Discover secluded spots in the convent garden of Wettingen Abbey and stroll through the historic kitchen garden. A walk through the avenue, with its 200-year-old plane trees, is unforgettable. The convent garden – one of the first landscape gardens in Switzerland – extends from the abbey over three terraces down to the Limmat river. Fruit trees, a vineyard, a vegetable garden and a grotto invite you to stay a while.
English park
On the top terrace is the landscape garden designed according to the English model. The park is famous for its valuable tree population: some of them date back to the 19th century, when the convent garden was laid out in its present form. Settle down in the shade of these trees and enjoy the view of the kitchen garden and the Limmat river.
Baroque kitchen garden
The Baroque kitchen garden extends over the middle terrace of the convent garden. Almost forgotten vegetable varieties and ecologically valuable mixed cultures grow here. Today, the vegetables are processed in the refectory of the cantonal school or sold in the abbey shop.
The kitchen garden is laid out symmetrically and, in its present form, dates back to the early 19th century. The monks and lay brothers experimented here with the cultivation and propagation of different useful plants. Great importance was attached to gardening back when the teacher training college was here.
Avenue of plane trees with grotto
Like a fairy tale: there is no other way to describe this dreamy avenue with its plane trees, some of which are 200 years old. The Limmat river flows beneath the mighty treetops. A grotto adds a touch of mysticism to the avenue.
Opening hours and guided tours
- The convent garden is accessible free of charge all year round (opening hours) and is maintained by the abbey gardeners.
- Museum Aargau offers group tours of the abbey gardens.
Other gardens at Wettingen Abbey
Garden
Admission: Entrance free
