The Brissago Islands are two islands in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore; the larger one, San Pancrazio, holds the Botanical Park of Canton Ticino. Baroness Antoinette de Saint Léger created the garden from 1885, shipping in plants from around the world; Hamburg department-store magnate Max Emden bought the islands in 1927 and built the palazzo-style Villa Emden, and the garden has been open to the public since 1950. Some 1,700–2,000 species from the Mediterranean, South Africa, Asia, the Americas and Oceania thrive here, making it one of the warmest gardens in Switzerland. For 2026 the park is open daily from 18 March to 8 November; reachable only by boat, it makes an ideal half-day escape to a 'plant paradise' on the lake.
Villa Emden — the palazzo-style mansion Max Emden commissioned in 1927 from Berlin architect Alfred Breslauer, today run as the island's restaurant and hotel.
The 33-metre Roman-style bathing pool and other built heritage scattered through the garden.
Five continental themed zones: Mediterranean, South Africa (proteas), Asia, the Americas and Oceania.
A bamboo grove plus subtropical plants — eucalyptus, palms, Japanese banana, camellias, magnolia — and a greenhouse.
A lookout point over the lake, a small beach, and a 'mystical forest' walking trail.
Good to know
SeasonThe island is open only spring–autumn (18 March–8 November 2026, daily) and closes in winter; confirm current opening dates before you go.
RulesYou need two tickets: park admission plus the return boat fare. Adult entry is reported around CHF 10 (free under 16), but check the latest prices and timetables.
SafetyIt is a small island with fixed boat departures — note the last boat time in advance and build in buffer so you don't get stranded.
MannersThe garden has dirt paths, slopes and steps and is only partly barrier-free; wear comfortable non-slip shoes and check ahead for stroller or wheelchair access.
SeasonThe subtropical microclimate makes summers hot with strong sun — bring a hat and sunscreen, plus a light layer for the breeze off the lake.
CautionBuy tickets and tours through official channels (the pier ticket office or the official online shop) and scrutinise any overpriced third-party package tours.
Practical info
The boat crossing is about 15–20 minutes from Ascona and roughly 30–60 minutes from Locarno, with departures also from Porto Ronco, Brissago and San Nazzaro (operator Navigazione Lago Maggiore / Lake Locarno). For 2026 the park is open daily from 18 March to 8 November, with adult entry reported around CHF 10 — but confirm opening dates, prices and boat schedules on the official site before visiting.
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