Ballenberg, a Unique Attraction in the Swiss Mountains

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When you think of Switzerland, one of the first things you may think of is mountains. The views from them (and of them) are lovely, and your time spent amongst them will be firmly planted in your mind for the rest of your days. Photos do not do justice the lovely scenery and warm people you will encounter when traveling through Switzerland.

One of my favorite spots that I visited on a recent trip to Switzerland was Ballenburg, an open air museum in Brienz. There you can walk through the past, through history, as you tour the various buildings and gardens that represent over 100 years of Swiss history from all over the country.

You will find over one hundred buildings, ranging from century old to more recent, from all over Switzerland, as well as “250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts and many special events create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by.” (says Ballenburg.ch) Your children will delight in exploring, as well as taking part in crafting, creating, and interacting with farm animals. There is also a house devoted to historical wooden toys- some of which some of us may remember playing with. No iPads here, but your 5 year old can play with a top or stilts for what may be their first time- watch their eyes light up at these simple treasures, and you will both be lost in time shortly.

Not only is it beautiful to just walk around Ballenburg, but the homes themselves are lovely and beautifully (and painstakingly) restored and preserved. Open since 1978 and after 10 years of hard work to open the doors and secure land, money, and security, the museum opened with only 16 buildings. Adding many more since, based on the preservation and education of Swiss heritage, science, and history for all generations, most of Switzerland is represented here.

You and your family can see (and get hands on experience) how Swiss people lived through the ages. Did you know that the washing was once done just once a year, so beezwax was added to the ironing to help “waterproof” and make stain resistant the clothing? Or ever wonder how farmers got those famous, large cheese wheels down the mountain? Not an easy task, I assure you, as the answer is on their head, on a special head-table created just for this task. Learn about cow parades and processions, why you can find potable drinking water just about everywhere you go in Switzerland, and how to pump water from an old well- and drink it.

A thrilling experience to culture seekers is watching an Alphorn player in traditional costume, one of the most traditional Swiss instruments, and one most closely associated with Switzerland and the mountains. If you are lucky or brave, you may get the chance to try your hand at it yourself. You can also try a “mini Olympics”, with cross bow shooting, Platzgen (discs), and flag throwing.

This area is also nationally recognized as celebrating and keeping alive the living tradition of woodcarving. In this vein, there is both a Swiss Woodcarving Museum (entierly devoted to woodcarving and wood sculpture) as well as housing the only trade school in the country that still trains craftspeople in the art and keeps them earning a living wage. Brienz is an important center for this historical art form and living tradition to be kept alive and nurtured.

If you get hungry during your stay, and you likely will, there are several options to choose from to fill your stomachs, as well as places to shop for souvenirs and treats to take home. Choose from 3 Swiss-style restaurants located on site, and don’t forget to take home a traditionally carved craft as a beautiful reminder of your trip to one of the continents most unique attractions.