The Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen, Switzerland
The name of the Swiss town Meiringen may first bring to mind the similar-sounding confection known as meringues that are said to have originated here. However, readers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books know it as the place where Holmes was said to meet his demise, Meiringen’s Reichenbach Falls.
Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen, Switzerland
Meiringen’s Sherlock Holmes Museum, with its backdrop of the thundering falls, opened in 1991 in the old English church on the 100th anniversary of Holmes’ presumed death.
Perceptive fans who scrutinize the statue of Holmes by the museum will recognize dozens of symbolic clues that relate to the stories.
They will also recognize the items in the carefully collected exhibits.
Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen, Switzerland
There is an authenticated recreation of Sherlock Holmes’ and assistant Dr. Watson’s high Victorian parlor at 221 B Baker Street in London. Items are immediately identifiable to readers of Doyle’s books, from the Inverness cap and topper and gloves on the dining room table to the biscuit barrel and butter dish.
recreation of Sherlock Holmes’ parlour, Sherlock Holmes Museum, Meiringen, Switzerland
Meiringen was once a top destination in the emerging mountaineering and tourist trade popular with wealthy Englishmen. Another statue by the museum honors Meiringen resident Melchior Anderegg (1827-1914), who was called “König der Bergführer”, or “King Alpine Guides.”
statue honoring Melchior Anderegg, Meiringen, Switzerland
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle came here in search of a location for his novel’s fatal event. A funicular now takes visitors to those falls.
Reichenbach Falls. Meiringen, Switzerland
The ParkHotel du Sauvage, where Holmes was said to spend his last night, is next door.
Parkhotel du Sauvage, Meiringen, Switzerland
The falls, hotel, and church are on the Swiss list of cultural property, and Meiringen is part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage sites.
Great article.
Thank you. Fascinating place.