Switzerland - Day 3

Switzerland - Day 3, After the hussle and bussle of visiting cities, it was a delight to visit an open air museum set in the country side 30 km from Interlaken in Switzerland, this was recommended to us by a friend and "Ballenberg Mausée suisse en plein air" did not disappoint! It was a great day of wonderful sights, interesting antique machinery and the old crafts in action as well as a lovely sharing time together as a family.  Not only was it good to see the wonderful old Swiss houses, barns and farmlets but also to see the artisans and crafts people at work in their proper settings. We were treated to discovering some of the Swiss culture, heritage and history.  We could have easily spent at least 2 days in Ballenberg, there was just so much to see and do.

Just some of the artisans and tradesmen at work; a shingle maker, a potter, a saw miller and a bone crusher operator (the bone meal was used as fertilizer) and both the saw mill and bone crusher were powered by a water wheel.

Just some of the traditional costumes on display

Lots of equipment related to farm life was on display, these were just some of the cow bells, all the cows (and goats) in the museum wore these so we were treated to the jingle of bells throughout the day, Very Swiss we discovered!!

Dentist equipment of the past enthralled the children, much relief was expressed that the dentistry experience has improved over the years! 

There were displays of nearly every facet of life from the local barber to the wood caver, cheese maker, wine maker, cobbler and much more.  We were treated to seeing many items made of wood - the smell of fresh cut wood is very satisfying.

Just a small selection of adorable farmhouses on display, Swiss buildings are amazing.

The scenery too was amazing - the mountains truly majestic!

Some outdoor play equipment, all made of wood (bowling ball too),
not sure if the Swiss invented ten pin bowling but it was fun anyway, :-)

 Ahh life on the farm, a cow cockey in the making???














Fun for the younger ones to, an enchanted forest to clamber through and adorable horses to pat.