Show us your talent – apply now for 2027!
Our 2027 special exhibition will be entirely dedicated to contemporary Swiss art – apply now and showcase your work!...
09 October, 2026
The Swiss Woodcarving Museum is located in the heart of Brienz. It is the heart and soul of the woodcarving village, the national centre for woodcarving. Meet the faces and stories of fascinating works and inspiring artists. Ideal for group events, company outings, family programmes and real quality time.
Wood is real . Wood is alive . Wood feels like home .
Contact
Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum
Hauptstrasse 111
Postfach 592
CH-3855 Brienz
+41 33 952 13 17
Opening Hours
02.05 – 31.05.2026
We – Su: 13.30 – 17.00 h
01.06. – 30.09.2026
We – Su: 10.30 – 17.00 h
01.10 – 25.10.2026
We – Su: 13.30 – 17.00 h
Admission Fees
Adults: CHF 8.00
Children: free
Tours for groups: CHF 50.00, flat rate, plus admission CHF 8.00 per person
News & Inspiration
How does a piece of wood become a work of art? Which thoughts lead to which figures? Cherry, oak or olive? How does the next generation work? Where are forgotten wood sculpture gems hidden? Why do the most important aspects of wood sculpture come together in Brienz?
Bistro and Shop
Souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else … high-quality gift ideas … refreshments in an artistic setting … take part in classes … sit back and relax – all this is on offer in the cosy and pe...
01 October, 2026
Fancy bringing something back for your loved ones?
… something that feels good? … something that retains its value? … something that brings art and craftsmanship into your home? Wood carvings, wooden toys, wooden art – there’s a ...
29 September, 2026
The nutcrackers in *Kunsteinsicht* magazine!
Our nutcrackers are making an appearance in the elegant magazine published by the Kunstmuseum Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee, issue no. 29! This brilliant feature offers a glimpse into our wonderful s...
25 September, 2026
Call for entries 2027 for woodcarving artists
Our special exhibition in 2027 will be dedicated to ‘contemporary works from Switzerland’. Wood sculptors living in Switzerland can now apply to us! Take part and showcase your skills! Closing dat...
18 September, 2026
A note for art lovers
Our foundation welcomes donations and bequests, however cannot provide expert reports or valuations of your works, carry out research into works or offer advice on the potential sale of works. Thanks ...
11 September, 2026
Wooden toys feel real and warm
… to the touch. Sometimes their surface is rough and unyielding; sometimes it’s as smooth as a mountain lake early in the morning. They always touch the heart and are guests who are welcome to...
04 September, 2026
Enchanting souvenirs from Brienz – from our shop
Whether you’re looking for high-quality wooden toys, unforgettable travel mementos, or items to enhance your home—our shop offers a diverse selection of the highest quality and craftsmanship. ...
28 August, 2026
The woodcarving village of Brienz is simply lovely
Brienz on the lake is at its most beautiful, especially as autumn approaches. The forests, the lakes, the charming chalets – they all look their very best in the golden autumn light – they are def...
25 August, 2026
Have you heard of the ‘hot dog’?
Here’s a little tip: Philipp Dräyer’s work from Brienz features in our promotional film – it’s well worth a watch!...
18 August, 2026
The nut picking season is just around the corner!
Soon we’ll be able to pick sweet “nuts” from the trees again—and here at the museum, you can see the most beautiful nutcrackers from the world’s largest collection!...
10 August, 2026
Woodcarving is an international art form! But it’s at home in Brienz 😉
Wherever there is wood, creative artists set to work on it … With its long and eventful history of woodcarving, Brienz is a real ‘woodcarving hotspot’. Works that were exhibited as far back as 1...
07 August, 2026
Do you love nut-themed stories too?
Whether they’re fairy tales, anecdotes or simply well-told tales of what might have happened… Nuts aren’t just good for the brain – nut-themed stories are great fun too! You can find out more ...
05 August, 2026
Article in the magazine “Swiss Forestry”
Our special exhibition, ‘The World’s Most Beautiful Nutcrackers’, is being presented to Swiss foresters. When walnut trees, lime trees or boxwood are transformed into precious nutcrackers that t...
04 August, 2026
Happy Swiss National Day to everyone!
Our National Day brings traditions and the best of our culture to life! Our museum offers wonderful insights into woodcarving as an outstanding cultural treasure of our region....
31 July, 2026
Wood: the building material of the future
Wood from various species comes directly from the region. Wood is a booming building material. Healthy timber is sourced thanks to our forest owners and professional forestry companies. Only the very ...
24 July, 2026
Carved furniture
Turning everyday objects into something truly special – whether classically ornate or modern, with that special personal touch – carved furniture makes every home feel special. You can see some ch...
17 July, 2026
The most beautiful nutcrackers from the world’s largest collection
… you’ll discover them here at our museum in this year’s special exhibition! Crack open the nut … discover the most beautiful pieces, heart-warming stories, brilliant recipes and much ...
10 July, 2026
Works of the Heart at the 2026 Symposium
Enjoying ideal conditions, the international wood sculptors created works that touch the heart. It was as if they might come to life at any moment … another successful event that delighted all visit...
08 July, 2026
Free guided tours during the Symposium
Why not pop over from the symposium to visit us at the museum – we’re now offering free guided tours! Seize the opportunity and discover our unique Nutcracker exhibition, the Masterpiece or the Di...
02 July, 2026
It’s Symposium time!
Since yesterday, carvings have been underway on the Brienzer Quai for the 2026 Woodcarving Symposium – fascinating new works are taking shape, and in the evenings the programme features fine food an...
01 July, 2026
Coming soon! Woodcarving Symposium 2026
The 14th edition of this major gathering of woodcarvers on the Quai in Brienz, the ‘village of woodcarvers’, is just around the corner! We’re really looking forward to seeing some fantastic work...
26 June, 2026
Carve your own cow!
Fancy having some fun with friends, colleagues or family? Carving your own wooden cow is so much fun 🙂 – come and join us! See you soon…...
24 June, 2026
A daily dose of humor puts you in good spirits
Woodcarving is full of joy, fun, and a touch of whimsy… and it’s perfect for a daily dose, especially when it’s right by your front door 😉...
19 June, 2026
A trip to Brienz with a visit to the museum
Brienz is a wonderful village, and a visit to the museum is an absolute must – it’s the heart and soul of this woodcarving village, showcasing everything from master craftsmen and their creations ...
11 June, 2026
04 June, 2026
Crack the nut!
Our special exhibition featuring the most beautiful nutcrackers from the world’s largest collection – it’s a real treat! Discover the figures, learn about nuts, find recipes and immerse yourself...
31 May, 2026
Fancy a family outing over the Whitsun weekend?
Brienz is well worth a visit. Lake Brienz captivates visitors with its unique colour… and the museum delights with masterpieces, exquisite crafts and the 500 most beautiful nutcrackers from the ...
21 May, 2026
Follow us on TikTok
Come and see our museum on the popular social media platform TikTok, offering fascinating insights … as the Swiss Woodcarving Museum....
14 May, 2026
Swiss woodcarvers: now featured in our comprehensive overview
Highly talented, passionate, dedicated and first-class craftspeople – that’s the vibrant world of our creative artists across Switzerland! You can see the diverse range of work on display and meet...
08 May, 2026
Little paper boats?
Yes, but sturdy enough to weather a storm – yet the wooden sculptures by Philipp Dräyer, a woodcarver from Brienz, exude a sense of lightness. In this way, he not only pays tribute to classical com...
01 May, 2026
Which nuts do you like? Walnuts?
They’re very healthy. They have a very hard shell. Once you’ve cracked them open, they look rather funny and are easy to split in two – most of the time. To get them out of their shells, you nee...
28 April, 2026
Arnas Jurskis and his world’s largest collection of nutcrackers
At our exhibition opening, we were delighted to welcome a distinguished guest from Vilnius, Lithuania… ARNAS JURSKI, an entrepreneur and passionate collector of nutcrackers from all over the wor...
20 April, 2026
Today: Opening of the 2026 Exhibition
The official opening of the 2026 special exhibition, ‘Crack the Nut – the finest pieces from the world’s largest nutcracker collection’, will take place at the museum today at 4.00 pm – a wa...
18 April, 2026
The countdown is on …
CRACK THE NUT … our special exhibition this year, alongside our ever-fascinating permanent exhibition, is just waiting to be discovered! Just a few days to go until the opening on 18 April ̷...
15 April, 2026
Interactive Special Exhibition 2026
The gems from the world’s largest collection of nutcrackers can be experienced in a unique way through our interactive displays. Where do the nuts for the nutcracker come from? What can you do with ...
10 April, 2026
Happy Easter
… Spring is finally here and we’re getting more and more excited about reopening our museum soon! … But first, we hope you have a wonderful Easter with lots of funny bunnies and colourfu...
03 April, 2026
It looks so real…
…absolutely, but it’s made of real wood! Crafting something like this requires the utmost concentration and exceptional craftsmanship – just like Meret Hanako Schulenburg’s work… so ...
01 April, 2026
Meret Hanako Schulenburg – beyond words
These works are fascinating. You can’t help but look and marvel. Is the banana real? Is the wooden head about to open its eyes? Skill and passion come together here to create a wonderful picture....
27 March, 2026
Today: World Wood Day – we love wood too!
In woodcarving, wood takes on its most beautiful form! With boundless creativity, the most beautiful works of art can be created from different types of wood… Warm – beautiful – sustainable!...
21 March, 2026
Want to organise an exciting team event in spring?
Need a heart-warming programme where you can get hands-on and bring your team closer together? Carve wooden cows, marvel at works of art, look over the shoulders of masters and enjoy a hearty mountain...
06 March, 2026
Anita Peter – Form and Structure
Enchanting animals and exquisite natural forms characterise Anita Peter’s work. After completing her education at the Schnätzi in Brienz, Anita Peter frequently travels internationally, allowin...
28 February, 2026
Do you know the difference?
between Swiss nutcrackers and German nutcrackers? Everyone knows the colourful German ones, but are you familiar with the real rarities among the practical Swiss nutcrackers? There are some real maste...
20 February, 2026
Crack the nut!
Nuts are healthy! Nutcrackers are essential for getting the delicate “fruit” out of the hard shells… Starting in May, we will be showing you loads of particularly magnificent examples in our...
13 February, 2026
Remo Meier – wood is my creative element
When a great passion can be lived out… ‘When searching for form, I forget everything around me. Concentration allows me to immerse myself deeply in my work.’...
09 February, 2026
Are you following us on TikTok?
TikTok entertains, informs and provides exciting insights… Our colleague Lena regularly shows you the treasures that can be admired in the museum. From yesterday, the day before yesterday, today...
02 February, 2026
Philipp Dräyer – where skills meet passion
‘Der scharfe Hund’ (The Hot Dog) – one of his impressive works. As a specialist teacher, member of the foundation board and committed representative of wood sculpture, he is dedicated to the woo...
23 January, 2026
Wood carving – a profession full of creativity and passion
Working with (warming) wood every day – giving free rein to your boundless creativity – working with pinpoint precision – seeing and touching the results – following your passion. That’s...
16 January, 2026