Stepping through the gate of Kartause Ittingen, you enter not just a former Carthusian monastery, but a garden world that has been cultivated, re-imagined, and carefully expanded for centuries.
Amidst fruit trees, vines, hops, and the Ittingen Forest, an ensemble of paths, flowerbeds, and tranquil spaces unfolds, inviting visitors to stroll and revealing the deep connection between culture and nature here. At the heart of this green cosmos are the roses. From early summer until autumn, approximately 1000 rose bushes bloom throughout the grounds, comprising 250 mostly historical varieties. This makes Kartause Ittingen home to the largest diversity of historical rose varieties in Switzerland.
Some have a delicate, almost subtle fragrance, while others are strong and opulent. Those who take their time will discover nuances in color, form, and character. The rose garden is not merely a decorative accessory, but a living archive that tells a new story each year. Surrounding the roses, other garden spaces unfold: the Baroque garden with its clear order, the Priory garden, medicinal herb gardens, and a thyme labyrinth, which fills the air with its aroma, especially on warm days. Additionally, there are flower meadows, vegetable patches, as well as culinary and tea herbs that find their way into the restaurant and monastery shop. The seed garden is also part of this philosophy, where seeds of valuable cultivated plants are preserved and passed on.
Sustainability is a matter close to the heart of Kartause Ittingen. The engaging 'Green Path' tour is dedicated to this topic. Passing 15 information boards, visitors learn about the multifaceted ways sustainability is practiced at Kartause Ittingen, both in the garden and on the estate. Additional themed trails and a scavenger hunt offer visitors the opportunity to discover hidden corners of the grounds.
Kartause Ittingen demonstrates how garden culture can evolve over generations. Amidst roses, herbs, and ancient walls, an atmosphere emerges that encourages slowing down and sharpens one's perception. Those who wander here take away more than just beautiful pictures: a sense of care, time, and living tradition.
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