Sherlock Holmes in Switzerland ; Reichenbach and Museums

The detective Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has close ties with Switzerland. From the Reichenbach Falls to the museums of Lucens and Meiringen, his shadow hangs over the Alps.

Sherlock Holmes ; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Detective

More than a century after his creation, the Baker Street detective remains a global icon. Yet his story begins far from the Alps.

An Investigator Born in 1887

Created in 1887 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes became an emblematic figure of detective fiction. Gifted with exceptional powers of deduction and a remarkable memory, he leads captivating investigations. Doctor Watson, his faithful companion, narrates most of his adventures. Published in the Strand Magazine, these stories were a dazzling success and left a lasting mark on popular culture. The Victorian world, memorable lines and brilliant reasoning still captivate readers and viewers around the world.

Two Museums for the World’s Greatest Detective

The link between the detective and the Confederation goes beyond mere fiction. Two museums keep this memory alive, one in the canton of Vaud, the other in the Bernese Oberland.

Sherlock Holmes in Switzerland ; The Reichenbach Drama

Over the stories, the detective crosses England’s borders and settles lastingly in the collective imagination. One of his most striking episodes takes place in Switzerland, in the spectacular setting of the Bernese Alps. In The Final Problem, Conan Doyle sets the final showdown between Holmes and Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. These impressive falls lie near Meiringen. This dramatic duel, against a backdrop of dizzying landscapes, marks the detective’s presumed death. Swept away by the waters, Holmes is declared dead in May 1891.

Under pressure from readers, Conan Doyle finally brought his hero back to life in 1903. In the story, the detective reappears three years after his fall. He had faked his death to escape Moriarty’s allies and travel discreetly around the world. The village of Meiringen keeps this myth alive and attracts many enthusiasts in the investigator’s footsteps. Associated with Holmes and Watson’s stay, the Parkhotel du Sauvage keeps a plaque in their memory.

Sherlock Holmes Museum in Lucens, French-Speaking Switzerland

In Lucens, in the canton of Vaud, a museum pays tribute to the detective in a unique and historic setting. It is housed in the Maison Rouge, a rural building from 1824. Adrian Conan Doyle, the writer’s son, started this collection. Created at Lucens Castle, it moved to the Maison Rouge in 2001. The tour brings together objects linked to the detective and personal belongings of the British author. Rare editions, manuscript facsimiles and unique pieces trace the Holmesian world.

Visitors enter the sitting room of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, faithfully recreated from the stories. Hundreds of authentic, unusual or curious objects immerse the public in the Victorian era. Furniture, accessories and scientific instruments evoke 19th-century London. This singular museum is a must for lovers of detective fiction and mystery.

Rue des Greniers 7, 1522 Lucens
Website

Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen, German-Speaking Switzerland

In the heart of Meiringen, the museum occupies the village’s former English church. It opened on 4 May 1991, exactly one hundred years after the Reichenbach duel. This building once served as a place of worship for the local British community. It houses a faithful reconstruction of the 221B Baker Street sitting room, true to the original stories. Every detail immerses visitors in the Victorian atmosphere. The Sherlock Holmes Society of London attended the opening. Jean Conan Doyle, the author’s daughter, was also present at the ceremony.

Original editions and manuscript facsimiles offer total immersion in the detective’s world. Personal belongings also evoke the life of his creator. Pipes, caps, a violin and Victorian curiosities are among the pieces on display. A multimedia audio guide accompanies the visit and cleverly blends fiction and reality. Very close to the Reichenbach Falls, this place lets you relive the legend. Enthusiasts and the curious find an authentic setting steeped in history.

Bahnhofstrasse 26, 3860 Meiringen
Website

La Chronique Helvetica

A five-episode radio series revisits this unique link between fiction and history. It extends the discovery of the museums in an original way.

Sherlock Holmes in Switzerland in Five Episodes

Created by Bruno Séribat and Christian Ciocca in 2016, the Helvetica series offers five chronicles that revisit the detective’s myth. The authors explore the history, the culture and the character’s singular link with Switzerland. These radio episodes offer a fresh look at this legendary hero.

Couleurs Locales

The RTS programme also devotes a report to the famous detective. Two enthusiasts speak on it.

Two Interviews on Sherlock Holmes in French-Speaking Switzerland

Susan Laffely, a guide at the Lucens museum, shares her view of this emblematic place. Vincent Delay, president of an association dedicated to the detective’s world, then talks about his commitment.

Sherlock Holmes in Culture

Beyond the books, the detective has inspired filmmakers, illustrators and game creators for more than a century.

Films, Series, Manga and Games

The detective’s world comes in many forms to extend the adventure. Films, series and cartoons are sometimes very faithful to Conan Doyle’s work. Other adaptations take more liberties in their interpretation. Each one, in its own way, pays tribute to this emblematic character and his very particular atmosphere. From Baker Street to modern reinterpretations, there are a thousand ways to rediscover the famous detective. A trip to London (in French) also lets you walk in his footsteps. Pop culture fans will also enjoy the Gastronogeek (in French) world. To play detective yourself, the Hôtel Everness escape game (in French) offers a life-size investigation.

Sherlock Holmes