Rebbaumuseum am Bielersee

About the museum

The Rebbaumuseum (Viticulture Museum) is housed in the "Hof", a manor house of the lords of Ligerz at the western end of the village, which today lies in the territory of La Neuveville (Schafis). Rodolphe de Gléresse had the west wing built around 1545 and the east wing with the oriel around 1555, partly on older structures from the 15th century. The house remained in the family until 1814 and later changed hands several times. In 1918 the painter Ernst Geiger bought the Hof and lived and worked there until his death in 1965.

The association had already been founded in 1963, and its members systematically collected tools and objects relating to regional viticulture. In 1970 a foundation was established, which bought the Hof and had it thoroughly renovated; the museum opened in 1973, and the main construction work was completed in 1979. The association, supported by winegrowers and volunteers interested in history, still runs the house today. In 2009 the Hof was added to the list of cultural properties of national significance.

The permanent exhibition shows traditional cellar practice in the barrel and press cellar, with a fully equipped cooperage and a working distillery, and in the attic the work in the vineyard through the year. There are also wine labels, decanters and small measuring jugs (Mässli), works by artists from Lake Biel and, since 2014, a partial exhibition on the history of fishing. The historic rooms and the courtyard are also used for celebrations and events.

Highlights

• 16th-century manor house, cultural property of national significance
• Barrel and press cellar with cooperage and distillery
• The vineyard year in the attic with equipment, tools and pictures
• Partial exhibition on the history of fishing on Lake Biel
• Courtyard and cellar for aperitifs and tastings with Lake Biel wine

Permanent exhibitions

• Ständige Ausstellung zur Kultur und Geschichte der Weinbauregion Bielersee – Barrel and press cellar, cooperage, distillery and the work in the vineyard through the year, complemented by tools, pictures and regional domestic life.
• Die Geschichte der Fischerei am Bielersee – Photographs, documents and fishing equipment show the history of professional fishermen from prehistory to the present day.
• Landpartie bei Landvogt Egger – Two large-format 18th-century paintings show in rich detail the world of the Bernese bailiff Brandolf Egger.

Founded

1973

Operated by

Verein Rebbaumuseum Hof am Bielersee

Admission & discounts

Individual admission for adults is free with the Swiss Museum Pass. Admission is free during the Ligerzer Läset-Sunntige in October.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children up to age 16 accompanied by adults have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The museum is located at the western end of Ligerz in the district of Schafis (municipality of La Neuveville).

Amenities & dining

At aperitifs and tastings, Lake Biel wine is served in the courtyard or in the cellar vaults.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Available for hire are the hall annex, fireplace hall, oriel hall, middle cellar, vaulted cellar and courtyard for family celebrations, weddings, seminars and aperitifs.

Plan your visit