A great place to start is the Ballenberg Museum near Interlaken. Similar to Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, it’s an open-air village featuring historical buildings and docents clad in traditional clothing. In total there are about 100 buildings imported from all over the country and painstakingly restored. One of the oldest, stemming from the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, is nearly 500 years old. Meanwhile, there are several workshops where visitors can watch craftspeople making baskets, textiles, food and other products the old-fashioned way. Last but not least, more than 250 farm animals reside at Ballenberg – some of which are rare Swiss species. www.ballenberg.ch

Switzerland is also home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites – among them, Berne’s old city. Nestled in the crook of the Aare River, Berne was first established in the 12th century. Switzerland’s capital is especially famous for its shady arcades and colourful fountains. The arcades now shelter stores and restaurants, while fountains such as the “Chindlifresser” (child-eater) depict lively characters. In the middle of the old city, the “Zytglogge” clock tower has been ringing in the hour since 1191. For a stunning view of Berne’s signature red rooftops, head uphill to the botanical garden north of the city. www.berninfo.com

Bellinzona is another stop on the UNESCO trail. This Ticino city boasts three magnificent castles dating from as early as the Middle Ages. Located in the centre of Bellinzona, Castelgrande is the largest and most accessible of the three. Farther uphill, Montebello Castle and Sasso Corbaro await visitors eager for a bird’s eye view of the city. Bellinzona’s hills and mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to these architectural treasures. Each castle has its own museum, and offers either a restaurant or a picnic area. Even if you have just an hour to spare, it’s worth stopping by for an espresso and the chance to admire the scenery.
www.bellinzonaunesco.ch

No matter where you decide to go, you’ll most likely travel via Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). In 2005, the Swiss Heritage Society awarded the SBB a prize for its sterling efforts to protect Swiss cultural heritage through its infrastructure. The society praised both old and new stations, as well as signal boxes, bridges and tunnels. The SBB is the only company to have won the Wakker Prize; it normally goes to a town.
www.sbb.ch, www.heimatschutz.ch

Of course, it’s one thing to visit a museum or a city for a few hours. But how about sleeping in a historical building? If you are looking for a unique lodging experience, let yourself be inspired by out Time travel brochure with information on historic hotel- and travel experiences in Switzerland.

Interested to learn more? Download our Time Travel brochure.