Experiences: Culture

The Lokremise is a unique venue for culture located in the heart of the city. This multidisciplinary cultural centre includes a theatre, dance area, cinema, arts and restaurant in an inspiring conjunction.

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner moved from Germany to Davos in 1917, in the hope of overcoming his tablet addiction. The expressionist spent the last 20 years of his life painting in the Graubünden mountains. His works are today admired in the Kirchner Museum - a highly regarded construction by the architects Gigon / Guyer.

One pass, six museums. The Ascona-Locarno region is a cultural hot spot.

This art museum, extended by architects Herzog & de Meuron in 2003, houses Swiss art dating from the 18th century to the present day.

At AQUATIS Lausanne you will immerse yourself in the freshwater worlds of all 5 continents. See around 10,000 fish, reptiles and amphibians up close and learn why freshwater is so precious.

Schloss Valangin is a medieval castle that has succeeded in maintaining its character as defensive fortress over the years. And its interior naturally reminds one of times long gone by.

The mediaeval castle has had an eventful history. First badly damaged by an earthquake, it only became really well known after the Saffron War. In 1798, the angry rural population set the castle on fire, after which the ruins were left to their fate and to crumble away.

For many centuries this feudal building was home to the noble Heidegg family - whereas today it houses the history and culture center of the Seetal valley. A living museum in which you learn stories and customs of aristocratic families, with the spirit of the past further rekindled with a stroll in the large park with its beautiful rose garden.

The sprawling museum of art and history is located just a stone's throw away from the lake. Here much can be learnt in the way of new and exciting aspects concerning the history of Neuchâtel courtesy of changing exhibitions. But the famous collections are also worth a visit - inside a magnificent building erected around 1880.

Truly one of a kind : The Museum displays a collection of 108 stuffed frogs in human postures depicting everyday life in the 19th century.

"Frÿburg1606" is not just an audio guide - it is a unique experience. A mixture of audio, video and augmented reality takes back to Fribourg of the 17th century.

The castle at the foot of the Calanda is the highlight of Haldenstein. When the roses flower in the spring, the castle garden is a visual and olfactory feast.

One of the three remaining towers on the city walls serves as the Old Town’s southwest entrance and exit. In bygone days, it was on the Ochsenplatz, located just behind the Obertor, that goods were exchanged for the last time before they were taken across the Alps.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of HR Giger. At Château St-Germain in Gruyères, the museum displays the world's largest collection of his works – from alien designs to paintings and sculptures. Unique and impressive.

Nestling harmoniously in a site formed by a loop in the River Saane, the medieval Hauterive Abbey is among Switzerland's best-preserved monastic estates. The modest restraint of the church and the Baroque opulence of the monastic buildings offer an intriguing contrast.

Château de Villa in Sierre, an old patrician residence dating back to the 17th century, houses a wine shop and a speciality restaurant. Not just a range of rustic local dishes, but also over 650 wines from the various Valais vines are waiting to be discovered.

Discover the history of the Olympic Games from antiquity to the present day at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. Over 1,500 objects, interactive stations and an 8,000 square metre sculpture park await you on Lake Geneva.

“Ô Vergers d’Ajoie” is a museum which allows you to immerse yourself in the production process of brandy via interactive, multi-sensory activities, both within the museum and outside in the orchards.

A monumental panorama, a piece of European cultural heritage and a symbol of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition – the Bourbaki Panorama brings together a multitude of stories: political events, personal outcomes, everyday stories and a slice of art, culture and media history. There is no doubt that the Bourbaki Panorama is a genuine “visual miracle”.

Four collections – Poster, Design, Graphics and Applied Art – encompass more than 500,000 objects at the Museum für Gestaltung. Switzerland’s foremost museum of design and visual communication is also one of the leading institutions in Europe, known for its fascinating temporary exhibitions.

The Abegg Foundation is an institute of art history which devotes its research to early textiles and applied art.The exhibition features sculptures, paintings, examples of the goldsmith's art, ceramics, bronze and glass from Europe, the Mediterranean region and the Near East, spanning the centuries from Antiquity to 1800.

The latest attraction in the city of Fribourg – Espace 1606 – takes us on a journey back to the year 1606, and shows us what the bilingual city looked like then based on a model made from an original etching by copper engraver Martin Martini.

The well-preserved castle of Neuchâtel, which is over 1,000 years old and from which the city gets its name, towers above the small city of Neuchâtel. From here, you have the best view for miles.

Since September 2015, LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura) has been an impressive platform for contemporary creativity from southern Switzerland. The building by Ticino architect Ivano Gianola offers visitors art across 2500 square metres and a modern theatre and concert hall with space for 1000 guests.

At the National Museum Zurich, you can explore Swiss history from archaeology to the present day – visit permanent and special exhibitions, take part in guided tours and workshops and discover a collection of over 870,000 objects.

The Espace Jean Tinguely - Niki de Saint Phalle is a stroke of luck: In the high-ceilinged rooms of the disused tram depot in the heart of town, the rattling work of art by Fribourg-born Jean Tinguely is a great sight to see. Similarly, the lush "Nanas" (female sculptures) by his wife Niki de Saint Phalle delight the eye too.

The Abbey of St. Gall has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983, and has plenty of impressive treasures just waiting to be discovered in its library, vaulted cellar and new exhibition hall.

The enchanting Château de Pleujouse in the Jura could also have served as a location for filming the “Game of Thrones” TV series. Far from the madding crowd, you can dine in style in the centuries-old castle.

In the 16th century, the architect Ulrich Ruffiner built the St. Romanus fortified church on the rock spur above Raron. Almost 500 years later, the people of Raron opened the cavernous St. Michael rock church. Together with the grave of the poet Rilke, the pair of churches are a magnet for tourists in the community in Valais.

St. Gallen has so much to offer when it comes to museums. Attractive, internationally renowned exhibitions and countless historic collections make for a diverse museum landscape. The open art Museum is particularly worth a visit.