Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore are a beautiful destination for botany enthusiasts
The Brissago Islands on Lake Maggiore
Brissago Island – A Green Paradise on Lake Maggiore
Brissago Island (actually the Isole di Brissago, since there are two islands) is picturesquely nestled in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, directly off the coast of Brissago in the canton of Ticino. The main island, Isola Grande, is not only a botanical gem with a fascinating history but also a popular destination for visitors from Switzerland, Italy, and the entire Alpine region. If you’re looking to experience an unforgettable day surrounded by nature, history, and Mediterranean charm, this is the perfect place.
History of the Brissago Islands
The history of the Brissago Islands goes back a long way, but their cultural heyday did not begin until the 19th century. Originally, the islands were uninhabited rocks covered in dense vegetation. That changed when Russian Baroness Antoinette de Saint Léger, an eccentric with a passion for art and botany, purchased the islands in 1885. Together with her husband, she transformed the main island into a Mediterranean oasis—featuring exotic plants from around the world, marble statues, and a neoclassical villa.
However, following financial difficulties, the baroness lost the estate. In 1927, the island was acquired by the German merchant Max Emden, who had amassed his fortune as a major player in the textile industry. He expanded the botanical garden, had an elegant palace built, and led a glamorous lifestyle—often entertaining prominent guests from the political and cultural spheres of the time.
After Emden’s death in 1940, the islands initially fell into disrepair. But the Canton of Ticino soon recognized their cultural value. Isola Grande has been open to the public since 1949 and is now managed by the Botanical Garden of the Canton of Ticino. The smaller of the two islands, Isola Piccola, remains closed to the public to this day and is a protected nature reserve.
What is there to see on Brissago Island?
1. The Botanical Garden
The main attraction of Isola Grande is undoubtedly the botanical garden. Covering just 2.5 hectares, it is home to over 1,700 plant species from all five continents—thanks to the mild microclimate of Lake Maggiore. Visitors can stroll through landscapes modeled after regions such as the Mediterranean, South Africa, California, China, Australia, and Chile.
Particularly impressive are:
Giant palm trees and bamboo groves
Exotic flower beds featuring rare plants such as the Australian bottle tree or South American giant-leaved plants
Succulent gardens with cacti and agaves
Ponds with lotus flowers and water lilies
Each plant is labeled, often with a QR code for more detailed information. The garden is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a place of learning for nature lovers and children.
2. Villa Emden
The elegant Villa Emden—formerly the private residence of Max Emden—has been restored and now serves as a venue for events, seminars, and weddings. It is centrally located on the island and impresses with its Mediterranean architecture, columns, large windows overlooking the lake, and a wraparound veranda.
During the summer months, the villa also hosts art exhibitions and small concerts.
3. Walking Trails & Viewpoints
There are numerous walking trails around the island offering spectacular views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps. Shady spots with benches invite you to linger, while artistic sculptures and small fountains along the trails are a delight to the eye.
Dining: Restaurant on Brissago Island
There is a cozy restaurant on the island with a lakeside terrace that serves regional and Italian-inspired cuisine. Particularly popular dishes include:
Fish Dishes from Lake Maggiore
Risotto with Herbs from the Island Garden
Ticino Sausage and Cheese Platters
Fresh salads and vegetarian options
The restaurant is open during the day (approximately April through October) and also serves snacks, coffee, and homemade desserts. The view of the lake from the terrace is spectacular—perfect for a lunch break or a sundowner.
How do you get to the Brissago Islands?
Getting to the Brissago Islands is very easy—since they’re accessible only by boat. There are regular ferry services from various locations on Lake Maggiore, particularly from Brissago, Ascona, and Locarno. The Cannobio–Ascona route and back stops at the Brissago Islands only on a few trips; you can find the schedule here.
Questions and answers
A botanical garden and cultural venue on Isola Grande, featuring over 1,700 plant species from five continents spread across approximately 2.5 hectares.