In Arlesheim, striking architectural history and designed landscapes meet a range of ways to explore the outdoors. The cathedral, the Hermitage and Birseck Castle add historic character; the farmhouse garden, outdoor swimming pool and paths around Reichenstein Castle round out the picture. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide which of these sides of the town you want to shape your stay.
Cathedral and castles: history with clear dates
Arlesheim Cathedral was built between 1679 and 1681. A later change, which can be dated precisely, followed from 1759 to 1761: master builder Franz Anton Bagnato remodeled the cathedral in the Rococo style. An organ by Johannes Silbermann was installed during this remodeling. The building’s history thus brings together two periods that can be distinguished when looking at the building.
Birseck Castle also offers a specific historical point of reference: Prince-Bishop LĂĽthold II had the castle built in 1243. Its remains were incorporated into the Hermitage landscape garden 15 years after its destruction. Above Arlesheim, the castle ruins stand on a rocky spur. Those interested in history will find here both a striking landmark in the landscape and a link between the castle remains and the garden.
The Hermitage as a designed landscape
The Arlesheim Hermitage is designed as an English landscape garden and invites visitors to enjoy peaceful walks. It is considered the largest English landscape garden in Switzerland and is protected for both its natural and historic value. Artificially created ponds and streams are part of the grounds, as are several viewpoints. From these, the surrounding landscape is deliberately framed like a picture.
The grounds were not created all at once: they were designed and developed in three phases, in 1785, 1793 and 1812, each following different concepts. This progression over time gives the Hermitage a different character from a garden designed as a single, unified project. It can be reached on foot from Arlesheim railway station and is about five minutes from the Arlesheim Dorf tram stop.
Garden culture, exhibitions and events
The Arlesheim farmhouse garden is located at a historic site that documents part of the village’s history. Six enclosed planting beds cover around 800 square metres. The garden mainly grows ProSpecieRara varieties, including historic, almost forgotten, rare or endangered vegetable varieties. Its modest size and variety of crops make it a distinctive feature alongside the Hermitage’s extensive landscape grounds.
Trotte Arlesheim is a venue for culture and social gatherings. Artists can rent its exhibition spaces to present their work to audiences interested in art and culture. The WĂĽrth Forum Arlesheim presents exhibitions of works from the WĂĽrth Collection and also regularly hosts cultural events. Exhibition content and programming vary, so it is worth checking the current offer before your visit.
Outdoors and at the open-air swimming pool
The grounds of Reichenstein Castle have extensive hiking trails where visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna. A cycling route also crosses the grounds. Three fire pits near the castle are available for use. Trail conditions and the use of the fire pits may depend on local conditions; take this into account when planning your visit.
Arlesheim’s outdoor swimming pool has a 50-metre swimming pool and diving facilities at heights of three and five metres. There is also a waterslide, a smaller non-swimmers’ pool and a shallow paddling pool for toddlers. Sunbathing areas, a volleyball court, play lawns, a kiosk and a restaurant round out the facilities. The pool is near the Im Lee tram and bus stop and is easy to reach by public transport or bicycle.
Getting here and finding your way around
For travel to Arlesheim, the accessible T10 tram to Arlesheim Dorf or the bus to Arlesheim, Domplatz is recommended. Check the current timetable before setting off. For the Hermitage, the railway station, tram stop and walking route are different reference points; for the outdoor swimming pool, Im Lee is the nearest stop. An interactive map of Arlesheim is also available.
Viticulture is also part of the local picture: the Arlesheim wine-growing area covers a total of 4.7 hectares of vineyards. This means a stay can take in everything from architectural and garden history to exhibitions and outdoor activities. You can choose what to focus on based on your interests, without expecting every stop to offer the same kind of visit.
Discover more destinations: Ettingen, Binningen, Reinach, Schönenbuch, Allschwil, Birsfelden, Oberwil, Münchenstein.
Back to the main travel overview: Arlesheim.
