Brissago Islands, Botanical garden on islands in Lake Maggiore, Switzerland.
Brissago Islands comprise a botanical garden spread across two islands in Lake Maggiore, home to thousands of plant species from warmer climates. The park displays rhododendrons, camellias, palms, and century-old eucalyptus trees arranged across its grounds for exploration and discovery.
The islands were founded as an artistic residence in 1885 when a baroness purchased them and transformed them into gardens for creative gatherings. These origins shaped the site as a meeting point between artistic patronage and botanical collection that continues to this day.
The islands take their name from the nearby town of Brissago and developed into a showcase for exotic botanical collections. Visitors can observe how the gardens blend distinct plant regions from around the world into one harmonious green space.
The site requires a boat journey from the mainland to reach the islands, so plan accordingly when visiting. Seasonal access patterns mean the gardens operate during specific periods of the year, so check conditions before traveling.
The southern location on Lake Maggiore creates a mild microclimate protected by the Alps, allowing subtropical plants to thrive in central Europe. This unusual warmth enables species normally found much farther south to grow outdoors without shelter.
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