Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum

Absolutely loved every moment of my visit! I had the honor of meeting a leather craftsman who was so kind as to make me a keyring. I chose a Longhorn design, perfect for a Texan. I also met the soup and coffee makers who used original equipment to create delicious, timeless food and drinks. It was truly amazing to watch. As I walked around the open-air museum, I was fascinated by how each house was unique in its own way. There was also a restaurant and a shack selling food and drinks. I could have easily spent the entire day there but unfortunately I had to catch a train and it's time to leave. Highly recommended.

it's an amazing journey through time and hand-crafts! there are hundreds of structures guiding you through the places and timea of older switzerland with live demonstration for pottery, rope making, milling and many more! the crafts are well explained and kids & adults are equally in awe! many nifty playgrounds and infrastructure make the experience well rounded. the horse carriage schedule and high prices could be made more pleasant. also more simple info for how such houses were build would be cool.

I wouldn’t have chosen to come here on my own, but had a very enjoyable morning walking around the museum. Included in the Swiss Travel Pass, it’s an excellent and inexpensive way to get some steps in and learn about the history of the country. My favorite parts were the animals roaming throughout and the accordion group playing fabulous music at the cultural stage. We went to the east entrance (a few stops later on the same bus line if coming from Brienz) and made a loop before making it all the way to the west entrance. It was a little difficult to get around for young kids/strollers/those with mobility concerns.

So much to do and such great value for money. I recommend arriving early to get full value from your visit as you’ll need several hours to explore the various areas of Switzerland that are represented. A beautiful place, friendly staff and an essential stop for a summertime holiday in the Bernese Oberland.

You can spend the best 6 hours here. I am so impressed how well it is done and how big this is. I will come every season. It is definitely worth traveling 5 hours just for this❤️

One of the best places in Switzerland to visit with kids. The museum route is charming and very interesting, and the land is huge! We all learned a lot on our visit. Don't hurry, it’s impossible to see it all. One more reason to come back again…

Saw very good review about this place decided to give it a try. The playground is nice. CAROUSELL is simple but age 130 years old something different. The house that showcase how 200 years ago people living here is quite interesting, but wish there are more English explanation so that we know what we seeing. Many houses we visit is close or no one around at all. If need to pay for ticket I think is not quite worth it. We got cover by Swiss travel pass. The train ride inside is almost non existence because only a few ride a day at selected timing and you can tour around if you want to take train. End up we walk alot and some are not easy path. We were lost half way as this place is huge and limited sign. The map and sign some need sometime to figure out.

A fantastic experience and a must-do if in the Brienz area. It truly is incredible what they've accomplished with this expansive property. Highest recommendations.

This is one of the coolest things I've done in Switzerland so far. We arrived on Swiss National Day (how fitting) at about 3PM. It closes at 5:30 and costs 28CHF... and it was still AMAZING! Imagine how epic it would have been if we actually got there in the morning!??!?! This open-air museum can entertain you over multiple days. There are so many things to do and learn and see that it's a bit overwhelming. It's also just nice to walk through the trails and admire the houses from afar! There are many animals and lots of different tours in the houses going on throughout the day. Unfortunately we missed all of them coming so late, but we still had an amazing time. The food options seem to be limited... but we also came when everything was closing, so that was definitely our bad. I would absolutely suggest this to anyone visiting, or anyone living in Switzerland. It has something for everyone and I will certainly be back because I only experienced a very small portion of the fantastic open air museum!

Absolutely wonderful museum, we've been twice (2018 + 2019)! Come early and plan to eat breakfast + lunch here. Entry is free with the Swiss Travel Pass and it is on the bus line. You can't really see all the buildings in one day so either plan a return trip (like we did) or do your research first and see the high points. Food is good and there are vegetarian options. If you are a fan of architecture/history/gardens then you will be in heaven. Our kids (12 & 14) really enjoyed it and there was regular spaced concessions so they wouldn't get "hangery". Loads of signage explaining everything, gardens everywhere, farm animals to be seen! You get to walk inside almost every building! Meet local Swiss docents doing traditional crafts (cheese, woodworking, rope making, pottery, baskets) there really is something for everyone! And there are opportunities to purchase crafts as well as food stuffs. Buy the guidebook and bring it home, read it cover to cover then go back again!