Hexenmuseum Schweiz
The only witch museum in German-speaking Europe, in Liebegg Castle, with over 1,300 exhibits on witch persecution, folk belief and magic.
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About the museum
The Swiss Witch Museum (Hexenmuseum Schweiz) was founded and opened on 4 April 2009 by Wicca Meier-Spring. She still runs it today as curator and president of the sponsoring association and also writes the exhibition texts. The museum sees itself as a museum of the spirit of the present and describes itself as the only one of its kind in German-speaking Europe.
It is housed in Liebegg Castle above Gränichen. In 2017 and 2018 the permanent exhibition in the castle was rebuilt and given a new thematic focus.
Over 1,300 extensively labelled exhibits are on display, complemented by audio and visual material. The exhibition "HEXEN" presents the witch trials in Switzerland and Europe and shows the results of research into the surviving trial records in Swiss archives. It also shows folk belief and superstition, legends and customs, amulet and witch plants, early healing methods, divination arts such as tarot, astrology or runes, as well as magic and spells.
The museum publishes the magazine "Mandragora", runs a museum shop and regularly organises full moon and dark moon nights, guided tours and markets.
Highlights
- Over 1,300 labelled exhibits on witches, magic and folk belief
- Witch trials in Switzerland and Europe with researched trial records
- Amulets, medicinal plants and divination arts (tarot, astrology, runes)
- Free audio guide on your own smartphone in 7 languages
- Full moon and dark moon nights at Liebegg Castle
Permanent exhibition
- HEXEN – Witch trials in Switzerland and Europe, folk belief and superstition, amulets, medicinal plants, divination arts as well as magic and spells, with over 1,300 exhibits.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Verein Hexenmuseum Schweiz
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | CHF 13Seniors |
| Children & teens | CHF 12Children aged 11 to 16 years; admission only from age 11, even when accompanied by adults. |
| Seniors | CHF 13 |
| Groups (10+ people) | CHF 13 per personFrom 10 people with advance registration, with cash payment by one person CHF 13 (card payment CHF 14); from 20 people CHF 12 (card payment CHF 13). |
| Kulturlegi adults | CHF 10 |
| Kulturlegi children | CHF 8 |
| Members of the Verein Schloss Liebegg | CHF 10 |
Members of the Hexenmuseum Schweiz association with ID have free admission. All museum passes are invalid at the Witch Museum. Cash payment preferred, in addition EC/Maestro, Twint, Visa and Mastercard. The museum shop alone can be visited without admission.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Not wheelchair accessible: the exhibition is on the 1st and 2nd floors without a lift and can only be reached by stairs with uneven stone steps. Mostly accessible for people with mild walking difficulties; vehicles with the appropriate permit may drive up to the castle. Good lighting. Assistance dogs are welcome, other dogs are not. Groups with special needs only by advance registration.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 11+
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Admission for children only from age 11, even when accompanied by adults. Prams and buggies are not permitted in the museum due to lack of space.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bleien-Liebegg · 23-min walk
By Wynental railway (S14) from Aarau to the "Bleien-Liebegg" stop (request stop), then about 23 minutes on foot.
By car
Free parking · 10-min walk to the entrance
Free castle car park below the castle; if full, the car park of the Liebegg Agricultural Centre or the roadside below. Driving up to the castle and parking in the forecourt are not permitted (exceptions by arrangement).
By car via the A1 to the Aarau West exit towards Suhr and on to Gränichen; the castle is about 2 km south of the village, and the turn-off is signposted. Climb from the car park via the paved road or a steep forest path.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
- Coat check
Museum shop with books, candles, amulets and incense blends, accessible during opening hours without admission; online shop available. Backpacks, bags and liquids are not allowed in the exhibition and are stored at the ticket desk.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| Good to know | Free audio guide for your own smartphone in 7 languages. Public tours according to the annual programme, private tours by advance registration. Minimum age for visiting is 11 years. |
