Ricola herb gardens

Ricola has six show gardens in Switzerland. Located in Nenzlingen, on Trogberg mountain, Klewen Alp, in Kandersteg, Zermatt and Pontresina, they are a delight to all hikers and nature lovers. Visitors to the herb gardens can learn about the blend of 13 herbs in their natural environment and learn all about the cultivation and power of herbs.

Between May and September, the spicy aroma of the herbs and profusion of flowers in Ricola’s herb gardens provide a unique encounter with nature at its best. You can also win some fantastic Ricola gift packs filled with treats at each of the Ricola herb gardens! Simply fill in and submit a competition entry form. Good luck!

Put your knowledge of herbs to the test and try the Ricola herb quiz. Have fun finding all the answers!

Nenzlingen, Baselbiet (BL)

Experience the unspoilt scenery in the beautiful Laufen valley. Nestled in the Jura Mountains and surrounded by cherry orchards, rolling hills, forests, meadows and pastures is the village of Nenzlingen. You can marvel at the breathtaking views of the Jura hills.

Ricola’s herb garden is situated along the Blauen Jura mountain trail. You can walk to the garden in about 15 minutes from the center of Nenzlingen. At the heart of the Ricola herb garden are, of course, the 13 herbs that make Ricola herb drops so unique.

» Directions

Trogberg Mountain, Solothurn (SO)

A popular walk is along the Jura mountain path from Passwang – the summit and panoramic viewpoint are 1,204 m above sea level. Take this hiking route from Laufen, Ricola’s company headquarters.

Key landmarks are the Vorderer Erzberg, Hohe Winde and Grindel. The view from Trogberg looking back over the Hohe Winde peak is one of the most spectacular sights along this trail and ample reward for the one-and-a-half hour hike. High up on Trogberg, visitors can enjoy a rest at the Ricola herb garden and linger for a while to learn about the 13 Ricola herbs. While their names are well known, the recipe for Ricola’s original herb cough drops is firmly under wraps. The Ricola herb blend remains a well-kept secret to this day.

» Directions

Klewen Alp, Nidwalden (NW)

At the heart of Central Switzerland, Klewen Alp is a true paradise for day-trippers. At 1,600 m above sea level it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountain scenery. From Beckenried, take a cable car up to Klewen Alp, an ideal starting point for fabulous walks and other leisure activities in the picturesque mountains of Central Switzerland.

Leaving the mountain station, you will meet the resident Klewen Alp family of marmots. A few steps further, on a gentle slope by the children’s playground and opposite the ‘Panorama’ mountain inn, you will reach the Ricola herb garden. Jog your memory – have a go at the quiz to test your knowledge of herbs in the Ricola herb garden. Small display boards tell you all about the 13 herbs to be found in every Ricola herb drop.

» Directions

Kandersteg, Bern (BE)

The Kandertal is situated amidst the unique mountain scenery of the Berner Oberland. Around Oeschinensee and Blausee, Blüemlisalp and the Gemmi, some of Switzerland’s most impressive hiking routes await you.

One of the six Ricola herb gardens is in Kandersteg, right next to the historic Ruedihus inn. The Alpine scenery invites you to linger and explore the fascinating world of herbs. Small display boards tell you all about the 13 herbs to be found in every Ricola herb drop. Feel free to touch and smell the herbs!

» Directions

Zermatt, Valais (VS)

The hiking routes around the resort of Zermatt – site of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn – offer you breathtaking panoramic vistas, lush flowering meadows and fragrant larch forests.

From Zermatt, take the hiking route (half an hour) to the picturesque hamlet of Blatten and stop off at the Ricola herb garden situated next to a small chapel and mountain restaurant. Enjoy an educational and fascinating tour of the circular herb garden to find out about the 13 herbs contained in every Ricola herb drop.

» Directions

Pontresina, Graubünden (GR)

Situated in Europe’s most beautiful mountain valley, the Engadin, Pontresina is a summer or winter holiday resort popular with mountain climbers, hikers, families and winter sports fans. The Ricola herb garden is a short walk from the center of Pontresina towards the Roseg valley.

Smell and touch the 13 herbs used in the original blend for Ricola herb cough drops. Company founder Emil Richterich first created the recipe in the summer of 1940 and it is still in use today. Small display boards tell you about the 13 herbs that are in every Ricola herb drop. Take the opportunity to fill out a competition entry form in the herb garden. You could be the lucky winner of a Ricola gift pack filled with surprises!

» Directions