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Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum Urnäsch

The Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum (Museum of Appenzell Customs) in Urnäsch, Switzerland, is dedicated to the living traditions of the Appenzell region. Its permanent exhibition focuses on customs such as Silvesterchlausen (New Year's Eve tradition), the Bloch (carnival log procession), the Alpfahrt (cattle drive to alpine pastures), and the Viehschau (cattle show). Visitors can explore alpine farming life, traditional costumes, folk art, and music, and can try playing instruments like the hackbrett, zither, and hand organ. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions.

Families and Kids

The museum offers a 'Museums-Detektiv' puzzle game for children and a special children's course where kids can learn about Appenzell customs like Silvesterchlausen and Alpfahrt. School workshops for grades 3–6 are also available, where children can try on costumes and play traditional instruments.

Information

  • Visit duration: 90min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $
  • Topic: Culture and ethnography
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations, Play area

Opening hours

Winter (2 Nov – 31 Mar): Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00, Sat 09:00–12:00 & 13:30–17:00, Sun 13:30–17:00. Summer (1 Apr – 1 Nov): Mon–Sat 09:00–12:00 & 13:30–17:00, Sun 13:30–17:00.
Monday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Tuesday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Wednesday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Thursday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Friday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Saturday
09:00-12:00 (November 2 to March 31)
13:30-17:00 (November 2 to March 31)
09:00-12:00 (April 1 to November 1)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)
Sunday
13:30-17:00 (November 2 to March 31)
13:30-17:00 (April 1 to November 1)

Admission fees

10 CHF
Adult admission
4 CHF
Children/students up to 16 years
8 CHF
AHV/IV card holders with ID
8 CHF
Groups of 10 or more per person
0 CHF
Members of the Appenzeller Brauchtumsmuseum, children and school classes from cantons AR and SG, Raiffeisen card with member ID, Swiss Museum Pass, REKA guests, Oskar holiday card, AI holiday card, journalists

Contact

Webpage
museum-urnaesch.ch
Email
info@museum-urnaesch.ch
Address
Dorfplatz 6, 9107 Urnäsch

Access

Nearby stops

  • Urnäsch250 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
St. Gallen
36m
Zürich HB
1h 35m
Chur
2h 1m
Zug
2h 9m
Olten
2h 14m

FAQ

  • Are guided tours available in languages other than German?
    Yes, guided tours are offered in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.
  • Is there a museum detective game for children?
    Yes, the 'Museums-Detektiv' is a puzzle game for children and adults. It is free for families and individuals (plus museum admission). For groups and school classes it costs CHF 3.00 per child.
  • Can the museum be visited outside regular opening hours for guided tours?
    Yes, the museum opens outside regular hours for booked guided tours, workshops, and yodeling courses.
  • Is there a bistro or café at the museum?
    Yes, the museum has a bistro serving coffee, pastries, beer, wine, and Appenzeller Alpenbitter. In good weather, guests can also be served in the small garden area.
  • Are there workshops for school classes?
    Yes, the museum offers a workshop for school classes (grades 3–6) where children learn about three Appenzell customs: Alpfahrt, Silvesterchlausen, and Zauren. The workshop lasts about 2 hours. School classes from the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden attend for free.

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