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Annual theme 2026: wildly diverse

You can look forward to a special Ballenberg season dedicated to the wonders of animal diversity, which you can experience up close and be inspired by.

Im Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg sind über 200 Bauernhoftiere zu Gast - auch verschiedene Rassen von Ziegen und Schafen.

An unforgettable day out discovering diversity at the Swiss Open-Air Museum

Without the goats grazing in the meadows next to the Herder's Hut from Champatsch, GR (1311), the bees buzzing on the thatched roof of the Farmhouse from Oberentfelden, AG (221) and the birds in the treetops, Ballenberg would be only half as beautiful. In 2026, the Open-Air Museum will increasingly focus on these aspects and showcase biodiversity in the animal world: "Ballenberg – wildly diverse".

Im Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg gibt es über 200 Bauernhoftiere. Darunter befinden sich auch einige Laufenten.

Discovery Trail stations: experience biodiversity

Along this circular trail, you will discover much more than historical architecture and traditional craftsmanship. A vibrant cultural landscape, thriving flora and diverse habitats invite you to take a closer look. At 13 stations, you will learn how closely biodiversity, the cultural landscape and architectural traditions are intertwined.

What is a Benjes hedge? Who lives in microhabitats? And where does Switzerland’s smallest cricket reside? Discover fascinating connections and experience the diversity of life up close.

Blossoms and Deadwood – A Buffet for Many
Living in the Ground – Earthworms at Work
Under Stones and Branches – Valuable Niches
Stone Heaps and Masonry – Perfect for Lizards
An ancient “Residence” – An Oak and its Inhabitants
Flying Architects – Sharing a Roof with Bringers of Good Luck
Nocturnal Animals – Bats at Ballenberg
Living Fences – Hedges as Hiding Places
Using Rare Breeds – Promoting Species-rich Meadows
Rich Diversity – More Life among the Vines
In the Marshes – Where the smallest of Crickets chirps
Working for Toad and Friends – An artificial Pond
Prudent Mowing – Giving Insects a Head Start

Each station imparts knowledge, encourages participation and shows how diversity can be promoted in practice. QR codes at all stations direct you to tips that you can also apply in your day-to-day life. These are linked to guides and useful information on the museum website.

Cultural landscapes and biodiversity at the Open-Air Museum

The Open-Air Museum has long been passionate about maintaining cottage gardens and landscapes, always with a focus on sustainable agriculture. Its approaches combine extensive cultivation with regenerative methods and measures to promote biodiversity – creating the perfect balance between tradition and nature and ensuring a sustainable future.

A study conducted by the Swiss Biodiversity Forum in summer 2023 showed that biodiversity at Ballenberg is already impressive. At the same time, the site has enormous potential to expand this further, thus making a valuable contribution to nature conservation.

This year's theme was developed in cooperation with the Swiss Biodiversity Forum. ProSpecieRara, the Swiss Ornithological Institute, Verterra and Infofauna are supporting our annual theme as partner organisations.

Das Haus aus Schwyz im Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg.

Swiss Biodiversity Forum

The Swiss Biodiversity Forum is a national scientific platform that contributes to preserving biodiversity and its services in Switzerland in the long term. It promotes the scientific basis for understanding biodiversity and provides the latest scientific findings and options for action in the field of biodiversity conservation and promotion for the political and public debate in Switzerland. For this purpose, the Forum strengthens the dialogue between science, administration, nature conservation practice, business, politics and the public.

The Biodiversity Forum is part of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), which is committed to a sustainable society and science.

School programme biodiversity

Amid the historical buildings, a diverse and lively cultural landscape unfolds, providing a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. During a guided walk, pupils explore this special surrounding as inquisitive nature detectives. They not only encounter rare old farm animal breeds, but also learn about fascinating wild animals – such as the skilled antlion or the highly endangered stag beetle, which can now only be found in a few places.

To the School programme