The Ermitage in Arlesheim in the canton of Basel-Landschaft is the largest English landscape garden in Switzerland, covering an area of around forty hectares, and is a jewel of garden art and nature. The Ermitage's landscape garden fascinates visitors with its ponds, grottos and winding paths that transport them into an enchanting and mysterious world. The idyllic nature invites you to take a walk and enchants the senses of people who allow themselves to be seduced by its mystical atmosphere.
Story
The landscape garden, called "Ermitage", was opened in 1785 by Balbina von Andlau-Von Staal and Canon Heinrich von Ligertz. After the opening, the garden attracted many distinguished travelers from all over Europe. In 1793, the Ermitage was destroyed during the French Revolution, but later in the 19th century it was rebuilt and expanded in the romantic style by Conrad von Andlau and Ligertz. The industrialist Johann Sigmund Alioth bought the Ermitage in 1846, followed by Julius Achilles Alioth in 1871. Emil August Kern-Alioth took over the estate in 1907 and did much for its preservation. Emilie Lucia Mathilde Kern-Iselin moved into the Andlauerhof in 1967. Isaac A. Iselin took over the estate and fought to preserve the hermitage until his death in 1980. The "Ermitage Arlesheim and Castle Birseck Foundation" is now the owner of the landscape garden and the castle ruins.
Access
There are a few parking spaces directly in front of the park after Birseck Castle.
