Hofstetten bei Brienz combines an Alpine village landscape with cultural attractions and activities. The village lies on a sunny, peaceful plateau at an altitude of around 650 m, at the foot of the Brienzer Rothorn and away from through traffic. Traditional skills and professions take centre stage at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum; the Trauffer Erlebniswelt is dedicated to wooden toys. Four circular trails round out the attractions. This lets you plan your time around culture, crafts, seasonal animal encounters, play or nature.

Ballenberg: Crafts, Animals and Play

The grounds of the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum stretch between Hofstetten and Brienzwiler, above Brienz. The west entrance is in Hofstetten bei Brienz (3858); parking is available at the west and east entrances. Ballenberg showcases more than 30 traditional skills and professions. Its course programme covers traditional crafts, special techniques and specialist courses spread over several modules. Spinning, blacksmithing and pottery are among the hands-on course experiences.

During the season, more than 200 farm animals live on the museum grounds. The animal collection includes breeds that are now rarely found in Switzerland. In the petting enclosure, children and adults can get to know farm animals up close. With guidance, visitors make butter and learn to bake paper-thin “Bretzeli”. The large adventure playground includes a climbing tower, a long slide, wooden horses and a historic bowling alley; there is also a forest playground. For a visit with children, these offer practical opportunities for animal encounters, hands-on activities and play.

Trauffer Erlebniswelt and Wooden Toys

The Trauffer Erlebniswelt is located in Hofstetten bei Brienz. The KUHniversum adventure tour is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The public factory tour of Trauffer Holzspielwaren lasts about one hour. As operational details may change, check the latest tour information before your visit. Since 4 June 2022, the XXL wooden cow has stood beside the entrance to the Trauffer Erlebniswelt and the Bretterhotel in Hofstetten bei Brienz, where it welcomes guests.

Circular Trails and Bodies of Water

Hofstetten has four circular trails with information about nature, views and recreation. Hofstetten lies in the Bernese Oberland in the Alps. Nearby, Lake Brienz offers opportunities for swimming and water sports. The Aare forms the southern municipal boundary; the small, higher-altitude Wyssensee also lies to the south. When choosing a nature theme, the distinction is useful: swimming and water sports are possible at Lake Brienz, while the Aare and Wyssensee define the municipality’s southern side geographically.

Traces of the Village’s History

Hofstetten probably has Roman-Helvetian origins. A Roman road ran through the village from Kien Castle in Kienholz over the Brünig Pass. In the Middle Ages, the village was connected with the lordship of Ringgenberg, Interlaken Monastery and the city of Bern. These historical connections add a perspective on the village’s past to today’s themes of crafts and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Gsteigwiler, Leissigen, Ringgenberg, Bönigen, Brienz, Lütschental, Niederried bei Interlaken, Iseltwald

For the main travel overview: Interlaken.