Guided Tour of the Naters Guard Museum
Former guards immerse you in the exciting world of the Swiss Guard through their stories and experiences.
There is much to discover about the Pope’s personal guard at the Swiss Guard Museum. Explore the museum on a private guided tour featuring fascinating stories from a former guard. The 50-meter-long ammunition hall now houses a permanent exhibition. Along a timeline, you’ll encounter portraits of the Guard commanders from the past 500 years.
In recreated living spaces from around 1500, 1900, and 2000, you’ll learn why young men went—and continue to go—to Rome, both then and now. You’ll also learn more about the daily life of a Guard member. In the second half of the tour, you’ll explore the part of the museum that remains in its original condition: endless rows of concrete racks that once stored thousands of cannonballs. Today, they contain personal items that the guards and their families donated to the Swiss Guard Museum: photo albums, medals, the Guard Band’s gold record, wedding shoes, Vatican ID cards, and much more. Familiar and unexpected items, precious and kitschy alike.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date and time: upon request
Languages: German, French, Italian, or English
Payment: cash or by invoice afterward
Wheelchair accessibility: the entire Guard Museum is wheelchair accessible.
Dogs: welcome
There is much to discover about the Pope’s personal guard at the Swiss Guard Museum. Explore the museum on a private guided tour featuring fascinating stories from a former guard. The 50-meter-long ammunition hall now houses a permanent exhibition. Along a timeline, you’ll encounter portraits of the Guard commanders from the past 500 years.
In recreated living spaces from around 1500, 1900, and 2000, you’ll learn why young men went—and continue to go—to Rome, both then and now. You’ll also learn more about the daily life of a Guard member. In the second half of the tour, you’ll explore the part of the museum that remains in its original condition: endless rows of concrete racks that once stored thousands of cannonballs. Today, they contain personal items that the guards and their families donated to the Swiss Guard Museum: photo albums, medals, the Guard Band’s gold record, wedding shoes, Vatican ID cards, and much more. Familiar and unexpected items, precious and kitschy alike.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Date and time: upon request
Languages: German, French, Italian, or English
Payment: cash or by invoice afterward
Wheelchair accessibility: the entire Guard Museum is wheelchair accessible.
Dogs: welcome
Good to know
General information
Registration required
Foreign languages
- German, English, French, Italian
Payment methods
- Cash
Directions & Parking facilities
- High above the museum entrance, the St. Peter’s Basilica—created by Heinz Julen of Zermatt—points the way to the Swiss Guard Museum.
The Swiss Guard Museum, located in the Naters Fortress, is a 20-minute walk from the Brig train station.
A new hiking trail has been built from the old village of Naters through the rocks to the museum entrance. Continuing on, you’ll pass through the southern slope to Lalden. This means you can also reach the museum via the BLS South Ramp hiking trail (Hohtenn to Naters).
There are approximately 20 parking spaces below the museum. Parking directly in front of the Swiss Guard Museum (Naters Fortress) is permitted only for people with limited mobility.
A minibus (16 seats) can reach the museum via the rocky path. The road is not passable for a large tour bus.
For groups, the “Kleine Simplon Express” is a suitable mode of transportation, offering space for up to 30 people. Price info
Minimum rate for groups of up to 9 people: flat rate of CHF 100.00
Group rate for 10 or more people: CHF 10.00 per adult / CHF 5.00 per child (ages 6–16)
Group rate for military personnel: CHF 5.00 per personContact person