We’ll be in Wengen four nights. We plan to do a little light hiking (to Gimmelwald, Klein Scheidegg) and maybe ride bikes in Lauterbrunnen. We’re thinking about a boat ride on Lake Breinz and then doing Ballenburg. Have any of you done this and was it interesting? If so, how long should we plan for it?

I visited Ballenberg on my last (4th) visit to the area when I had 11 nights in Meiringen nearby.
I love open air museums and this one is so interesting with the variety of buildings from across the country (the regions are so diverse) - the site is huge and it’s gorgeous to wander.

Took the bus to one entrance and left from the other, labelled east and west entrances.
I didn’t view all the buildings and was there a few hours.

Like Adelaidean, I enjoy outdoor parks and thought this one interesting. I spent about 2.5 hours there; those with an interest could easily spend an entire day. Whether you have such an interest is not something I can answer.

If you go, you might consider a stop at Giessbach Falls en route.

Thanks for your input. Looks like it would be a wonderful way to spend the day. And I hope to see the falls as well.

I'm with Ade and Kja on this. Its a well-presented, well-preserved bit of history. Think Takayama in Japan, similar quality, same fun.
I am done. The wheat sheafs

My favorite outdoor museum is the one in Detmold, Germany. But Ballenberg is fine. You might want to check if there are any special events taking place during your planned visit. We were there for Bernese Mountain Dog day; it was full of adult BMDs and puppies. A charming experience.

Ballenberg is great on a day when visibility is not ideal at higher elevations. We were staying in Wengen and took the boat to Brienz on a cloudy and somewhat drippy day when mountain trails would have been less than ideal.

Having been to both I would skip the Giesbach falls and spend extra time at Ballenberg. I have in fact been there several times (I have two grandchildren who love it) and each time I "discover" something new. I find watching the craftsmen at work is amazing and in addition to more normal things like potters, blacksmiths etc they have bee keepers and charcoal burners. Last time we went I thought we would spend 4 hours, including lunch especially given the two children were with us. We stayed six hours and I had to prise them away! It opens in early April and closes in October so I hope that you are here between those dates. See www.ballenberg.ch for more info.