Description of the attraction
The first museum in Switzerland dedicated to the history of tourism in a particular region was opened in 1980 in Interlaken, on Obere Gasse, near Stadhausplatz. Its exposition occupies three floors and tells about the organization and development of the tourism industry in the city itself and in its environs.
The building that houses this museum is the former home of the parish priest. It was built in 1630 and has belonged to local clergy for many years. In those days it was in the order of things to stay overnight at the pastor's house when traveling. These miniature inns were considered safe and comfortable. In 1979, the building was renovated and converted for museum needs.
The exhibition of the Museum of Tourism of the Jungfrau Region tells the story of the 500-year history of Alpine tourism in Switzerland. On the ground floor there is a collection of transport that could be used to get to Interlaken from 1800 to 1950. On the second floor, there is a collection that tells visitors about the discovery of the Alps for a wide range of travelers. Several halls contain exhibits dedicated to the history of river and rail transport. For example, here you can see a model of the first steamer called "Bellevue", which sailed on the Thunersee lake. A miniature copy of an old locomotive is installed nearby.
There is also an interesting section that tells about the development of winter sports. The collection of skis with various bindings, various sports equipment and clothing is worth seeing. The first bean from Grindelwald, called "Tartarin", is also stored here. Visitors to the museum will surely like the section on mountaineering, which contains photographs and archival documents dedicated to extreme ascents to mountain peaks.
