Johannn Wolfgang Goethe
The first influencer in the Bernese Oberland
Goethe was here
In 1779, Johann Wolfgang Goethe, accompanied by his employer, Duke Karl August of Weimar-Saxony-Eisenach, completed the Grand Tour through the Bernese Oberland in six days. Thanks to his diary entries, the poem ‘Der Geist über den Wassern’ (The Spirit Above the Waters) and his letters to his lover, Frau von Stein at the court of Weimar, he became the first ‘influencer’ for the Bernese Oberland. A sculpture in front of the Tourism Museum and an exhibition about his days in the Bernese Oberland commemorate the presence of the ‘Prince of Poets’ in the region.
Goethe and the Tourism Museum
The Tourim Museum is a member of the ‘European Goethe Ways’
The hiking guide ‘In Goethe’s footsteps through the Bernese Oberland’ is available at the kiosk (in German only)
The travel agency Jungfrautours offers a package tour for the Goethe Tour that includes all modern amenities, such as hotels, train excursions, etc. (PDF).
Plan your visit
From 1st March to 23rd November 2026, the Museum will be open from Wednesday to Sunday, 2 pm to 5 pm.
Museum Shop
We offer books – including some unique finds – postcards and small souvenirs at our museum shop.
Bistro
Opening: 29th August 2026
Whether before, after or during your visit to the museum, the bistro serves coffee and cold drinks, light snacks or even a glass of Goethe’s favourite wine to help you unwind.