Discovery Trail Biodiversity
Discover and experience nature at its purest at the Swiss Open-Air Museum.
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.
Discover the stations on the museum map
Blossoms and Deadwood – a Buffet for Many
In order to upgrade an area with a few perennials, it is important to select the right plants for the location. RegioFlora offers suggestions on which plants thrive best in which spots.
Living in the Ground – Earthworms at Work
How do earthworms live? And how can they be encouraged for the benefit of soil health? The Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) has the answers.
Under Stones and Branches – Valuable Niches
How can you build piles of branches or stones for weasels and other animals? Infofauna is leading the way.
Stone Heaps and Masonry – Perfect for Lizards
Wall lizards are common. Sand lizards are much rarer. They need our special protection. How can you recognise the two species and help the sand lizard?
An Ancient “Residence” – an Oak and Its Inhabitants
Old trees are home to a variety of “mini-worlds” – tree microhabitats. If you know them, you can protect and encourage them.
Flying Architects – Sharing a Roof with Bringers of Good Luck
Nesting aids can make breeding easier for swallows. The video shows the needs of the different species of swallow.
Nocturnal Animals – Bats at Ballenberg
Only those who know bats well can help them. The website of the bat protection charity Stiftung Fledermausschutz offers plenty of information to help you understand these fascinating animals.
Living Fences – Hedges as Hiding Places
Everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a natural hedge. Which animals and plants can benefit? What do you need to consider?
Using Rare Breeds – Promoting Species-Rich Meadows
What old animal breeds are there in Switzerland? And how can we help to preserve them? Pro Specie Rara is committed to this and offers tips on how to get involved.
Rich Diversity – More Life among the Vines
Are you a winemaker looking to improve your vineyard? Find professional information on naturally biodiverse vineyards here.
In the Marshes – Where the Smallest of Crickets Chirps
A variety of information about the marsh cricket’s way of life and how to protect it, with many photos and a video showing how its loud chirping occurs.
Working for Toad and Friends – an Artificial Pond
How can you create your own natural garden pond? The city of Lucerne offers detailed information on this.
Prudent Mowing – Giving Insects a Head Start
Can you turn a grassy, species-poor meadow into a useful and beautiful sea of flowers? This guide explains it step by step.
The images are provided by:
- Blossoms and Deadwood – a Buffet for Many
Albert Krebs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via ETH Zurich E-Pics - Living in the Ground – Earthworms at Work
Michael Linnenbach, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons - Stone Heaps and Masonry – Perfect for Lizards
Andreas Meyer / wechselwarm.ch - An Ancient “Residence” – an Oak and Its Inhabitants
Beat Wermelinger - Flying Architects – Sharing a Roof with Bringers of Good Luck
Michael Gäbler, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons - Nocturnal Animals – Bats at Ballenberg
Jozef Bern, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - Rich Diversity – More Life among the Vines
Marcel Burkhardt, www.marcelburkhardt.ch - In the Marshes – Where the Smallest of Crickets Chirps
Daniel Linzbauer, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - Working for Toad and Friends – an Artificial Pond
Thomas Marent, zvg ecoinfra suisse
Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum
Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Opening hours Administration
3 November 2025 to 8 April 2026
From Monday to Friday
8.30 am to 11.30 am
1.30 pm to 4.30 pm
Opening hours
9 April to 1 November 2026
10 am to 5 pm daily
