Brissago Islands
The Brissago Islands on the Swiss side of Lake Maggiore are a beautiful excursion destination for botany enthusiasts
The Brissago Islands of Lake Maggiore
Brissago Island - a green paradise in Lake Maggiore
Brissago Island (actually Isole di Brissago, as there are two islands) is picturesquely nestled in the Swiss part of Lake Maggiore, just off the coast of Brissago in the canton of Ticino. The main island, Isola Grande, is not only a botanical jewel with a fascinating history, but also a popular excursion destination for visitors from Switzerland, Italy and the entire Alpine region. If you want to experience an unforgettable day surrounded by nature, history and Mediterranean flair, 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 only began in the 19th century. Originally, the islands were uninhabited rocks with dense vegetation. This changed when the Russian baroness Antoinette de Saint Léger, an eccentric with a penchant for art and botany, bought the islands in 1885. Together with her husband, she transformed the main island into a Mediterranean oasis - with exotic plants from all over the world, marble statues and a neoclassical villa.
However, following financial difficulties, the baroness lost the estate. In 1927, the island was taken over by the German businessman Max Emden, who had made his fortune as a major merchant in the textile industry. He extended the botanical gardens, had an elegant palace building erected and led a sophisticated life - often with prominent guests from politics and the cultural life of the time.
After Emden's death in 1940, the islands initially fell into disrepair. However, 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 Gardens 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 can you visit on Brissago Island?
1. the botanical garden
The main attraction of Isola Grande is undoubtedly the botanical garden. Over 1,700 plant species from all five continents grow here on an area of just 2.5 hectares - thanks to the mild microclimate of Lake Maggiore. Visitors can stroll through landscapes modeled on regions such as the Mediterranean, South Africa, California, China, Australia and Chile.
Particularly impressive are:
Huge palm trees and bamboo groves
Exotic flower beds with rare plants such as the Australian bottle tree or South American giant leaves
Succulent gardens with cacti and agaves
Ponds with lotus blossoms 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.
2nd 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.
In the summer months, the villa also hosts art exhibitions and smaller concerts.
3. walking trails & viewpoints
There are numerous walking paths around the island with 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 paths are pleasing to the eye.
Culinary delights: 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 are:
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 (approx. April to October) and also offers snacks, coffee and homemade desserts. The view of the lake from the terrace is spectacular - ideal for a lunch break or a sundowner.
How do you get to the Brissago Islands?
Getting to the Isola di Brissago is very easy - it can only be reached by boat. There are regular boat connections from various places on Lake Maggiore, especially from Brissago, Ascona and Locarno. The Cannobio-Ascona and return route only stops at a few harbors on the Brissago Islands; you can find a timetable here.