Pfahlbaumuseum Lüscherz
Museum in the basement of the Lüscherz municipal administration, with finds and replicas on the lives of pile-dwellers at Lake Biel between 4000 and 800 BCE.
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About the museum
The Pfahlbaumuseum Lüscherz goes back to the collector Hans Iseli (1924–2003), who as a boy already gathered finds from the pile-dwelling settlements at Lake Biel. Over sixty years, more than 10,000 objects came together, which he documented carefully. His collection was transferred to a foundation in summer 1989. In 1995, his long-cherished wish became reality: in cooperation with the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern and several donors, the museum was set up in the basement of the Lüscherz municipal administration. Today it is looked after by a foundation council of volunteers.
The exhibition uses finds of stone, flint, bone, deer antler and clay, as well as graphics, photos and replicas, to show how early farming communities lived on the shore of Lake Biel between about 4000 and 800 BCE. Topics include the lowering of the lake level through the Jura Waters Correction (Juragewässerkorrektion), five millennia of settlement on the beach plateau, pottery and textile crafts, house building and village rules, trade relations, and burial and beliefs. A 40-page exhibition guide complements the visit.
Highlights
- More than 10,000 finds from Hans Iseli's collection
- Life of farming communities at Lake Biel from 4000 to 800 BCE
- Finds of stone, flint, bone, deer antler and clay, plus replicas
- Topics from house building and trade to burial and belief
- Free admission; donations welcome
Permanent exhibition
- Pfahlbauer am Bielersee – Permanent exhibition with finds and replicas on settlement, diet, trade and belief in farming communities between 4000 and 800 BCE.
- Founded
- 1995
- Operated by
- Stiftung Hans Iseli
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free; donations to cover costs are welcome.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The museum is at Hauptstrasse 19, in the basement of the municipal administration; according to Swiss Museums, parking is available.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Books and publications about the museum are available.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Tours and visits for groups and school classes outside opening hours by arrangement with Josef Grimm, phone +41 32 338 20 56. A 40-page exhibition guide is available as a PDF. |
