Arlesheim between the Cathedral and the Hermitage

Arlesheim brings together architectural history, landscaped grounds and cultural attractions, as well as opportunities to spend time outdoors. The Cathedral, the Hermitage and the castle ruins each have their own character: Rococo architecture, an English landscape garden and historic castle buildings. There are also exhibitions, a garden growing rare varieties of vegetables, paths on the grounds of Reichenstein Castle and an outdoor swimming pool. You can choose different focuses for your stay—from cultural history and walks to swimming and nature.

The Cathedral and castle history

Arlesheim Cathedral was built between 1679 and 1681. From 1759 to 1761, it was remodelled in the Rococo style under master builder Franz Anton Bagnato. An organ by Johannes Silbermann was also installed during this remodelling. These two periods show that the Cathedral’s construction and later design belong to different phases.

Above Arlesheim, the ruins of Birseck Castle sit on a rocky promontory. Birseck Castle was built in 1243 by Prince-Bishop Lüthold II. Its remains were incorporated into the landscaped grounds of the Hermitage 15 years after the castle was destroyed. The castle’s history is therefore also linked to the development of the garden.

The Hermitage as a landscape garden

The Arlesheim Hermitage is designed as an English landscape garden and is considered the largest English landscape garden in Switzerland. It was developed in three phases: 1785, 1793 and 1812. Artificially created ponds and streams are part of the grounds, which are protected both as a natural site and as a historic monument.

Several viewpoints are laid out to frame the surrounding landscape like a picture. Together with the peaceful walking paths, this makes the Hermitage a different experience from viewing individual historic buildings: here, the landscaped grounds themselves take centre stage.

Cultural attractions and a glimpse of village life

Trotte Arlesheim is a venue for culture and social gatherings. Artists can rent its exhibition spaces directly to present their work to an audience interested in art and culture. If you are planning an exhibition, check the current rental options in advance.

Forum Würth Arlesheim presents exhibitions of works from the Würth Collection and regularly hosts cultural events. As exhibition content and the programme change, it is worth checking the latest dates before planning a visit.

The Arlesheim farm garden is located at a historic site that documents part of the village’s history. Six enclosed planting beds are spread over around 800 square metres. The garden mainly grows ProSpecieRara varieties, including historic, almost-forgotten, rare or threatened vegetable varieties. While the Cathedral and castle ruins tell the story of architectural history, the farm garden connects the village’s history with the cultivation of different plants.

Winegrowing is also a local feature: the Arlesheim wine-growing area covers a total of 4.7 hectares of vineyards.

Hiking, cycling and swimming

The grounds of Reichenstein Castle have extensive hiking trails where you can explore the diverse flora and fauna. A cycling route also crosses the grounds. Three fire pits near the castle are available for use. Making the castle and its surroundings accessible to the public is a core responsibility of the Reichenstein Castle Foundation. Check the current conditions before using the trails or fire pits.

Arlesheim 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 young children. Sunbathing areas, a volleyball court, play lawns, a kiosk and a restaurant complete the facilities.

The outdoor pool is near the Im Lee tram and bus stop and is easy to reach by public transport or bicycle. For travel to Arlesheim, the accessible T10 tram to Arlesheim Dorf or the bus to Arlesheim, Domplatz is recommended. As timetables may change, it is best to check them before travelling.

Getting there and finding your way

The Hermitage is within walking distance of Arlesheim railway station and about five minutes from the Arlesheim Dorf tram stop. An interactive local map is also available to help you find your way around Arlesheim.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Allschwil, Aesch, Ettingen, Münchenstein, Oberwil, Schönenbuch, Reinach, Birsfelden.

Back to the main travel overview: Arlesheim.