Discover the spacious grounds of Switzerland’s only open-air museum, and you'll encounter over 100 historic buildings from every corner of the country. As you explore parlours, kitchens and bedrooms, you can envisage what daily life was like in bygone eras. The museum at Ballenberg brings to life more than 30 traditional crafts and professions within its active workshops. You can even get involved at one of the many interactive stations. With over 200 farm animals roaming the grounds, your experience is truly authentic.

The museum also offers a wealth of entertainment for children. They can delight in a leisurely carousel ride, discover the extensive playground and experiment with traditional toys.

Scattered throughout the grounds are typical restaurants, snack bars and barbecue areas, all equipped with firewood and running water for a true outdoor dining experience. Moreover, the museum shops offer an extensive range of regional specialities, allowing you to take a piece of Swiss culture home with you.

Why you’ll love this…

You'll visit more than 100 historic Swiss buildings from different regions and eras
There are traditional crafts to discover, with hands-on opportunities to try them yourself
You can indulge in traditional Swiss dishes at the on-site restaurants
The open-air museum showcases authentic rural life and architecture across Switzerland
It's an interactive experience where history comes alive through demonstrations and activities

Important to know

Accessibility:

The museum site is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. The western area of the Ballenberg Open‑Air Museum (Hofstetten) generally features gentler slopes and a higher number of wheelchair‑accessible buildings. Visitors are advised to request the Ballenberg à la Carte map at the West Entrance, which outlines a route specifically designed for guests with reduced mobility

Know in advance:

Dogs are allowed on the museum grounds free of charge if kept on a short lead. They are not permitted inside buildings where food is handled
Several barbecue areas are available throughout the museum site. Firewood and running water are provided, and meals are also available at on‑site restaurants
Lockers are available at both the West and East ticket desks and can be rented with a CHF 1 or CHF 2 deposit
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Admission is free for children under 6 years old

Cancellation policy

Please note that this experience is non-refundable, even if cancelled in advance.

What’s included

Entrance fees

What’s not included

Guided tour

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Meeting point:

Please present your ticket at one of the two entrances. West: Museumsstrasse 100, Hofstetten bei Brienz, Switzerland. East: Museumsstrasse 7, 3856 Brienzwiler, Switzerland.