As far as local history museums go, this is one of the best anywhere. It helps that the subject…read morematter is so iconic. The museum focuses on the scaling of the Matterhorn, and how the town culture developed around Alpine climbing. You'll find all sorts of artifacts like the original ropes and ice axes used to climb the matterhorn. The museum has three levels. The first is the main entrance, ticket booth, and gift shop. There are lockers to leave bags and hangars for jackets. The second level is below the street and is a metal grate walkway with historical items. The deepest and final level has the largest selection of artifacts and information. An audio guide is available in many languages but you'll need to download an app. Staff is minimal but does speak English.

Located in the center of Zermatt, Switzerland under it's namesake the glass dome Matterhorn…read moremuseum. Entry fee CHF 10, but was part of our 10 day Collette tour of Alpine Trains and Scenic Lakes. Severe space restrictions, with most of the museum underground. Three stories, with only the top story above ground. The bottom two floors have a constructed replica of a 19th century Swiss village, with stuffed farm animals, and furnishings from the period. You walk down the main street of Zermatt, only from 200 years ago. Film depicts life back in the older days, and the equipment used to climb the Matterhorn. Model of the mountain, where you may press a button next to the first successful hike to the top by that particular pathway, and see the lighted guided path alongside the mountain. The earliest hikes from the 1860s were on the more gradual inclines, whereas the latest hikes were on the very steep cliff faces. Today about 3000 people successfully climb the mountain annually, as it is described as a moderate climb, but exposed to the elements. About 150 people try to climb the mountain daily, which takes 9-12 hours. The last third is through snow and ice, requiring crampons. Only a handful of those 150 will make it to the top and back. About a handful die each year, with some 500 people killed in attempting the climb throughout the ages. There is even a cemetery for those killed on the mountain. A much more formidable mountain to climb is France's Mt Blanc, tallest mountain in Europe, with some 8,000 climbers killed! There are guides who for about 1300 Euros will take you to the top of Matterhorn, to have your selfie picture taken!

I saw an article in the paper announcing the birth of the 2011 St. Bernard Puppies, and I couldn't…read moreresist going to see them. I went just to the see the puppies, and was pleasantly surprised by the museum. The museum in Martigny is located in an old military warehouse next to the Roman amphitheater. As you walk through the museum you are able to view artifacts that tell the story of the Great St. Bernard Hospice and Pass, and then at the end, see the actual St. Bernard dogs. Definitely get the audio guide, unfortunately, it is an additional cost, but it is definitely worth it, as it brings the museum to life. Without the puppies, I probably would have rated this a 3 star, but the experience with the museum and seeing the puppies, was definitely a 4 star memory.

Winter is not a good season to be here, no puppies and the adult dogs are lazy laying inside…read more.. I was hoping I can actually play with the Saint Bernard dogs, but it was not much opportunity to play with the dogs...

This is an awesome museum if you're really interested in the Olympics or if you're a child. I…read morereally enjoyed it, but I wouldn't recommend it to the average adult. The exhibits were well put together, and there was a lot of interesting information to read with fun games for children. I loved the temporary exhibit (free to the public) about running and the focus on Paris 2024. Admission was more expensive than I would have liked, even with the student discount for 14 CHF. The Olympic park outside is nice to walk around.

It's been a long time since I came through here. I created a listing to review the Olympic Games…read morebut it got merged with the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. I've actually been to this museum, funnily enough (in 2005, I believe it was, but I could be off), so I decided to post the review anyway. The Olympic Museum in Switzerland is worth a visit if you are obsessed with the Olympics but we're really not. We like the World Cup a lot. So I won't be taking Barbie back here with me most likely. It's still a pretty cool Museum and it's been a long time since I was here but it looks from the pictures like it's changed, so I'll have to consider maybe giving it another visit when I come back to Switzerland maybe next year maybe no go.

Totally worth a visit for fans and the curious…read more I grew as a fan of the Alien franchise, so it was definitely a treat to see some of the other work from HR Giger. The museum is small, but there's enough for you to spend an hour or two checking things out. The artwork is somewhat trippy and incredibly iconic and unique, with a combination of cyberpunk, body horror, religious, and sexual imagery. It's a pretty weird and random fit for the idyllic and quaint Gruyeres, but the contrast makes it part of the fun. Definitely check it out if you are in Gruyeres. Admission was included as part of my Swiss travel pass.

I'm a fan of Giger's work in the Alien, Species, Dune and other projects so when I was in…read moreSwitzerland I made a point to come here. The fact that it's located in a historic medieval village and cheese making region is quirky, but adds a dimension to balance out those activities. The museum is located in an old medieval castle/gate type building. There are several floors featuring Giger's creations along with an area for rotating exhibits by other artists in the same genre. Obviously the biggest draw for most people is the art related to the Alien movies. There are concept drawings, models, and actual pieces used in the movies, enough to keep you satisfied! Giger also branched into making other items in a similar theme, check out the dining table and chairs amongst other things. There's a room with erotic art, you need to be over 18 to see that, however there isn't anyone actively enforcing this. You have the opportunity to buy original pieces of art actually created by Giger, along with prints and t shirts, and bottles of the artist's own brand of absinthe. Sadly it's all expensive (even the t shirts were around 40 francs) so be aware. This museum is worth a visit for fans of Giger's work. Definitely consider if your kids can handle visuals like this if they're with you. It's dark by definition.

MUDAC is Lausanne Museum of Design and Contemporary Applied Arts. Permanent collection is…read moreinsignificant. New exhibitions are regularly organised in order to permit visitors to progressively see museum entire own collection. At the time I visited MUDAC there was an interesting temporary exhibition showing the work of a 40 years old French designer Guillaume Bardet. He drew an utilitarian object of daily life like cups, vases, chairs, lamps, etc. every day over a year period from 21 September 2009 to 21 September 2010. A dozen ceramicist produced his objects in white and different colours. Artist mental state mind changed over this year period from joy to deep sadness and despair! At the end of 2010 he became heavily sick for 6 weeks and almost died! Could this performance means and be artist's life's oeuvre? Museum's entrance is every first Saturday of month free. Building is next to Lausanne Cathedral on top of old city where you get a stunning view over lake and mountains.

I loved the Mu.dac. I found it by mistake while trying to find the history museum, and being…read moresomeone who loves design, decided to go in! The staff were super friendly (and were willing to practice my French with me, even though it took a lot longer). I spent a couple hours, really looking at things (it's a small museum). When I was there the first exhibit was on perspective, and the second was on touch- which was a shared exhibit with another museum! The touch one was really cool because you so rarely get to touch anything in a museum. Lots of different textures. I think one of my favorite exhibits was about a man who records himself everyday, then listens to the tape for that day a year later (and records over it). The third floor was a glass exhibit, and it's always nice to look at glass. I'd definitely go here if you're visiting Lausanne!

The Wine museum is inside the Aigle Chateau (Castle). The castle itself is beautiful, especially…read morein the spring time when the castle is set against the backdrop of abundantly green vineyards. The wine museum was in French, with no English translations that I could find. However, I was able to get by with my growing French vocabulary. It is fun to wander around the museum and see the various exhibits on wine production, tasting, etc. In the museum shop you can even do a small wine tasting of some of the local Aigle wines. I loved exploring and couldn't get enough of the views of the countryside from the castle.

The castle sits dramatically above the charming medieval village of Gruyères, and just walking up…read moreto it feels magical. The cobblestone streets, the preserved old buildings, and then the castle rising at the top -- all like something out of a postcard. We didn't go inside, but wandering around the exterior and the surrounding grounds was more than enough to make the stop memorable. The views of the rolling green hills and mountains are stunning, especially on a clear day. There are plenty of spots to take photos, and the scenery alone makes it worth the climb. The area around the castle is peaceful and beautifully maintained, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Even if you're short on time or just passing through for cheese and chocolate, stopping to admire the château from the outside is a must.

Just a short walk up hill from the train station you will find a little city with shops,…read morerestaurants. Then just a bit up the hill you will find this beautiful castle with amazing views.. 13CHF to get in but it's worth it. Keep in mind to wear comfortable shoes if you're not used to walking up hill in cobble stone.

Who doesn't like a good visit to a medieval castle!?! This one was built in the 12th century and…read morewent though several updates and changes over the centuries. The castle museum covers five floors including both cultural and historic displays. Each floor was organized with a theme and the displays are also noted in English. There are also some educational points for kids as well as a gift shop on the first floor. At the top of the tower, there are 4 rooms with amazing views of the city. These were the best views I've seen and on a clear day you see for miles -- the mountains and landscapes across Switzerland! You can just image how much the area has changed over the centuries but I am sure the view was always amazing. This was a great museum with lots to see a do. I enjoyed the new exhibits in the attic area and the logical flow of the museum overall. Sometimes castles are cold and filled with a lot of nothing, but this was quite the opposite! It is an easy walk up from the train station and although paths are marked here and there, just use your eyes to follow the stairs up to the castle. Also, the old town area is also a cute spot to walk around and stop for lunch! Note the shortened hours in the winter: April to October : daily 10.00-17.00 November to January : every Sunday 13.00-16.00 (24th December to 31st December 2017 open daily) February and March : every day 13.00-16.00

This is a must see if you're into medieval castles. See real armor worn by medieval knights and…read morethe weapons they wielded on display in the castle museum. Climb up the narrow stairs the way the inhabitants did nearly a millenia ago. There's even this one area where they played sound effects of a battle outside while you climbed up the stairs as if you're a defender inside the castle. Also, just the views of the city of Thun from the top of the castle is worth the price of admission alone! (Btw, your admission is free with some variations of the Swiss Travel Pass.)

Many surprising exhibits here. The back stories make this gallery/ museum unique. Be sure to…read moreinclude a couple of hours here if you're in town!

Great museum displaying art from those on the fringe criminals, schizophrenics, and other fun folks…read morewhom you might normally avoid. While we may not understand their behaviour, their art is something to be admired (even if some of it might be a bit disturbing). A must-see if you happen to be in Lausanne.