Casa del Tè, Ascona
Above Ascona is a tea plantation that you would hardly expect to find in Switzerland. A Zen garden, a Japanese tea pavilion with a store as well as a cultural program centered around the culture of tea transform this place into a small Japanese oasis – in the heart of Ticino.
A place for the art of tea
Anyone who takes the steep path up to Monte Verità quickly notices: Time slows down here. Nestling among chestnut trees and terraced flowerbeds lies the Casa del Tè – a place entirely dedicated to the art of tea. In the traditional Japanese-style pavilion, selected teas from Japan, China and Taiwan are served. And they are carefully brewed and celebrated with the attention to detail that makes tea drinking a ritual in many Asian cultures. This is about more than just the beverage. Here, tea invites you to pause for a moment, to reflect on life, or simply to enjoy the views over Ascona and the lake.
The offering also includes guided tours of the plantation, a Zen garden, traditional tea ceremonies, and "oyatsu," the Japanese tea time. During this four-course experience, guests discover the beauty of Japanese tea culture and its delicacies – culminating in a glass of exquisite sake. The dates and times are regularly updated on the Casa del Tè website.
Available in store and online
The unique microclimate on Monte Verità allows tea plants to thrive – plants you wouldn’t expect to find in Switzerland. From spring until late summer, the leaves are harvested and lovingly processed before being stylishly packaged on site. Along with other teas from around the world and matching accessories, they are available in the local shop or online.
