Rural buildings, farm animals and handicrafts
Since the 1970s, old farmhouses, stables, bakeries and barns in Switzerland have not all been demolished when they have had to give way to modern buildings, but have been dismantled stone by stone - and rebuilt at the Ballenberg open-air museum.
What once began with 16 typical Swiss buildings is now an extensive exhibition of over 100 residential and commercial buildings from all over Switzerland on a 66 hectare site. The historic buildings and their kitchens, chambers and living rooms illustrate everyday rural life in Switzerland.
The Ballenberg comes alive thanks to over 250 native farm animal species. And in the workshops of the open-air museum, old trades are actively practiced: basketry, forging, braiding, spinning, weaving and carving are just a few of the many crafts on display every day. The visitors look over the shoulder of the experts or put on their own hands.
The petting enclosure, the house with historical toys to try out, the forest path, gardens and medicinal herbs as well as thematic exhibitions and special events and courses on culture and customs round off the offer.
Gourmets visit the in-house "Chocolaterie du Ballenberg", eat in the cosy guest rooms or take something "homemade" home with them as a souvenir.
Realised by Roland Baumgartner
www.bgr.ch
