Schiefertafelfabrik Elm

About the museum

In the middle of the village of Elm, on Sandgasse near the church, stands the only slate tablet factory in Switzerland. It is the last witness of the once flourishing slate industry in the Sernftal. After production ceased, the foundation "Stiftung pro Elm" acquired the property in order to preserve the building and its equipment for posterity.

All the tools, devices and machines needed to make writing tablets are still in place. Since it opened as a museum in 2011, slate dust, sawdust and the smell of glue once again drift through the rooms, and the old craft is presented to visitors using museum education methods.

A visit takes the form of a guided tour of around one and a half hours. The machines that still work are demonstrated and the making of the well-known writing and Jass tablets is explained. The subject is closely linked to the history of slate mining in the Sernftal and to the tragedy of the Elm landslide of 11 September 1881.

Highlights

• The only slate tablet factory in Switzerland
• Machines still in working order, with demonstrations
• Production of writing and Jass tablets
• Connection to the Elm landslide of 1881
• Location in the historic village centre of Elm

Founded

2011

Operated by

Stiftung Landesplattenberg Engi

Admission & discounts

Prices for the public tour (adults aged 20 and over). For public tours and in the catering offer, cash payment only. For groups, aperitif suggestions at Hotel Elmer or the Kulturschopf can be booked from CHF 20 per person.

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

Dogs are not allowed in the slate tablet factory.

Kids & families

School class tours relating to people and the environment, geography and geology; minimum age in school groups 10 years.

Getting there & parking

By car from Zurich or Chur on the A3 to the Niederurnen exit, then towards Glarus, Schwanden and Elm; the factory is on Sandgasse near the church.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit