Swiss Customs Museum

The Swiss Customs Museum occupies a former border guard post on Lake Lugano, displaying exhibits about border control and surveillance methods throughout Swiss history.

Established in 1949, the museum preserves artifacts from both customs officers and smugglers, documenting the complex relationship between Switzerland and neighboring countries.

The museum exhibits demonstrate how border activities, including the transport of goods like tobacco, sugar, and salt, influenced the development of regional traditions.

Visitors can reach the museum by taking a boat from Lugano's main ports between April and October, operating Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00.

Located meters from the Swiss-Italian border, the museum building originally functioned without electricity or running water when serving as a border guard station.

Location: Lugano

Inception: 1949

Part of: list of cultural properties in Lugano

Opening Hours: June 09-October 18: Tuesday-Sunday 12:00-16:00

Phone: +41(0)914634922

Email: zollmuseum@bazg.admin.ch

Website: https://bazg.admin.ch/bazg/it/home/l-udsc/museo-doganale-svizzero-a-cantine-di-gandria--lugano.html

GPS coordinates: 45.99929,9.02114

Latest update: March 13, 2025 18:58