gift from Interlaken’s Japanese twin town of Otsu.

3 The circular walk among the vines at Spiez Vineyard is a chance to learn more about the region’s viniculture and enjoy expansive views across Lake Thun.

4 The menu at Hotel Salzano in Interlaken offers an opportunity to savour the flavours of locally foraged alpine produce.

5 Oberhofen Castle on the shores of Lake Thun has a beautifully landscaped English park with stunning views of the Bernese Alps.

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Lake Thun has not one, but five turreted castles with panoramic views over the tranquil waters of the lake and the Bernese Oberland mountains panoramic views over the tranquil waters of the lake and the Bernese Oberland mountains; on the shore, Schadau and Oberhofen castles have their own English gardens, or why not stroll through the grounds of Hünegg and Spiez castles with their magnificent arrays of redwoods, Lebanon cedars and cypresses? Spiez Vineyard also offers a stunning circular walk through the vines with expansive views across the Lake Thun. Stay nearby at Hotel Eden in Spiez with its verdant gardens, or savour the flavours of locally foraged alpine produce at family-run Hotel Salzano in Interlaken, while Hotel Lindenhof in Brienz is set in its own splendid park, filled with mature trees.

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With green energy, eco-friendly public transport and incentives for landscape management, sustainable tourism is key in the Interlaken region.

Explore natural havens awarded the annual Kulturlandschaftspreis (Cultivated Landscape Prize) such as Alp Fahl, Alp Botchen, SchwarzbachMöser – Switzerland’s largest moorland area – and the rare flower and butterfly sanctuary on the panorama trail from Aeschiried to Leissigen above Lake Thun. Discover the Diemtigtal Nature 17

Park’s mountain maples and wild roses, book a tour around Lombachalp moorlands or a botanical excursion through the idyllically wild Suldtal, or take a gentler ramble along the footpaths around Lake Thun and nearby Lake Brienz.

In the mountains behind Interlaken sits the awe-inspiring Schynige Platte and its profusion of exquisite alpine flowers. From springtime crocuses and gentians to summer stars, such as alpine rose and edelweiss, the carpets of flowers reach their colourful peak in August. The ascent on the vintage cog railway from Wilderswil is an experience in itself, with breathtaking vistas on the way, and included in the ticket price is entry to the Schynige Platte Alpine Garden. Showcasing more than 650 species of plants found above the treeline in Switzerland, you can spot around two-thirds of all Swiss alpine flora species here over the summer period.

For nature lovers, the UNESCO World Heritage Jungfrau-Aletsch region has so much to offer. From gentle walks to more strenuous hikes, discover at first hand the outstanding diversity of flora and fauna in this protected natural wilderness. If you are planning to stay a while, the Jungfrau Travel Pass is the best way to travel around the mountains, with several flexible ticket options. With a network of walking routes criss-crossing the mountains, head along the many signposted Flower Trails for the captivating profusions of mountain flowers including gentians, cyclamen, alpine roses and edelweiss, which carpet the slopes in summer.

And if you want to learn more about this beautiful corner of Jungfrau, then Hasli Heritage Museum in Meiringen is well worth a visit.

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6 Tissot’s thrilling Cliff Walk on Mount First rises 45 metres out into the void offering spectacular views across the valley bellow.

7 The awe-inspiring Schynige Platte behind Interlaken offers a profusion of alpine flowers.

8 Learn more about alpine farming and agriculture at the Hasli Heritage Museum in Meiringen.

9 Landgasthof Ruedihus is one of many picture-perfect alpine hotels in which to base your stay in the Bernese Oberland.

10 The Blumenweg, or Floral Trail, a wildflower-filled path that stretches from the Hahnenmoos Pass to the Sillerenbühl, is a hour’s gentle hike in the mountains.

The Blumenweg is a hour’s gentle hike in the mountains with a profusion of alpine flora to see along the way, as well as spectacular vistas

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From snow-capped mountains to lush meadow pastures, mighty rivers and gentle streams, the alpine region of Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg is a must for nature lovers. For a sensory experience, visit the town of Kandersteg, home to one of the six Ricola herb gardens. Admission is free to the aromatic gardens where all 13 herbs used in the famous Ricola herb drops are cultivated. In the hamlet of Adlemsried near Lenk in the Bernese Oberland, herb specialist Susanna Krebs’ medicinal plant garden boasts more than 100 healing plants.

She also offers short courses to make your own natural remedies. For a day out from May to October, the Blumenweg, or Floral Trail, a wildflower-filled path that stretches from the Hahnenmoos Pass to the Sillerenbühl, is a hour’s gentle hike in the mountains above the village of Adelboden with a profusion of alpine flora to see along the way, as well as spectacular vistas.

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Rightly proud of its green credentials, its lakes, mountains, lively towns and picturesque villages, Bern welcomes visitors to its heart. Whether you are drawn by the beauty of curated horticultural collections and historic gardens or the opportunity to experience nature in the wild, Bern invites you to travel deeper.

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Heading southwest from Bern we reach the French-speaking canton of Vaud, home to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva, the beautiful clear waters of Lake Geneva and flower-filled alpine trails that will take your breath away.

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ituated in the southwest of the country, Vaud is one of the French-speaking or Romandie cantons of Switzerland. With the limpid waters of Lake Geneva (the largest freshwater lake in western Europe) at the heart of this idyllic region, the gentle Jura hinterland rises to towering alpine peaks, offering a unique, natural, green diversity just waiting to welcome you. In such a compact region, planning an itinerary is easy, with good (and affordable) public transport links (the mountain cogwheel train is a must), and antique Belle Époque paddle steamers that chug across the lake linking key green destinations and local highlights.

Starting on the western edge of Lake Geneva, the small town of Nyon hugs the shoreline at the foot of the Jura mountains. With a proud heritage going back to Roman times, it has a vibrant and cultured feel – an excellent base if you are planning to explore the wider area.

Not far outside the town is the magnificent 18th-century Château de Prangins, the only Swiss National Museum in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and the largest historic kitchen garden in the country, conserving rare and heritage species of native plants and vegetables.

From Nyon, head east along the shoreline to Morges, where spring is celebrated in style with a dazzling Tulip Festival at the Parc de l’Indépendance overlooking Lake Geneva. This spectacular free event features not only tulips, but narcissi, hyacinths and crocuses as well and runs from April to mid-May. Later in the year, Morges also plays host to a Dahlia Festival, featuring more than 100 cultivars of dahlia and well over 2,000 spectacular blooms. See them in all their glory,

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1 Antique paddle steamers, which date from the end of the 19th century, are a relaxing way to take in the sights of Lake Geneva.

2 The Dahlia Festival takes place in Morges every year from mid-July to the end of October.

3 Château de Prangins outside Nyon boasts Switzerland’s largest historic vegetable garden.

4 Place de la Madeleine, one of the oldest tree-lined squares in Lausanne, is a pocket of peace in this vibrant city.

5 The gardens of Château de Vullierens were established in the 1950s and are famed for their collections of modern sculpture and nearly 50,000 irises, which flower from late April to late July.

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Château de Vullierens has nine themed gardens with carefully curated planting displays through the flowering season from July to October, along the 1.5km of lakeside promenades that look out across the scenic waters.

A short drive away, above Morges, sits the 17th-century Château de Vullierens in a panoramic hillside setting overlooking Lake Geneva and the Alps. The extensive grounds of this venerable castle have not one but nine themed gardens with carefully curated planting displays right through the flowering season. Irises are the star of the show in May and June with more than 400 cultivars and thousands of blooms to enjoy. The early summer displays also include more than 18,000 late tulips along with peonies, rhododendrons and a splendid rose garden.

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Voted the best small city in world by Monocle’s Small Cities Index in 2019, lively Lausanne is a city rightly proud of its parks and green spaces.

A little corner of paradise in the heart of the city, the botanical garden is also a horticultural conservation centre and boasts more than 6,000 plants from all over the world in its verdant grounds. On the outskirts, the once ancient aristocratic estate of Hermitage Park has far-reaching views over Lake Geneva and the 21

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Savoy Alps – mature planting abounds, and an ancient weeping willow, planted when the park was laid out in the mid-19th century, is an extraordinary sight and not to be missed.

As you journey along the lakeside from Lausanne, the steep slopes of Lavaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an AOC wine terroir, rise up from the cool, sparkling waters. The Rhône glacier carved out the deep slopes more than 15,000 years ago, but Lavaux was shaped by the effort of men in the 12th century, who terraced the steep terrain and established the area as a wine-growing region of renown. Well-signposted walking paths criss-cross this verdant landscape and the wines are definitely worth sampling too.

Moving to the eastern side of the shore is the popular resort town of Montreux, with yet another abundance of garden festivals, parks and wildflower displays basking in the mild microclimate of the lake. Staying lakeside, take a gentle stroll along the Montreux Riviera promenade, a level route that meanders for several miles from Clarens to Château de Chillon and is fringed with palms and a wealth of exotic, flowering plants that scent the air, especially as night falls.

In the foothills of the Alps above Montreux, May heralds the most spectacular drifts of wild narcissi. These drifts, known locally as May snow, can be viewed from the well-signposted panoramic trails of Glion, Mont Pèlerin, Caux, Les Pléiades and Les Avants, which wind across the mountain pastures. If you’re spending a while in Montreux, the spectacular alpine landscape 22

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6 The Lavaux vineyard terraces stretch for around 18 miles along the northern shores of Lake Geneva from the Château de Chillon to the outskirts of Lausanne, and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7 Morges’ Tulip Festival, from March to May, is centred in the Parc de l’Indépendance, but spreads out across the old town and along the lakeside promenade.

8 Promenade de la Ficelle provides a green link between Délices station and Ouchy in central Lausanne.

9 Lausanne’s medieval Old Town offers an abundance of terrace cafés in which to relax over a coffee or an early evening drink.

10 Drifts of the wild daffodil, the white Narcissus poeticus subsp. radiiflorus, cover the foothills of the Alps above Montreux in May.

Lavaux was shaped by men who terraced the steep terrain and established the area as a wine-growing region of renown

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beyond is within easy reach with a 55-minute trip up to Rochers-de-Naye on the local cogwheel railway. The breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and the mountains on your route, and stunning panoramic vistas when you arrive, will be a highlight of your day.

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If you visit between June and mid-October, La Rambertia, alpine botanical garden is open to visitors, admission free. La Rambertia cultivates a protected collection of 1,000 alpine species including two different edelweiss and 600 different kinds of local plants, as well as some from the alpine zones of other European mountain ranges and other continents, and a few rare mountain specimens from the southern hemisphere.

With more than its fair share of horticultural highlights, the captivating region of Vaud is within easy reach of the overseas traveller as Geneva airport is on its doorstep. Invest in a Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as free admission to more than 500 museums and discounts on many mountain excursions, and let the adventures begin.

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Moving east again to the Italian border we reach the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino with its mild Mediterranean climate. From tea plantations to floating botanical gardens, it offers a wealth of beautiful places to explore.

T

icino is Switzerland’s southernmost canton, sharing a border (and two lakes) with neighbouring Italy. Thanks to the waters of the lake and the natural windbreak of the surrounding slopes, this region enjoys a mild subtropical climate, where exotic plants such as camellias, mimosa and bougainvillea flourish.

Discover a fascinating diversity of flora with plants of both alpine and Mediterranean origin in its many parks and botanical gardens – as well as growing in the wild. From lush palms fringing the shores of Lakes Maggiore and Lugano to the native chestnut woodlands further inland, there is a wealth of nature in bloom to discover everywhere you go.

Hugging the shoreline of Lake Maggiore is Locarno, a relaxed, elegant resort that benefits from the lake’s mild microclimate. Stroll along the 1.5km lakeside promenade and enjoy subtropical plants and trees, such as the rare and ancient Chilean and jelly palms, cypress and ginkgo trees. Visit the peaceful Parco delle Camelie, right by the lake, showcasing more than 850 species and cultivars from all over the world that provide a flowering season of around nine months every year, or visit in spring for the annual Camellia Flower Festival.

Just along the shore from Locarno is pretty Ascona, Switzerland’s lowest-lying town with a pedestrianised historic Old Town, a verdant lakeside promenade and the only tea plantation on the European continent. On the slopes of the Monte Verità hills just above the town, Peter Oppliger planted Camellia sinensis for the first time in 2006. The tea plantation now boasts some 1,400 plants, a Zen tea garden with a pavilion, and the Casa del Tè, which hosts regular Japanese tea

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1 The Zen garden at Casa del Tè, the only tea plantation on mainland Europe, is home to around 1,400 Camellia sinensis plants.

2 Lugano’s Parco Ciani is a short walk from the city centre and offers space to relax and enjoy views across the lake to Monte San Salvatore.

3 A visit to the subtropical paradise of Isola Grande, the largest of the Brissago Islands and home to Ticino’s botanic garden, is a must.

4 Among the many follies of Parco Scherrer, the ‘Garden of Wonders’ created by art lover Arthur Scherrer, is this Indian-style palace.

5 Colourful houses in Gambarogno on the shore of on Lake Maggiore give this harbor a Mediterranean feel.

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The lush oasis of Brissago was the vision of Antoinette de Saint Léger, and visitors can still see many of the plants she brought here ceremonies. Visit in May when the traditional tea harvest is celebrated with a programme of events and activities.

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Rising from the glassy waters of Lake Maggiore, and a short ferry ride from the shore, are the floating gardens of Brissago. A subtropical paradise, one of the islands is Ticino’s official botanic garden and is open to the public, while the other is left undisturbed for native plants to flourish. Around 1,500 types of plants that only bloom in subtropical climates have been cultivated here since the 19th century. This lush oasis was the vision of Antoinette de Saint Léger, and visitors can still see many of the plants she brought here, such as the Himalayan cinnamon tree, gladioli from Madagascar, agaves and yuccas, as well as Mediterranean species such as rosemary, sage and cork oak.

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Taking a trip to the Gambarogno side of Lake Maggiore, you’ll discover the magnificent Eisenhut Nursery and the Parco Botanico del Gambarogno in the hills between Piazzogna and Vairano.

Horticulturist Otto Eisenhut cultivated a wealth of exotic flowering plants including 950 different camellias, along with magnolias, azaleas, 25

peonies and rhododendrons. Pines, juniper and other rare European and exotic coniferous trees flourish here as well. Parking is limited but public transport links are excellent with a regular bus service.

Head over to Ticino’s other lake, Lugano, where the botanical gardens of Parco San Grato await.

A member of the Gardens of Switzerland network, San Grato has the most magical setting, high in the hills of Carona above the lake. With the largest collection of azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers in the Insubria region, a visit to Parco San Grato is a feast for the eyes as the breathtaking panoramic views only add to your sensory experience of this 15-acre park. Another subtropical paradise awaits at the splendid 5-star Villa Castagnola in Lugano, where ancient native horse chestnut trees sit alongside eucalyptus, palms, cypresses and cedars in the hotel’s beautiful park, with camellias and roses in a profusion of lush flora as well as an aromatic herb garden.

Wind your way back down towards the lake to the beautiful village of Morcote, with its elegant stuccoed villas, pretty alleyways and idyllic waterside setting. It is here overlooking the lake that you’ll find Parco Scherrer, begun in 1930 by Arthur Scherrer, textile trader, passionate traveller and lover of art and culture. Creating this ‘Garden of Wonders’ was his life’s work. Brimming with subtropical flora collected from all over the world: an abundance of palms, camellias, wisterias, oleanders, cedars, cypresses, camphors, eucalyptus, magnolias, azaleas, citrus trees and bamboos in two parks: one Mediterranean and the other Asian. The park is also dotted with artworks and follies of scaled-down Greek, Indian and Egyptian temples.

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6 Parco San Michele in Castagnola on the slope of Monte Brè offers spectacular views over Lake Lugano to Monte San Salvatore.

7 The yellow and pink flowers of azaleas and rhododendrons are one of the spring highlights of the glorious Parco San Grato Carona on the shores of Lake Lugano.

8 Parco delle Camelie in Locarno offers the chance to discover more than 850 species and cultivars of camellias from all over the world.

9 Climb the 400 steps up to the 15th-century church of Santa Maria del Sasso and you will be rewarded by glorious views of the beautiful village of Morcote, which hugs the hillside down to Lake Lugano.

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Chestnut festivals take place in the towns of the Muggio Valley to celebrate the region’s devotion to this humble fare The sweet chestnut tree is a common sight in the natural woodlands of Ticino, and the forest at Robasacco near Cadenazzo is among the finest in the region, having been restored after years of neglect. The footpaths under the canopy of majestic trees are now a popular place to roam.

Once known as the bread tree, the sweet chestnut provided staple sustenance in the region for centuries. October is harvest time and chestnut festivals take place in the towns of the Muggio Valley to celebrate the region’s long-standing devotion to this humble fare. Still enjoyed today, you’ll find traditional cakes, breads, jam, delectable marrons glacés and even chestnut beers are on offer throughout Ticino.

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Public transport links in the region are excellent and with the Ticino Ticket, available for all visitors who stay overnight at a hotel, campsite or youth hostel, you’ll enjoy free travel and easy access to lakeside destinations as well as those exquisite mountain villages. Temperate and with a decidedly Mediterranean feel, Ticino extends a warm welcome to the garden-loving visitor: from the palm-fringed shores of glistening Lake Maggiore to the exquisite alpine flora of the snow-frosted peaks.

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Churfirsten, Ostschweiz, © André Meier / Per Kasch (Severin Wendeler)

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Green cities Come to Switzerland and prepare to be impressed: from its uniquely characterful cities offering local gastronomy, culture and stunning architecture, to a wealth of natural and historic highlights, this beautiful country offers you the warmest of welcomes. A city break is the best of both worlds, as not only can you enjoy all the urban environment has to offer, you’re also never far from nature – and with enchanting snow-capped mountains and glistening lakes tempting you to explore further, and with excellent, sustainable public transport links, it couldn’t be easier to get around.

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Bern Basel Hugging the banks of the Rhine, cultural Basel is stylish and relaxed – a picturesque setting for Switzerland’s oldest university city, which also boasts around 40 museums and galleries, as well as botanical gardens and parks. From international exhibitions to street art, there’s always something to admire in this vibrant city. Take a cruise along the Rhine to see local architecture at its best, or rest a while at one of Basel’s riverside buvette café-bars. Stay at Hotel Krafft in the Kleinbasel, the historic Old Town; built in 1873, this characterful hotel combines classic and contemporary décor and a beautiful garden on the banks of the Rhine. Sample local flavours such as the Ueli craft beer or dine on the terrace at the historic Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois with its very own flower shop just round the corner.

Against an Alpine backdrop, Switzerland’s capital sits like a medieval jewel on the river Aare, its charming Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site with burnished rooftops, sandstone terraces, Renaissance fountains, six kilometres of historic covered arcades and a magnificent cathedral. A city made for exploring on foot, head to the Rose Garden above the Bear Park or the viewing platform of the cathedral for the best views of the Old Town. Sample modern local fare at Restaurant Bay on the banks of the Aare, or at Caffè Bar Sattler in the heart of the city.

Get out of the city with an e-bike tour on the 59km Grünes Band (Green Belt) route and escape to the nearby Emmental valley to wind down at Hotel Bären Dürrenroth, just 30km away with its romantic rose garden and Gault Millau-accredited restaurant. Or, for an unforgettable stay in the heart of Switzerland’s charming capital city, the five-star Hotel Schweizerhof Bern offers signature cocktails, fine dining and the most exclusive spa in town.

WHERE TO STAY Whether your preferred stay is a gracious hotel set in acres of parkland gardens or a charming guesthouse nestling in the rolling Swiss countryside, you can find a unique selection of hotels and accommodation at myswitzerland.com/hotels. From five-star luxury and designer boutiques to mountainside chalets and bases for bike enthusiasts, there really is something for everyone in this diverse and beautiful country.

1 Bellevue Palace Bern

Geneva Geneva sits at the southernmost tip of the stunning lake that bears its name. The capital of peace and home to the Red Cross and the European UN, it is also the base for many international companies, although you’ll find a slower pace at the Geneva Watchmaking School, an artisan centre of horological excellence.

Geneva’s Old Town is one of Europe’s largest, dotted with galleries, antique shops, museums and fountains, while nearby Carouge is well worth a visit, with its Italianate architecture and Latin charm. In town, dine at Max Brasserie and spend a few hours relaxing at the lakeside lido of Bains des Pâquis, a few metres from the impressive Jet d’Eau water fountain, while luxurious La Réserve Geneve, set in acres of lush parkland with magnificent views over Lake Geneva, offers a relaxing base for your stay.

This elegant Art Deco hotel in the very heart of Switzerland’s capital is next to the Swiss parliament, and its bars and Gault Millau-accredited restaurant are popular meeting places for politicians and journalists.

It’s also where visiting heads of state, including royalty, stay when in town.

2 Schloss Schadau

(right) On the shores of Lake Thun, but still within easy reach of Bern, this boutique hotel is surrounded by parkland and is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy day exploring the capital.

3 Domaine de Châteauvieux

This intimate country hotel, with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and beautiful gardens, lies in the heart of Switzerland’s wine-growing region on the banks of the Rhône but is just a short drive from central Geneva.

4 Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern (below) This lakeside hotel has been owned by the Hauser family for 160 years and has welcomed Leo Tolstoy and Mark Twain among its guests. Today it houses 101 elegant rooms and suites.

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Lausanne

Lugano Known as the gourmet Mecca of the south, Lugano sits in a bay on Lake Lugano. A city of parks and flowers, stately villas and elegant churches, it has a balmy climate year-round and a distinctly Mediterranean ambience. With an abundance of local delicacies on offer on market day, try fresh Alpine cheeses, salamis and Swiss olive oil, unique to this area. Take a stroll along the Olive Path to see the olive groves at Gandria or enjoy mountain excursions to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore. In town, sip a glass of local Merlot at Bar Pinard or feast at Ristorante Orologio Lugano, an institution in the city since 1907, and for a restful perspective of Lugano and its environs, stay at the 200- year-old historic Hotel Villa Carona set in lush, mature gardens just a ten-minute drive out of town.

Historic Kurhaus Cademario Hotel, with seven acres of verdant parkland, is also nearby.

Draped across three hills above the pristine waters of Lake Geneva and close to Lavaux and its terraced vineyards, the Olympic capital of Lausanne is an ideal base for exploring the delights of the lakeside as well as the nearby Alps. The medieval Old Town, with its early Gothic cathedral, is largely car-free and invites you to explore its delightful cafés, boutiques and museums at a slower pace, or enjoy a glass of local Chasselas wine at Les Arches bar or a leisurely bistro-style lunch at Eat Me. Getting down the slopes to the shoreline area of Ouchy is a breeze thanks to Switzerland’s only Metro service, and here the mild microclimate of the lake ensures a profusion of vibrant Mediterranean flora along the lakeside promenades. Opened in 1909 and magnificently restored, located near the Lac Léman, the Royal Savoy is a bastion of style and luxury, offering guests the perfect base from which to discover the best of Lausanne. A stay at the elegant Beau-Rivage Palace, in its extensive private gardens on the shore, will round off an unforgettable experience.

Locarno Oozing with Mediterranean charm, Locarno in Italianspeaking Ticino Canton is Switzerland’s warmest city, blessed with more than 2,300 hours of sunshine every year. On the shores of Lake Maggiore, this charming resort town is a feast for the eyes with breathtaking views in abundance, from palm-fringed lakeside walkways to the heights of Madonna del Sasso and beyond. Take a day trip to unspoilt Valle Verzasca – Ticino’s green heart – or stay a while in arcaded Piazza Grande, Locarno’s central hub. Here you can sample local fare at Ristorante Fiorentina, or fuel up before a day out in the mountains at Al Porto Café Lago with its lakeside balcony, right by the cog railway station. Stay at Albergo Monte Verità above Ascona, set in seven acres of peaceful parkland, while mid-18th century Palazzo Gamboni in nearby Onsernone valley also offers an idyllic escape.

5 Hotel Belvedere Locarno (above) A stylish hotel that celebrates its 130th anniversary this year. All its rooms and suites have views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains.

Lucerne Picture-perfect Lucerne sits like a jewel on the shoreline of dramatic Lake Lucerne – with the buzz of an urban city, the lure of craggy mountains and peaceful lakeside beaches also within easy reach. Charming Hotel Wilden Mann is an ideal base for your stay, with old-world charm and eclectic décor in every cosy nook and cranny. Or sample the contemporary style of Bürgenstock Resort perched high above the lake with its spa and delicious international cuisine.

Take a dip at the city’s Lido, try a spot of Swedish fika at Café Nord in town, or enjoy a Kafi Lutz (coffee with a shot) after dinner in the retro ambiance of Luz See Bistro on Bahnhofplatz by the lake. Further afield, a day out to explore nearby Rigi mountain on the new William Tell walking trail ends with a picturesque cog railway journey descent to pretty Vitznau and a hop across to neighbouring Gersau, from where the ferry glides serenely across the crystal waters to Lucerne.

6 Hôtel Masson

Set on a hill with breathtaking views over Lake Geneva to the mountains beyond, Hôtel Masson is within easy access of Lausanne. Part of the Swiss Historic Hotel network, its rooms pack plenty of fin-de-siècle charm.

7 Einstein St Gallen

In the buzzing centre of the university city, Einstein St Gallen is a stylish hotel that can boast its own twoMichelin-starred restaurant.

8 Sorell Hotel Krone

This boutique hotel in the heart of Winterthur’s medieval Old Town is the perfect base for exploring Winterthur’s many museums and restaurants, and for indulging in some retail therapy.

9 The Dolder Grand (below) Partly redesigned by Foster + Partners, this swish hotel near Zurich is the ultimate in luxury with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, spacious rooms and suites, and a Japanese-inspired spa.

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Zurich

St Gallen The eastern university city of St Gallen was famed for its hand embroidery, earning much wealth and renown in medieval times.

This strong streak of creativity lives on with its close connection to the arts. Several city museums, such as the Kunstmuseum, are dedicated to contemporary and modern art, and you will find many creative art installations in public places. For example, don’t miss the binary train station clock, created by St Gallen artist and improvisational musician Norbert Möslang. The attractive, car-free Old Town is home to St Gallen’s Baroque cathedral and historic Abbey Library of Saint Gall and you can sample a traditional Swiss fondue at Restaurant Dreilinden or a Wiener Schnitzel at Kafi Franz. The city offers an excellent base for excursions into the uplands of Appenzellerland and Lake Constance where historic hotel Schloss Wartegg, complete with its extensive herb and kitchen garden and verdant English landscaping, awaits to cosset the weary traveller.

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Winterthur Not far from Zurich is Winterthur, a bike-friendly city and a real family destination. Explore the narrow streets and alleyways, secluded courtyards and squares of its car-free Old Town and take in a cultural highlight or two. The choice is yours, with 17 city museums and galleries, including the new Swiss Science Center Technorama. For a welcome caffeine break, head to Portier, a bijou coffee house in a former port’s lodge near the railway station, and for evening entertainment and an excellent meal, Restaurant Fredi is the place to go – the comedy club on the same premises is also owned

by Fredi’s family. When it’s time to recharge your batteries, head a mere 20-minute drive from Winterthur for a rural getaway in charming 17th-century Gasthof Gyrenbad.

Lively and avant-garde, Switzerland’s largest city has a beautiful, medieval Old Town right at its heart. Ramble through the narrow lanes to discover the city’s fascinating past with the help of the handy Zurich Guide app, which also serves as a city travel pass. Don’t miss its two prominent churches: the Fraumünster, with its stainedglass windows by Giacometti and Chagall, and the Grossmünster, with its iconic double towers.

The newly extended Kunsthaus Zürich is a modern art aficionado’s dream, alongside other museums showcasing design excellence, Swiss national culture and FIFA World Football. Sample locally made Turicum Gin, grab a coffee at the Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the Modissa fashion store overlooking buzzy Bahnhofstrasse, or dine at stylish Gamper for a taste of modern Swiss cuisine. To complete your city experience, stay at the five-star Baur au Lac, an elegant 19th-century, familyrun hotel with not one but two excellent restaurants. Located within its own landscaped park, the tranquil blue of Lake Zurich and the glowing white snowcapped Alps on the horizon create a unique backdrop to the hotel, offering guests the perfect location for an evening stroll or drinks on the terrace.

Remarkably Uncommon Experiences AT THE BÜRGENSTOCK SELECTION HOTELS

The Bürgenstock Selection is one of Switzerland’s largest deluxe hotel groups, operating Hotels and Residences with a combined total of 678 rooms and 67 residence suites.

The Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, and the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne dazzle guests from all over the world with their rich heritage, elegant, contemporary design, leading spas and their exceptional culinary offers, while remaining completely true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, service and discretion.

www.burgenstockselection.com

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Alpen roses with a view to Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau, Bernese Oberland, © Martin Maegli

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