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.
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