Welcome to the newly renovated Cultural Centre Sonnenhalde in the old village centre of Saas-Grund, where the legendary priest and tourism pioneer Johann Josef Imseng (1806-1869) once lived. Immerse yourself in his fascinating life or be inspired by the story of the "King of Mountain Guides", Alexander Burgener. There are also exciting stories and legends about the Saas mountains to discover in the mountain library, lots of old and new things to marvel at in the two temporary exhibitions and exciting adventures for children in the dwarf cave.
Special exhibition 100 years of Weissmieshütte
From 7 August to 26 September, the Sonnhalde cultural centre (museum) in Sass-Grund is hosting an exhibition on the topic of ‘100 years of Weissmies and the conversion and extension in 2026’.
100 years ago, the Olten section of the Swiss Alpine Club was able to buy the former Hotel Weissmies and inaugurate it on 2 August 1925. Some courageous, forward-thinking comrades thus created an important meeting place for the section and for mountain sports enthusiasts.
The new Weissmieshütte was built in 1960, extended in 1990 and connected to the water and electricity network of the Hohsaas cable car in 2004.
Exhibitions
No other personality had such a lasting influence on the Saas Valley as the priest Johann Josef Imseng (1806-1869). As a priest, he was particularly concerned with the welfare of the people. He was not only a cleric, but also a passionate mountain guide and tourism pioneer who built the first hotel in the Saas Valley. He was involved in social work, the fight against poverty and emigration. He was also an accomplished botanist who knew all the medicinal herbs of the region. In the memorial exhibition, there is much to learn about the fascinating life and work of Pastor Imseng.
Alexander Burgener, the "King of Mountain Guides", was a fascinating man whose courage, strength and sense of danger made him one of the greatest mountaineers of his time. He wrote alpine history with countless first ascents. You can find out more about this extraordinary man in the exhibition with integrated cinema.
A room full of surprises: From mountains, first ascents, mountain pioneers to culinary delights such as wine or the typical Saas sausage - there are many treasures of Saas history to discover in the mountain library.
Whether exhibitions that turn back the clock, information about the famous Allalin rock or modern art: the temporary exhibitions are always filled with old, new and above all exciting content.
Immerse yourself in the dwarves' cave and listen to the stories of the good-natured Saas dwarves and their exciting adventures.
Contact
Cultural Centre Sonnenhalde
Postfach 112
3910 Saas-Grund
Curator
Christoph Gysel
Tel. +41 79 412 75 18
E-Mail: christoph.gysel@tourismuspfarrer.ch