Museums

When plumes of smoke billow out, the distinctive whistling attracts attention and the old train begins to move, the past comes back to life.

The Swiss Open-Air Museum at Ballenberg shows Switzerland as it used to be.

Do you know how Swiss people lived a long time ago? Do you know how to carve wood, to weave baskets or to spin? How to burn charcoal? Have you ever seen how bread was baked in a coal-burning stove? How cheese is fabricated? Ballenbergt shows you Switzerland as it once used to be.

Nature as a museum is the motto in the Ecomuseum Simplon, that comprises the area between Brig and Gondo. The hiking trail one follows is an old muleteers' path, developed by the wealthy Brig merchant Stockalper. Impressive natural and cultural experiences, such as "Alte Kaserne" with a historic photo exhibition and the imposing gondola canyon, including an illuminated long mine.

These days you can switch on a light with the flick of a switch.

The Museum will be closed until November 2008 for renovation work.

Visit the Gruyere Museum and discover local traditional ways and customs, and the treasured heritage of the area: poyas, sculpted spoons, wardrobes and costumes are displayed in a modern setting.

Model railway enthusiasts will find everything they need to build their own model railway in this little shop, and will appreciate the advice offered by the knowledgeable owner, who is a real enthusiast!

This museum contains the most comprehensive collection of historical and artistic documents, accounts and miscellany spanning six centuries relating to the Swiss patriot, William Tell.

It took over ten years to construct the Mycorama at Cernier near Neuchâtel. Now, this truly unique mushroom center in Europe has opened its doors and is ready to highlight the life of these particular inhabitants of the forest.