Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg

Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg Review

Just east of Brienz, a small road leads to the magnificent Swiss Open-Air Museum Ballenberg. More than 100 typical houses from virtually every part of Switzerland are on display in this outdoor exhibit. Dotting the meadows are 19th-century barns, pastel-shuttered houses, antique lace-making shops, traditional haberdasheries, and plenty of carefully reconstructed chalets. Even the gardens and farm animals are true to type. Spinning, forging, and lace making are demonstrated using original tools. The settlement, between the villages of Hofstetten and Brienzwiler, ranges over many acres, and you can easily spend at least a half day here. Via public transport, take the train to Brienz or Brünig and then a short bus ride to Ballenberg.