Switzerland

Ballenberg ; A Walk Through a Swiss Open-Air Museum

June 17, 2019

Written by Ben

A visit to the Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum makes for a thoroughly pleasant experience.

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Ballenberg

A Bit of History

The Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum lies between Brienz and Meiringen, in the Bernese Oberland. It showcases the traditional rural housing of the Swiss cantons. The museum opened in 1978 as the “Swiss Museum of Rural Housing”. At first, it displayed 16 buildings. This number rose to 25 in 1980, then 61 in 1985. In 1982, a Geneva farmhouse threatened with demolition found refuge at Ballenberg. It now represents its canton there. Its dismantling, numbering and rebuilding took place from 1984 to 1985. Today, the museum has more than 100 buildings spread over about 66 hectares. The “Rural Houses of Switzerland” book series inspired its scientific concept.

Traditional rural house at the Ballenberg open-air museum Historic wooden farmhouse at Ballenberg Façade of an old Swiss rural building at Ballenberg Traditional Bernese Oberland chalet at Ballenberg Reconstructed rural housing at the Swiss open-air museum

Swiss Open-Air Museum

Ballenberg ; Showcasing Rural Housing

The Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum is a private foundation. Its mission is to collect, promote and preserve the traditional rural architecture of all of Switzerland. The museum preserves houses, buildings and utility structures. Their typical fittings and furniture are also preserved. This place is not just a museum, but a truly living cultural centre. It organises events, courses and exhibitions, and publishes books. These activities pass on the know-how and traditions of Switzerland’s various regions. The history of rural architecture comes to life through varied events and exchanges with the public.

Interior of an old house at Ballenberg Typical rural furniture preserved at the Ballenberg museum Traditional wooden granary at Ballenberg Shingle roof of a Swiss farmhouse at the open-air museum Vegetable garden in front of a rural house at Ballenberg

Ballenberg ; Seeing Switzerland from Another Angle

Under a blue sky, the weather is perfect for a discovery. On site, a field and typical Swiss chalets welcome visitors. A few cows graze peacefully. Past the ticket office, the walk begins, discovering authentic Switzerland. Each step leads to a different house, with its own particular feature. A true journey back in time, full of lovely surprises. Beyond the houses, the mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. The animals roam freely and bring even more life to the landscape.

Cows in a meadow at the Ballenberg open-air museum Swiss chalets and Bernese Oberland mountains Walking path between the houses of Ballenberg

Along the walk, ancestral crafts reveal themselves. In an old mill, you discover how flour used to be produced. A wooden wheel, water and typical furniture bring this old production back to life. A fun and instructive moment. Another house displays aromatic plants, with recipes for traditional remedies and drinks. A lovely immersion in the skills of yesteryear. This museum charms with its return to roots and its communion with nature. Simple but rich in discoveries, it offers a true journey into the past. An address not to be missed for exploring Switzerland differently.

Old water mill and its wooden wheel at Ballenberg Aromatic plants and traditional remedies at the Ballenberg museum