Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg, Hofstetten

Ballenberg

Since 1978, artefacts from all over Switzerland have been reconstructed at the museum. Visitors travel back in time and experience first-hand life in Switzerland in the olden days.

While the Swiss Open-air Museum Ballenberg initially started off with 16 houses and farm buildings on its premises, this number has now increased to more than 100. Surrounded by forests, meadows and limestone rocks, visitors rediscover Swiss traditions: various crafts, such as the burning of resin, lace-making, upholstery and weaving as well as authentically recreated houses, including their interiors, bring the past to life. A special highlight for train enthusiasts is a ride on the Ballenberg steam train which goes from Interlaken Ost to Innertkirchen on selected days in April and October.

...

The diversity of nature

Apart from the detailed reconstruction of buildings and objects, visitors can also admire the Swiss flora and fauna which is on display at the Swiss Open-air Museum Ballenberg. A variety of crops represent past landscapes and their vegetation. In addition, 250 farm animals call the museum their home. The petting zoo on the premises puts not only a smile on the little ones’ faces.

...

Curtain up at the museum

...