Ballenberg, near Brienz at the eastern end of Lake Brienz, is Switzerland's national open-air museum of rural life. Spread across a large wooded park, more than a hundred original historic buildings, from farmhouses and barns to workshops, mills and chapels, have been brought from every part of the country and rebuilt in regional groups, so a walk through the grounds is like a tour of Swiss rural architecture. The houses are furnished as they would have been, gardens and fields are planted with traditional crops, and around two hundred and fifty farm animals of old breeds graze the meadows. In season, craftspeople demonstrate traditional skills such as weaving, woodcarving, cheese-making and baking. It is a rewarding, gentle day out for families and anyone interested in Swiss history and culture.
Planning your visit
The park is large, with several kilometres of paths between the clusters of buildings, so allow at least half a day and preferably most of one, and wear comfortable shoes. There are entrances at both ends, west near Brienzwiler and east near Hofstetten, with restaurants and picnic areas in between. A map helps you choose the regions that interest you most, as few people see everything in one visit. Some buildings host special exhibitions or seasonal events.
Getting there
Brienz is about twenty minutes by train from Interlaken Ost, and buses run from Brienz station to both museum entrances in the season. You can also arrive by boat on Lake Brienz, making a lovely combined day. By car, there is parking at both entrances. The museum opens from spring to early November and closes in winter.
Who it suits
Families with children, who enjoy the animals, playgrounds and hands-on crafts; history and architecture lovers; and anyone wanting a change from mountain views. It works in most weather, although it is best on a dry day as much of the visit is outdoors. Combine it with Brienz's woodcarving shops and lakeside promenade, the Giessbach Falls or the Aare Gorge near Meiringen.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through a large park of rebuilt historic rural buildings, with furnished interiors, gardens, farm animals and craft demonstrations.
Best time
A dry day between spring and early November, arriving in the morning.
How long
Half a day to a full day.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, choose a few regions rather than trying to see everything, and combine with a Lake Brienz boat trip.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone curious about traditional Swiss life.
- Families
- Excellent, with animals, playgrounds and hands-on activities.
- Couples
- A gentle day among old farmhouses, then dinner by the lake in Brienz.
- Pair with
- Brienz, the Giessbach Falls and the Aare Gorge.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more.
Good questions
When is Ballenberg open?+
From spring to early November; it closes in winter.
How many buildings are there?+
More than a hundred original historic buildings from across Switzerland.
How do I get there from Interlaken?+
By train to Brienz in about twenty minutes, then a seasonal bus to the entrances, or by boat on Lake Brienz.
How long should I allow?+
At least half a day, and ideally most of a day.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, with farm animals, playgrounds and craft demonstrations.
