Alpine Museum of Switzerland in Bern

Switzerland has so much exciting stuff to offer in the field of alpinism that could be put into an exhibition. The current exhibition about Mitholz and gastronomy addressed topics that, in my opinion, have little to do with mountaineering. The price of admission wasn't worth it for me.

Very disappointing museum. High entry costs 18 Fr. The exhibition about the Mitholz explosion was interesting, but far too big and too intrusive. Somehow the Mitholz topic doesn't belong in this museum. And otherwise? Nothing that does justice to the Alpine theme in a deeper sense. The museum has no right to exist in this form.

Unfortunately, extremely underwhelming giving the bold name and steep price. This 'alpine museum' has a rather large restaurant, a large rotating exhibition hall, and a smaller exhibition room that was closed when I visited. The museum does not feature exhibits on traditional Alpine culture, sports, or development over the years . The temporary exhibition present was alright, but I read through every plaque and was complete within 20 minutes. For 18 CHF it's a bit of a waste of money - You're better off going across the road and paying the same amount to visit the outstanding Historical Museum of Bern, which has enough to keep you occupied for at least 2 hours.

The museum is overrated and is showing time-limited exhibitions only. During the visit its topic was the 1947's munition explosion in Mitholz. I agree that this event is important and tragic in history of Switzerland, however 18 CHF per entrance is too much! If you want to show a particular exhibition, dedicate a small separate part for it. If the museum is called "Alpine Museum of Switzerland", I want to see the history of Alps or something like that! Once again, 18 CHF to read the detailed Wikipedia page is not good at all!

Great museum. The lost property office and the exhibition in Mitholz are particularly recommended!

Very interesting and detailed exhibition about Mithilz and the story behind it. Maybe you should integrate it into your own mobile devices, as is now common practice in other places. I found the interactive exhibition Women in the Mountains very interesting.

Not interested. But I saw a lot of visitors there, perhaps this is a very interesting museum and a necessary museum.

A huge rhizome hangs in the exhibition. Simply wonderful to stand under

Real miniature places. Gives the impression you are in the Alps. Organized in 3 spaces. A wonderful- supportive staff.

You learn a lot about a village that was destroyed by an ammunition depot. There was also an exhibition about female alpinists with contemporary objects. If you look at the contents, I would describe the museum as too expensive even with a student discount. For a few euros it would have been nice.

Nice little museum with interesting exhibition.

The Museum was interesting, a new exhibition is available on the 2nd floor until 2024 on the history of a small village in the Canton in which munitions exploded after the Second World War

Excellently staged special exhibition on Mitholz! Really recommended!

Museum is more for older kids, as there isn't so much that can be tried out and touched here. You can find more information on my Instagram account kleine_abenteurer.

Italyita from the very pleasant!

The Mitholz exhibition was very successful and memorable. Unreservedly recommended!

Expensive entry for nothing special.

Varied and super exciting exhibition (home – looking for clues in Mitholz).

I had been there 20 years ago and had fond memories of the museum. For example, 3D models of the mountains and the stuffed avalanche dog Barry. Everything gone! Instead, almost every single stone from the Mitholz explosion accident in 1947. Reading the relevant Wikipedia article would have been enough. And it would have cost Fr. 18 less. Per person, mind you! The special ski lift exhibition or the women in the mountains are also not worth a visit. The only positive thing was the model from Mitholz including the model train (which unfortunately didn't run) and the free apples to take away.

Very good exhibitions! The one about “Mitelholz” is sensationally done!

There are always new, interesting topics that concern us. “Heimat” exhibition until June 23 is well worth seeing!

Sorry, there are very few exhibits, as for a museum. There should be more of something: samples of alpine rocks, for example, a herbarium of alpine flowers, more exhibits of famous climbs, research results or something else. This didn't meet my expectations, this is just the beginning, but it could be more interesting. And it's pretty cute. Thank you!

I had been to the North Korean exhibition "Let's talk about mountains": very beautiful, I recommend it.

Very interesting exhibition about the village of Mitholz

Very good museum and very good place to eat in the heart of Bern ❤️💯❤️

6 CHF admission fee for the raclette exhibition is a joke. One small room with few posters, printed photos and a couple of dairy artifacts that you can find on any farm.

The next exhibition is in preparation but we really appreciated the two exhibitions currently presented: Raclette: the excellent mountain cheese Office of Found Memories: Women in the Mountains

Food in the restaurant was surprisingly good. Current exhibition about North Korea with too much pathos.

Exhibition about North Korea. One of the most interesting exhibition seen in recent years.

Small, but great for mountain enthusiasts!

I thought that by visiting this small museum in Bern, we would see something about the mountains and the Swiss alps but, we didn't, it was a bit disappointing. Instead, they had an exposure of the high mountains in North Korea and Swiss cooperation for rescue activities at those sites. Apparently, every once in a while, they have a sample of other tall mountains in the world. Which is also interesting. Ich dachte, dass wir durch den Besuch dieses kleinen Museums in Bern etwas über die Schweizer Berge und Alpen sehen würden, aber das tat es nicht, es war ein bisschen enttäuschend.

Very interesting theme on North Korea and likewise on women in the mountaineering world

I actually came with the intention of visiting the big exhibition on North Korea, but when I wanted to buy the tickets at the reception desk, the saleswoman advised me against it because the museum would be closing in an hour. She pointed me to two smaller exhibitions that were in the basement. An exhibition about fondue and another about women on the mountain. The decision was easy for me, even though I don't have lactose intolerance. The small exhibition consists largely of climbing equipment and outdoor utensils that were used by women. By scanning the label, different women tell the story behind their item. In a small demonstration room you can experience various climbing expeditions up close, with a woman in the lead role, of course. The museum is set up like a lost property office. You are encouraged to participate here. The collection consists largely of items from visitors. You can add your own objects here and record stories about them directly on site. Even among the climbing expedition films, there are climbing tours that were contributed by visitors. Although mass truth is exhibited here, in my opinion it is art. The simplest explanation for this is the institutional theory approach. I find this approach alone to be unsatisfactory. Of course, you can't compare these climbing tools with unique pieces like a painting that were created with a specific intention. Furthermore, this true piece of art cannot be described as expressionist or aesthetic art. In my opinion, the representative approach is very suitable for this type of art. If you look closely, these items are unique in their own way. On the one hand, all items have been used and have signs of wear, but on the other hand, each item has gone through its own history. The object in question merely serves as a key to a story, which is the actual art. That's why the definition of representative art fits here: "The story is a work of art precisely when the story makes a statement about an object." Historical awareness is also represented here, as some of the stories tell of an outdated worldview in which a woman had a different position than she does today. Stories from different eras collide here. You are invited to compare stories from today with those from the past and to identify differences but also similarities. It encourages thinking and questioning. These and other created contrasts lead to individual works, which, however, could be combined into a complete work under one title: “Women on the Mountain”. Seeing the different stories behind the lifeless equipment made me fall for this exhibit and the hours felt like minutes. Some stories left me speechless, others I later talked about with my family. I particularly remember the story of a one-armed woman who, despite all limitations, climbed vertical rock faces with apparent ease. In the on-site video she was looking for new members for a Swiss Paralympics women's climbing club, because so far she is the only member. Your words touched me very much and made me realize once again that as a minority within a job you usually have to fight twice as hard as everyone else. At the beginning, she said, other women often said behind her back: “If the one-armed woman can do it, I guess I have to do it too.” Even within a minority, she represents a minority whether she wants to or not. The exhibition can be viewed until October 2023. A clear insider tip from me, the 6 francs was definitely worth it in my opinion.

The exhibition “Let’s talk about mountains” about the relationship between Koreans and their mountains is well worth seeing.

Very boring, a few pictures and films of people at work. Not recommended.

Excellent exhibition about women on the mountain

Super good food, very nice service. Cost price great. The salad was wonderful. Rarely had something like this, asked about it, lots of herbs in it. arugula etc

Interesting exhibition about North Korea. Very friendly staff. The museum is easily accessible on foot from the train station.

Very exciting tours and topics, always has something to look at

The Alpine Museum takes up interesting topics for adults. The topic of water and the future was a good exhibition. It's not for preschoolers. Although my son is an experienced museum goer, he hardly found anything that was age-appropriate. The entrance fee is totally overpriced and the staff is incredibly unfriendly. Although we go to museums every month, this was definitely our last visit to this museum.

We just visited the Einstein museum and this museum was across the street. We had the Swiss Travel Pass and the entrance to this museum is free. It is a small museum and display of Alpine related info. There was a special exhibition from North Korea which was interesting especially hearing the “scripted” positive remarks of the people and praising their leader.

“Let’s talk about mountains” is really a very interesting and recommendable exhibition about North Korea. You read and hear so much about North Korea but it's actually always about the same thing. The exhibition opens new horizons for the audience and does not limit itself exclusively to the political, but also tries to show the importance of the mountains in North Korean (and also South Korean) culture and folklore. It is primarily an audiovisual exhibition and would therefore take around three hours due to the pandemic.

Nothing educational for children, boring videos about North Korea.

Exciting exhibition, competent and friendly leadership, friendly people, creative and fine cuisine. Always worth a visit, preferably including lunch!

A visit to the Alpine Museum is worthwhile. An exhibition about North Korea "Let's talk about mountains" is currently running. This exhibition is great and unique. A visit is an absolute must.

Impressive exhibition about North Korea

Very well organized and structured.

Very friendly greeting at the entrance. So that was really great. Unfortunately, the rest is very, very special: 1) the exhibition of lost items from x years of Swiss ski tourism... well, there's not much left other than reminiscing. 2) the exhibition on North Korea… well done keeping this country incomprehensible to me. I have to say a huge effort for little enlightening information. It's a shame for the effort, but if you like it...

Went for Alpine information but got a North Korea exhibit. Really interesting North Korea exhibit though, would recommend if you have travel or museum pass as it's free and across from Einstein museum

Great exhibition on North Korea. Recommended!

The short films about North Korea have corrected my image of the country from the media. I found the exhibition comprehensive and strenuous but very enriching. Thank you.

Kind of dissapointing, there is not a single bit of information about swiss alps and alpine sports... They only have information about north Korea and old ski Gear.... Would not reccomend.

Pretty disapointing, only two expositions that where not very interesting.

The Korea exhibition is more than worth a visit👍

I highly recommend the exhibition about the mountains of North Korea. The Peaktu mountain is glorified as the birthplace of Kim Jong Il. The propaganda and mysticism around it is very interesting.

It all depends on the current exhibition, small museum and nice cafe.

I love this museum with alot of history from the early European cultures. It is very interesting to know.

Great exhibition, very impressive, thank you very much!

A very interesting exhibition about Korea! It takes a lot of time to visit!

Well done exhibition about mountains of North Korea. Very interesting, but becomes a bit oppressive as time goes on... triggered something in me.

Very nice exhibitions. Always surprised.

Came across an interesting exoo on Korea but we didn't expect that

Great museum Great exhibition We went to let's talk about Mountain, it was very interesting and very beautiful

Love the North Korea exhibition. Always interesting exhibitions to see. One of my favorite museums in Switzerland

Very interesting exhibition about North Korea.

beautiful exhibition... on Korea...

Really interactive exhibitions good for all ages and also good use of languages. Accessible for many, will visit again next time I am in Bern.

Rather boring. But for people who are interested in the area, it can be well worth seeing.

Very disappointing... at least for what is on display at the moment (August 2020).... no permanent collection... not up to what the name of this museum implies... meh.. .

Nice craft exhibition with practical examples

Great exhibition for adults and children. At the end the children can make something.

A very good, clear exhibition: crafts in the Alpine region.

Super exciting for the whole family 😍😊🌿

Admittedly, this review is only for the current exhibition about Alpine crafts. There are one or two good Interactive exhibits but on the whole I felt that I had paid admission to see a product display from Swiss manufacturers.

Strange exhibition that one-sidedly idealizes crafts without being really informative. Some exciting objects.

Nice exhibition about craftsmen in the Alps, such as a shingle maker. Entire craft studios are set up in the museum. Films show how work is done there. Visitors can also do some of the work themselves

Great craft and craft corner for children

"Echo: The Mountain Calls Back" is a quiet yet powerful exhibition. I enjoyed every bit of it. Absolutely a five-star exhibition; the museum itself is a five-star place to be in as well.

Good tours in the different sectors👍

Very good, underrated museum showing an essential part of the swiss culture and habitat. Always wort a visit.

I was expecting a museum about our mountains, and not such a small exhibition. This is no longer an Alpine Museum, this is a museum about history! really badly done!! NOT RECOMMENDED!

That was an interesting experience. I'm a big fan of hiking and trekking, so coming here was a pleasure for my hurt. I remembered how much I love mountains and felt connected with the stories I heart here. I rated it 4* as it's a unique place for a specific audience, and I most probably would not go here for a price. I visited it during free entrance day, so it was worth the visit.

Only the first floor can be visited and other floor are repairing

Beautiful paintings on display. Amazing narrations. Collection of different unique styles of paintings.

The Swiss Alphine museum is a worth visit as the location is supreme, and looking at pictures on the alps is also nice and peaceful at the same time. Would recommend. Both are concerned with subject areas that i'm strongly interested in, even though they lie outside my area of expertise

Very delicious pizzas, very correct burgers next to the campsite and the lake

This museum offers very interesting temporary exhibitions.

It's not a museum about the Swiss Alps as much as it is a collection of things surrounding the Swiss Alps, like paintings, echoes or an exhibit on the production of advertising imagery. There are only three small exhibits which change frequently, nothing permanent and it costs a fair amount to get in. Not worth it if you don't have the museum card.

Unfortunately quite boring despite having tried to make it as engaging as possible, there are only paintings and photos, no tools attributable to mountaineering.

I spent a very pleasant evening at the Alpine Museum with introductions to the exhibitions full of passion and good heart. The evening meal organized for our group was delicious. Thanks from Luxembourg to the friends of Bern.

Never miss stopping by this place if you are in the city.

If you look for a museum dedicated to history of the Swiss Alps, keep walking. This is more of a modern art museum themed with the Alps.

Nice painting but nothing about the Alps and history...

For me as a painter, it was very interesting to admire the works of other artists. Very nice exhibition

We wanted to marvel at the Alpine paintings. But there wasn't much! Small exhibition that was well staged, but... all in all below average!

Boring. Photos and paintings with representations of mountains and nothing more.

Only suitable for silent children!

More of an art museum. A pity! It used to be more interesting.

Very beautiful presentations of the works and explanations on the artists and the geography of the places where the paintings were made With a presentation on avalanches And securing places at risk...ECT Excellent restaurant

Interesting exhibitions and other courses. Simple but interesting catering options upon registration