Scan and discover Swiss treasures, traditions, and stories from life in the Alps at Willow Bank Heritage Village.

At each stop, scan QR code to uncover the story behind Swiss objects and traditions.

Dr Bircher, Swiss physician and creator of Bircher muesli, also designed the Bircheraffel apple grater.

Larven: traditional Swiss carnival masks worn during Fasnacht celebrations.

A small Swiss wooden ladder cart used for carrying goods.

Jass is Switzerland’s most popular traditional card game and has been enjoyed for generations. Played by families and friends in homes, cafés and village gatherings, Jass is more than just a game — it is a treasured part of Swiss social life and a way for people to connect and share time together.

More information and rules

Traditional Swiss dress that reflects the history, customs and identity of each region. Worn at celebrations and cultural events, Tracht keeps Switzerland’s heritage alive through generations.

A traditional Swiss cowbell once used to locate cattle in the Alps. Today, the powerful sound of the Trychel continues to be heard at Swiss celebrations, processions and cultural events.

Come and enjoy the music of our traditional street organ, a hand-cranked instrument that entertained generations in European streets and village squares.

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Inspired by the legendary Swiss hero William Tell, known for his courage and incredible skill with a crossbow. Have a go and see if you can hit the target!

Traditional Swiss wafer biscuits cooked over a wooden fire using a Brätzeli iron — a taste of Swiss baking.

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Traditional Swiss preserving jars used to store seasonal fruit, vegetables and homemade preserves.

Watch traditional Swiss films by Daniel Tschopp.

A Boccalino is a small traditional ceramic drinking jug from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, especially Ticino.

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These small wooden masks are inspired by the traditional Tschäggättä masks from the Lötschental Valley in Switzerland. The masks were believed to keep evil away.

Life in the Swiss Alps was shaped by the seasons, the mountains and the need for practical craftsmanship. This display showcases traditional Alpine items, including a cooking pot hung over a tripod fire and a wooden carrying pack once used to transport goods through mountain landscapes.

A red flag with a white cross, symbol of Switzerland.

In Switzerland, each canton and many towns have their own distinctive flag, reflecting their local history, identity, and traditions within the Swiss Confederation

A Bürgerort (place of origin) is the Swiss municipality connected to a family’s ancestral citizenship. Passed down through generations, it remains a lifelong link to a Swiss community. Our family’s Bürgerort is Rünenberg in Basel-Landschaft

A traditional Swiss costume showcasing local heritage, craftsmanship and the pride of Swiss communities. Worn for celebrations, festivals and special occasions.

Wooden sleighs have long been part of life in the Swiss Alps. Used to travel through snow-covered villages and mountain landscapes, they were a practical way to transport people and goods during winter.

Explore a collection of Swiss treasures, including traditional toys, miniature chalet houses and keepsakes that celebrate Switzerland’s rich heritage.