Förderverein Forstmuseum Ballenberg (FFMB)
The large areas of woodland contribute enormously to the rural charm of the Open-Air Museum. The aim of the Forestry Museum Association is to provide information about the importance of forests including their upkeep and uses. It also works towards making people more aware of the diverse possibilities there are for using produce obtained from the woods.
Forestry Museum Association
The Forestry Museum Association (FFMB) was founded by forestry experts in 1992. Our aim is to raise awareness – visibly and tangibly – of the importance of the forest, its use and care, as well as its various products. The focus is on the perspective of the past, present and future. Through our projects, we share this knowledge with around 200,000 visitors to the Swiss Open-Air Museum every year.
Board of Directors
- Thomas Girod: President of the FFMB; Regional Manager for Oberland Ost, Office of Forests and Natural Hazards, Canton of Bern
- Rolf Fankhauser: Treasurer; District Forester for Forstkreis Lenzburg-Freiamt, Forestry Department, Canton of Aargau
- Priska Müller: Secretary; Head of Forestry and Nature Department, Canton of Obwalden
- Rolf Lüscher: member; Product Manager for Forest Biodiversity in the Alpine Foothills, Office of Forests and Natural Hazards, Canton of Bern
- Martin Stuber: member; historian, University of Bern
- Michael Flütsch: member; PhD student of History, University of Bern, cantonal school teacher
- Hermes Thöni (missing on the picture): member; member of the agricultural staff at the Swiss Open-Air Museum
- Kurt Bühler: contact at Ballenberg; Director of Operations and Infrastructure, Swiss Open-Air Museum
Are you interested in working with the FFMB and making the history of Swiss forests accessible? Then get in touch at info@forstmuseum.ch.
Become a member of the Forestry Museum Association!
Are you interested in traditional forest management and how the products of the forest were used in the past? Become a member of the Forestry Museum Association and support our activities.
- You enjoy free admission to the Swiss Open-Air Museum throughout the season (Membership PLUS).
- You will support the upkeep and further development of the “My Forest” exhibition, the forest trail and other FFMB projects.
- We will be happy to help you if you have questions about the historical and traditional use of the forest and its timber.
- We are happy to offer interested groups a guided tour of the “My Forest” exhibition (contact: info@forstmuseum.ch).
- The annual meeting is the ideal place to meet and discuss with others who are interested in historical forms of forest use.
Information about the annual meeting
This year’s annual meeting will take place on 23 May 2026 in Eastern Switzerland. More information to follow.
The annual meeting is the ideal place to meet and discuss with people interested in the history of forests in Switzerland and at Ballenberg. In addition to the official agenda of the meeting, there is plenty of time for socialising, discussions on forestry and new ideas. Occasionally, the meeting takes place outside Ballenberg.
Image database of the FFMB
The database currently comprises around 4,500 visual documents about historical timber harvesting, making it one of the most valuable picture databases in Switzerland on timber harvesting in days gone by.
Please note: The database is currently being revised and will be brought into line with current copyright regulations as soon as possible.
Contact
Ballenberg
Swiss Open-Air Museum
Museumsstrasse 100
CH-3858 Hofstetten bei Brienz
Opening hours
9 April to 1 November 2026
10 am to 5 pm daily
Opening hours Administration
8 am to 6 pm daily
