Logo

Iron and Railway Museum

The Iron and Railway Museum in Vallorbe, Switzerland, is housed in the historic Grandes Forges site where iron has been worked since 1495. It presents the history of the iron industry in the region, with working water wheels and an active forge at the heart of the visit, as well as a railway museum dedicated to the Vallorbe rail epic on the Simplon line. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions and events.

Families and Kids

Families can enjoy guided tours for all ages, forge initiation courses (from 12 years old), and souvenir medal striking (from 6 years old). A special family admission rate is available from 2 adults and 1 child.

Information

  • Visit duration: 120min
  • For rainy days: Yes
  • Free entrance: No
  • Price range: $$
  • Topic: Crafts and industry
    • Guided tours: Yes
    • Workshops: Yes
    • Children experience: Child friendly
    • Children age group: 6-12, 12-18
    • Children activities: Workshops, Tours and demonstrations, Interactive exhibits

Opening hours

From April to October, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00, closed Monday and Tuesday. Reduced winter hours apply from February to April and from October to November.
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00-17:00 (April to October)
Thursday
10:00-17:00 (April to October)
Friday
10:00-17:00 (April to October)
Saturday
10:00-17:00 (April to October)
Sunday
10:00-17:00 (April to October)

Admission fees

13 CHF
Adult admission
6 CHF
Children (6 to 15 years)
10 CHF
OASI, DI, students, trainees
27 CHF
Family (from 2 adults and 1 child)
10 CHF
Group adults (from 12 people)

Contact

Webpage
museedufer.ch
Email
info@museedufer.ch
Address
Rue des Grandes-Forges 11, 1337 Vallorbe

Access

Nearby stops

  • Vallorbe, poste150 meters walking distance
  • Vallorbe, Eterpaz350 meters walking distance

Travel duration

From
Travel time
Lausanne
50m
Neuchâtel
1h 3m
Genève
1h 27m
Martigny
1h 53m
Bern
2h 0m

FAQ

  • Do I need to book in advance for a guided tour or forging course?
    Yes, guided tours and forging courses require a reservation, which must be made at least 48 hours in advance by email to info@museedufer.ch. Individual visitors and free visits do not require a reservation.
  • Are there reduced prices during the low season?
    Yes, reduced prices apply in the low season (November to Easter) when there is no blacksmith demonstration.
  • Can I pay in euros at the museum?
    Yes, the museum accepts euros and bank cards. Change is given in Swiss francs.
  • Are there picnic facilities at the museum?
    The museum offers access to two outdoor picnic areas. Picnicking inside the museum is not possible.