Besucherzentrum Kinderdorf Pestalozzi
Visitor centre with an interactive exhibition on the history and children’s rights at the Pestalozzi Children’s Village in Trogen, with cafeteria, playgrounds and adventure world.
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About the museum
The Pestalozzi Children’s Village in Trogen was created after the Second World War, when the Swiss population established a place to take in war orphans. Since then it has developed into a place for education and children’s rights in Switzerland, run by the Pestalozzi Children’s Village Foundation; in 2026 it celebrates its 80th anniversary.
The visitor centre serves as the entrance to the adventure world above Trogen. It combines cafeteria, exhibition and play lounge under one roof. The interactive exhibition answers how the village came about, how it has changed and what role children’s rights play today; the centre also provides information on the foundation’s activities.
Outside the building, playgrounds, a treehouse, a giant marble run, sports facilities, barbecue areas and a detective trail on the Convention on the Rights of the Child invite visitors to explore. The grounds are accessible all year round and free of charge; the exhibition is subject to the visitor centre’s opening hours. Those who want to delve deeper can book a public or private tour of the museum and the village. The foundation sees the village as an adventure world for all generations and combines a visit with seminar and overnight accommodation offers.
Highlights
- Interactive exhibition on the history of the Children’s Village and on children’s rights
- Cafeteria with sun terrace and a view over the playgrounds
- Playground, treehouse, giant marble run and Kick-Loop
- Detective trail on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Public tour every first Sunday of the month at 14:00
Permanent exhibition
- Interaktive Ausstellung zur Geschichte und zu den Kinderrechten – The exhibition in the visitor centre tells how the Children’s Village came about after the Second World War, how it developed and how it became a place for education and children’s rights.
- Operated by
- Stiftung Kinderdorf Pestalozzi
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 12 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 10People receiving AHV/IV (Swiss old-age and disability insurance) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 15 · Children and young people up to 16 years have free admission (adult rate “from 16 years”). |
| Seniors | CHF 10with AHV |
| Visitors with disabilities | CHF 10with IV |
| Students & apprentices | freeExchange students, apprentices and students have free admission. |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 10 per personper person |
| Families | CHF 202 adults plus children |
| Private museum tour (60 minutes) | CHF 140Flat rate for classes, clubs, teams or groups of friends |
| Private museum and village tour (90 minutes) | CHF 180Flat rate |
Every paying admission includes a drink in the visitor centre cafeteria. Admission is also free for members of the Friends’ Circle, sponsors, school classes from AI and AR, and with the Swiss Museum Pass, proArte, Raiffeisen card (members), ICOM/VMS membership card and KulturLegi. The grounds with the play facilities are accessible all year round and free of charge.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 15 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | CHF 20 · 2 adults plus children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Playground / play area
The adventure world offers a playground with a spider web climbing frame (from 3 years), treehouse, balance path, giant marble run (CHF 5 per marble), Kick-Loop (scooter rental CHF 5) and a play lounge in the visitor centre. For children there is a hidden-object picture on children’s rights (CHF 10) and a detective trail. The signposted path from the station is suitable for pushchairs.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Trogen Bahnhof · 10-min walk
Take the Appenzeller Bahn to the Trogen Bahnhof stop, then follow the signposted, pushchair-friendly path to the Children’s Village (approx. 10 minutes).
By car
Free parking
Plenty of free parking spaces.
The Children’s Village recommends arriving by public transport.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Cafeteria in the visitor centre with snacks, drinks, coffee and tea as well as a sun terrace; barbecue areas with firewood and grill on the grounds.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Seminar and event rooms (meeting room, devotion house, open-air workspaces, pavilion) with catering and overnight accommodation; seminar packages include admission to the exhibition.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Public tour on the first Sunday of the month at 14:00 (no registration required). Private tours for classes, clubs or teams: museum tour 60 minutes or museum and village tour 90 minutes (prices under additional tickets). An offer for teachers is available. |
