Obersimmentaler Heimatmuseum

About us

The Obersimmental Heimatmuseum has been open to the public since July 1983. The house at Kirchgasse 11 forms the only such institution in our region.
Anyone who comes to have a look at our museum can be sure of encountering something special.

Our house is not a museum like many others. Most of the objects are not hidden in showcases and glass cabinets. They are distributed throughout the building. This open presentation means that when you visit, you get the feeling that you are in an inhabited house.

Even our youngest visitors have much to discover. With the help of our goat Saani, the little ones can take part in an exciting quiz and explore the museum in a playful way. Saani guides them to the different stations. Come and experience a journey into the past together with Saani!

Permanent exhibition

The house was built around the 17th century by the builder Salomon Martig.
The old church clock from 1856 is particularly worth seeing in the basement, where you will also find our temporary exhibitions.
The upper floor consists of a large kitchen, the Küchenstübli and two main rooms. Special highlights are the Blankenburg oven and the Blankenburg ceramics.
The upper floor consists of several rooms.
Of particular interest here are the shoemaker’s workshop and a bedroom furnished with objects from the 18th century.
In the medieval garden in front of the museum, you can discover the world of medicinal and useful plants.

Temporary exhibition

A different theme every season. In the summer of 2024, a temporary exhibition on Lenk and Simmental.

Pictures, plans of the construction of the Simmental Railway and the MOB, Montreux-Zweisimmen-Lenk and how it could have continued. Village fire, flooding, and earthquakes in Lenk. The Plaine Morte and its glacial lakes in a permanent video show. Mountain railways, from the funicular to the modern 10-seater gondola lift. Beautiful, old houses. Artists from Lenk.