Summary

The Library at Guisanplatz (BiG) in Bern opens a new exhibition on the topic of hiking in Switzerland on May 22, 2026. The exhibition «On the Way. Hiking in Switzerland» runs until November 26, 2027 and was created in collaboration with swisstopo, Swiss Hiking Trails, and the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA). It illuminates various perspectives on this popular Swiss leisure activity. A supporting program with lectures and panel discussions accompanies the exhibition.

People

  • Mathias Kobel (Curator of the exhibition, BiG)

Topics

  • Cultural exhibitions
  • Hiking tourism Switzerland
  • Federal cultural institutions

Clarus Lead

The exhibition positions itself as a participatory project: visitors can submit their own hiking experiences by postcard, and these will be displayed at BiG. This transforms the classical museum exhibition into a dialogical space between institution and audience.

Detailed Summary

The exhibition documents hiking not only as a historical or sporting phenomenon, but as a multifaceted cultural panorama. The cooperation with swisstopo (Federal Office of Topography) and the Slow Traffic division of ASTRA shows that the project integrates traffic policy and cartographic perspectives beyond cultural mediation.

The opening vernissage takes place on May 21, 2026 at 5:15 p.m. and is accompanied by an aperitif. The supporting program will be published shortly on the BiG website and includes lectures and panel discussions on various aspects of hiking in Switzerland.

Key Messages

  • New permanent exhibition on hiking in Switzerland (May 2026 – November 2027)
  • Participatory exhibition concept with postcard campaign for visitor contributions
  • Cooperation between BiG, swisstopo, Swiss Hiking Trails, and ASTRA

Critical Questions

  1. (Evidence/Data Quality) What scientific or statistical foundations regarding hiking usage in Switzerland form the basis of the exhibition?

  2. (Conflicts of Interest) To what extent do the partner institutions (particularly ASTRA with its traffic focus) influence the exhibition's content orientation?

  3. (Causality/Alternatives) Why was hiking chosen as the exhibition topic – is this based on visitor demand or strategic priorities of BiG?

  4. (Feasibility/Risks) How is the quality and relevance of submitted postcards curated to ensure exhibition quality?

  5. (Reach) How is the supporting program communicated to attract attention beyond the immediate visitor base?

Sources

Primary Source: Fire Disaster in Crans-Montana – New Traveling Exhibition at the Library at Guisanplatz – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/GRW1Dg3ovqyNbl27ZO0lj

Verification Status: ✓ 19.05.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 19.05.2026