Ballenberg is a 164 acre (660,000 square meters) open-air museum in Central Switzerland. It’s home to more than 100 authentic buildings that have been transported (not recreated!) from their original sites.

As you walk through the original homes, schools, churches, and shops from almost all of the Swiss cantons, you can’t help but have the sense of traveling back in time

Ready to experience the most interactive and immersive museum you’ve ever visited? Then here’s the ultimate guide to visiting Ballenberg!

Top Things To Do

You can walk in most of the buildings. All the rooms have been recreated from their original time period. Some of the furnishings even came with the buildings when they were moved.

Most of the industrial and crafting buildings are still operational. So you can watch or participate in some traditional crafts.

View this calendar of the crafts and activities you can participate in – from baking bread to forging to making bricks and cheese. You can do self-guided or group tours of Ballenberg, and there are activities specifically for children and adults.

There are restaurants spread throughout the grounds, a “treasure hunt” for kids, and electric wheelchairs are available for mobility assistance. There’s also livestock and horse-drawn carts to add to the authenticity!

But as impressive as the structures are, their surroundings are even more captivating. Ballenberg is in the foothills of the Alps, so you’re walking through stunning forests and fields.

Ballenberg is a great day trip from Brienz, Interlaken, Bern, or Lucerne. You can reach Ballenberg by car, bus, and the Zentralbahn railway.

From Brienz, the Ballenberg West entrance is only about 10 minutes by bus. And from Interlaken, it’s about a 40-minute train or bus ride.

From Bern, you can drive to Ballenberg in about an hour. You can also take the train from Bern to Interlaken and then from Interlaken to Ballenberg, which takes about two hours.

From Lucerne, it’s about a 40-minute drive. By train, it’s closer to two hours because you’ll need to transfer to another train or bus in Interlaken.

If you drive, there’s a parking fee of up to Sfr5 ($5.25, €4.50, 36 Yuan) depending on how long you stay. Entry cost to the park depends on your age, status, combination with other passes, and whether you include a guide. You can find all of your ticket options here.

When to Go

Ballenberg is open from April 9th to November 1st from 10 am to 5 pm every day. And there’s almost always one these happening: music festivals, outdoor markets, national holiday celebrations, or productions at the open-air theatre.

But make sure you visit Ballenberg’s official website for event dates and details.

Switzerland’s shoulder seasons from April – June and September – October are the best times to visit anywhere in the country. Prices will be lower, and crowds will be fewer. But there’s not a bad time to visit Ballenberg (except when it’s closed)! So I hope you can make it here on your trip!

Know before you go: wear sturdy and comfortable hiking shoes. If you’re visiting with children, bring a stroller. The souvenirs here are truly authentic, so it’s a great place to do some shopping. Maps at the museum have suggested routes for visits ranging from an hour to a full day.

Where to Stay

The closest towns to Ballenberg with lodging are Brienz, Meiringen, and Interlaken.

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Have you been to Ballenberg? Had you ever heard of an open-air museum before this? Let me know in the comments!

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