Ortsmuseum Berneck – Haus zum Torkel

About the museum

In the upper village of Berneck stands the Haus zum Torkel, built on the foundations of the early medieval settlement “Kelnhof.” Since 1976 it has housed the municipality's local history collection, which documents life in the village on the border with the Appenzell region. With about 42 hectares of vineyards, Berneck is the largest wine-growing municipality in the canton of St. Gallen by area; viticulture here has been documented since the 9th century.

Accordingly, the displays are dominated by objects from viticulture, fruit growing, agriculture, coopering and pottery, as well as household items from earlier generations. The collection includes a working ropemaking workshop, which can also be demonstrated outside the museum on request. In the neighboring Torkel building, a massive wine press beam from 1682 dominates the space; today the room is also used for receptions and apéros.

The museum is looked after by a volunteer museum committee. It organizes village walks and small exhibitions on Berneck's history, for example on the village fire of 1848, the mills on the Mülibach, or traditional crafts. The walking route through the work of Berneck sculptor and craftsman Walter Jüstrich also passes the local museum and the Torkel building.

Highlights

• Wine press beam from 1682 in the Torkel building
• Equipment from viticulture, fruit growing, agriculture, coopering and pottery
• Working ropemaking workshop
• Local history of the largest wine-growing municipality in the canton of St. Gallen
• Village walks and small local history exhibitions

Permanent exhibitions

• Ortsgeschichtliche Sammlung im Haus zum Torkel – Objects from viticulture, fruit growing, agriculture, coopering and pottery, as well as household items from earlier times; plus a working ropemaking workshop.
• Torkel mit Torkelbaum von 1682 – In the Torkel building next to the museum stands an impressive wine press beam from 1682.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Museumskommission Berneck

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located behind the town hall.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Weddings / ceremonies

According to museums.ch, the Torkel building next to the museum is used for receptions, weddings and apéros.

Plan your visit