Let's play! Sports and games in Switzerland
Did people use the same balls for bowling throughout Switzerland? Did people throw the same jacks? What are the rules of Gilihüsine, an old form of the Swiss sport Hornussen, in Betten (Valais)? And which Jass playing cards are nicer: French or German ones?
Playfulness at Ballenberg
The 2023 season at Ballenberg will focus on sports and games. We will be inviting our visitors to take part in competitions and to learn more about old Swiss sports and games. Throughout Switzerland, we play various types of bowling: boccia, jeu de quilles and skittles. Jass afternoons and a Jass tournament will take place in the "Alter Bären" restaurant. Supervised games for all ages will be played at weekends and during the holidays.
Some stations on the annual theme "Let's play!"
- Would you like to play a game of croquet in front of the industrialist's villa from Burgdorf BE (361)? This sport is all about precision.
- Swiss sport and game objects from our collection in the farmhouse Ostermundigen BE (331).
- In the cheese storehouse from Wasen BE (352), our youngest guests have the chance to get to know the games their ancestors played.
Pay attention to the colorful game figures in the area
- Boccia, the Italian version of Boule, in the farmstead Novazzano TI (851).
- Recreation pavilion from Sarnen OW (761) – a place for leisure: Here you could play nine pins and other games or just take a break.
- The hobby workshop in the Dwelling from Matten, Berne (1021) invites you to do-it-yourself.
Ballenberg Jass playing cards
Jass is a popular card game enjoyed by young and old alike in Switzerland. It can be played with French or German cards. In keeping with its 2023 theme of “Let’s play! Sports and games in Switzerland”, the Swiss Open-Air Museum has created its own Jass set. The Jass playing cards come in a pack that includes either German or French cards.
Play along! Bring Ballenberg to life
with your playful spirit!
Sports and games were and still are basic human needs. People have always found time in their busy everyday routines for sporting activities and games, whether it is competitive sport or just for fun. This includes in the countryside. Such games often took place during village festivals, or on Sundays after church. Bowling, Hornussen, Jass, street games and children’s games: many of Switzerland’s popular games and sports, some of which are centuries old, are still enjoyed today.
The special exhibition "Who wears the trousers? Schwingen – a Swiss wrestling tradition" is another key element of next year’s theme, along with performances of Wyberhaagge at Landschaftstheater Ballenberg (Open-Air theatre) starring Beat Schlatter (in German).
Come and join us! Share your love of games at Ballenberg!
Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum
Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Opening hours
6 April to 29 October 2023
10 am to 5 pm daily
