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Ballenberg Swiss Open-Air Museum

The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum in Hofstetten bei Brienz in the Bernese Oberland is Switzerland's only open-air museum and the largest museum in the country. Over 100 historic farmhouses and farm buildings from all regions of Switzerland are reconstructed on 66 hectares. Craftspeople work with traditional tools, around 200 farm animals populate the grounds, and gardens, fields and pastures show the historic cultural landscape. The museum also hosts changing special exhibitions and an extensive course programme.

Families and Kids

Ballenberg is a family paradise covering 66 hectares. Children can touch historical objects in the hands-on house, play on the large adventure playground with petting enclosure and in the woodland playground with treetop path and slide. Over 200 farm animals, a historic carousel and many interactive stations such as butter making, roof tiling and milking a wooden cow offer entertainment for all ages.

Information

  • Visit duration: 240min
  • Barrier free: No
  • For rainy days: No
  • Free entrance: No
  • Lockers: True
  • Pushchair accessible: True
  • Price range: $$$
  • Topic: Culture and ethnography
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Exceptional
    • Children age group: 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Interactive exhibits, Workshops, Tours and demonstrations, Play area

Opening hours

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, from 9 April to 1 November 2026.
Monday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Tuesday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Wednesday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Thursday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Friday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Saturday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)
Sunday
10:00-17:00 (9 April to 1 November 2026)

Admission fees

32 CHF
Adult admission
16 CHF
Children from 6th to 16th birthday
72 CHF
Families: parents with children or grandparents with grandchildren (from 6th to 16th birthday)
29 CHF
Students/apprentices
29 CHF
AHV/IV
14.5 CHF
Groups from 10 people

Contact

Webpage
ballenberg.ch
Email
info@ballenberg.ch
Address
Museumsstrasse 100, 3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz

Access

Nearby stops

  • Ballenberg West, Museum850 meters walking distance
  • Brienzwiler1250 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Interlaken Ost
25m
Thun
1h 4m
Luzern
1h 16m
Bern
1h 24m
Brig
1h 40m

FAQ

  • Is the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum accessible for people with reduced mobility?
    The museum is only partially accessible. The trails are mostly dirt roads and not always wheelchair accessible. An electric wheelchair can be rented at the West entrance for CHF 25.00 per day with prior reservation. The Ballenberg train makes the grounds more accessible and is included in the admission price.
  • Are there lockers at the museum?
    Yes, lockers are available at the West and East ticket desks for a deposit of CHF 1/CHF 2. Large items of luggage can also be stored in a secure, lockable room.
  • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are allowed on the museum site free of charge as long as they are kept on a short lead. However, they are not permitted inside any buildings where food is handled. This does not apply to guide dogs and assistance dogs.
  • Are there baby changing facilities?
    Yes, there are changing tables in the toilets at the Alter Bären, Degen and Wilerhorn restaurants, as well as in the toilet block near the East Midlands buildings next to the Wine Press house from Schaffhausen.
  • How does the Ballenberg train work?
    The Ballenberg train connects the museum grounds from east to west and back and stops at three stations along the way. Rides are included in the day pass and therefore free of charge. The train has 36 seats and operates according to a timetable.
  • Are there any discounts on the admission price?
    Yes, there are various discounts in cooperation with partner organisations. Swiss Museum Pass holders and Raiffeisen members (MemberPlus) may visit the Open-Air Museum free of charge. There are also discounts with the Bernese Oberland Pass, Camping Card Berner Oberland, Guest Card and KulturLegi.