HR Giger Museum (Musée HR Giger)

The basics

Located in the Saint Germain Castle, this uncanny attraction is a must-see for any sci-fi or film lover. Some day tours visit the museum as part of Gruyères-wide itinerary, in combination with Gruyères Castle and La Maison du Gruyère. Alternatively, you can secure your admission with a skip-the-line ticket or Swiss Travel Pass. Dedicate at least an hour to exploring the otherworldly exhibition, taking time to admire his diverse creations and set designs for Alien, Poltergeist 2, and more.

Things to know before you go

• Photography is not permitted inside the museum exhibitions.
• Some tours and multi-attraction passes include admission; otherwise, you can book in advance or pay at the door.
• The Giger Bar is free to enter if you purchase a drink.
• The explicit nature of some of the works is not suitable for children.

How to get there

The museum is a 15-minute walk from Gruyères Station, which is around two hours by train from both Bern and Geneva. Save yourself time on a tour that includes round-trip transportation from one of the major cities.

When to get there

Arrive in the late afternoon to spend a few hours exploring without the crowds, then pop over into the Giger Bar to discuss your experience over a drink. Over winter, the museum does not open on Mondays.

Science in Switzerland

It’s no wonder that Giger was so inspired by science, given Switzerland’s rich history of scientific discovery. Home to several leading universities as well as the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), the country is a paradise for science and engineering enthusiasts. Multi-attraction passes, like the Swiss Travel Card, are a great way to tick off the country’s top science attractions, with admission to 500 museums plus unlimited use of the national transport system included.