Heimatmuseum Gandahus Vals

The local Walser folk museum

The Gandahus in Vals makes it possible to experience in a diverse way the culture and lifestyle of the Walser, who immigrated to Graubünden from Valais in the 13th century and settled in Vals from 1300. Religion and folklore are presented using historical objects from the valley as is the Alpine agriculture and various crafts. A particularly unique aspect of Walser culture is reflected in the history of the museum itself. Built in the 16th century, the Gandahus was transported from its previous location to the village of Vals as a so-called “Gmeiwärch” which is a communal task performed free of charge. It has now been open to the public since 1947. Together with the Zerfreila-Spiicherli, the last storage barn of its type in the valley, the Gandahus is today a cultural centre. The Gandahus contains a rich heritage collection of Walser daily life. Apart from furniture and household items as well as craft and agricultural objects, textile are also on display. As a kind of branch of the museum, there is also an old storage barn in the immediate proximity. One topic that is covered using film projection is the so-called “Schwabengängerei” which involved poor young children from mountain areas being sent to ‘child markets’ north of the Alps and being hired out as labourers.

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