In this open-air museum close to Brienz, in the Bernese Alps, you can explore ancient rural Swiss architecture, old-time gardens and craftwork of times long past. Dozens of centuries-old buildings from all over Switzerland were collected and rebuilt on site. You can enter most of them and have a look. But Ballenberg is not just buildings, there are also around 250 farm animals on site, e.g. hens, ducks, geese, rabbits, goats and cattle. And many rural crafts are demonstrated: baking bread, wood-carving, hat-making, cheese-making, spinning, weaving and much more. Check their website to see what’s on when you visit. Ballenberg really is a bit like a journey back in time. It’s a great experience and kids love it too. There are picnic areas where you can make a fire and grill a sausage, to add even more action. If that sounds too tiring, there are several restaurants. The journey from Zurich by train and bus takes around 2.5 hours.