Erlebnishalle Goldauer Bergsturz

About the museum

The landslide museum goes back to Edwin Simon, the landlord of the Goldau railway station buffet, who from 1956 collected finds from the landslide and displayed them in a self-financed military barracks next to the animal park. In 1964 he founded a foundation, and shortly afterwards the museum was officially opened. By its own account, it remained the only landslide museum in Europe.

On 2 September 1806, after days of rain, about 40 million cubic metres of conglomerate had broken away from the Rossberg and buried the village of Goldau, along with Röthen and parts of Buosingen, under debris; 457 people died. The catastrophe is considered the largest historical natural disaster in Switzerland and triggered a nationwide donation campaign.

With the new construction of the entrance area of the nature and animal park, the old barracks had to make way. Since January 2024, the museum has been integrated into the new visitor centre as the "Erlebnishalle Goldauer Bergsturz". Its centrepiece is a landslide simulator that shows the events of 1806 in about three minutes on a ten-metre-wide LED screen and a vibrating floor. Raw concrete blocks, a memorial wall with the names of the 457 victims and "time capsules" with finds and short films of the "old Goldauers" deepen the subject. A study room is accessible only as part of guided tours.

Highlights

• Landslide simulator with a 10-metre-wide LED screen and vibrating floor
• Memorial wall with the names of the 457 victims
• Time capsules with finds and short films of the "old Goldauers"
• Study room with objects from the collection (guided tour only)
• Located in the entrance building of the Goldau nature and animal park

Permanent exhibition

• Erlebnishalle Goldauer Bergsturz – Permanent exhibition with a landslide simulator, memorial wall, time capsules and finds on the landslide of 2 September 1806.

Founded

1956

Operated by

Stiftung Bergsturzmuseum Goldau

Admission & discounts

Admission to the Erlebnishalle is included in the admission price of the Goldau nature and animal park; there is no access without a valid park ticket. All prices include the voluntary Naturfranken (CHF 1 per single admission, CHF 2 per family). IV children up to 15 years with ID free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

For the park: the paths are gravelled and only partially suitable for wheelchair users with a companion; an electric mobility vehicle for people with walking disabilities can be reserved by phone. Marked IV parking spaces are available in the coach car park. No information specific to the Erlebnishalle is available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

The Erlebnishalle is located in the animal park's entrance building, which also houses the indoor playground "Zauberwald". The animal park offers children's birthday parties from age 5 and ranger programmes; children under 12 may visit the park only when accompanied by adults.

Getting there & parking

By car via the A4, exit Arth or Goldau. On fine weekends and public holidays, the animal park recommends arriving by public transport.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The animal park has the Bergsturzkafi, the Restaurant Grüne Gans and the animal park shop, where books about the Goldau landslide are also available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit