Schlangenhaus

A vivid sense of how people lived in the region of Werdenberg in the past is conveyed by the displays in the Schlangenhaus – “serpent house”. From the earliest evidence of human settlement until the revival of interest in this unique ensemble of medieval timber buildings in the 1960s, the Schlangenhaus Museum takes the visitor on a fascinating journey from the distant past to the present day. 

Rule by the town of Glarus ended, the canton of St. Gallen came into being, though not before French people had taken up residence in the old town. Whether willingly or under pressure from the authorities, the inhabitants emigrated – going to war as mercenaries, to East Prussia as settlers, or to Santo Domingo as coffee plantation labourers. Around 1880 a new source of income came in the form of embroidery practised as a cottage industry in Werdenberg homes, with parents as well as children working late into the night. The industry went through periods of crisis, and many people became poor. 

The Schlangenhaus, whose masonry corner once formed part of the town wall, invites you to explore its history yourself. The exhibition tells the story of Werdenberg in an engaging way with short audio features and intriguing details.

Opening Hours Werdenberg Museums