home
Donate now

Menu

< Home

Laundry Days

August 23, 2024
08.30 - 14.30
August 24, 2024
08.30 - 14.30
August 25, 2024
08.30 - 14.30

Who doesn't love the smell of freshly washed laundry?

Share page:
Alle zwei Jahre kann an den Ballenberg-Waschtagen die schweisstreibende Arbeit der Waschfrauen hautnah mitverfolgt werden.

The Ballenberg "Wöschwiiber" (washerwomen) show how washing took place in bygone ages.

You’ll have the chance to take in the scent of freshly washed clothes on this weekend. These days, the process of washing clothes is virtually automatic thanks to washing machines, tumble dryers and heavy-duty laundry detergents. However, it was back-breaking work until well into the 20th century. The whole process took several days and was carried out outdoors. The laundresses had to keep boiling water and scooping from various tubs. The women used soap or hot lye made from beech ash to wash and work out grime and sweat. On the Ballenberg laundry days, you can experience the arduous work of the laundresses at close quarters at the farmhouse from Eggiwil, Berne (351). You’ll also find out what the traditional craft technique "Glandrieren" is and how people used to iron without electricity. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the pleating process.


Click on the coloured numbers to see the details of the buildings.

Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum

Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz

+41 33 952 10 30
info@ballenberg.ch

Opening hours

11 April to 27 October 2024
10 am to 5 pm daily

Follow us