Legendary detective, master of deduction and adventurer of the human mind, Sherlock Holmes is a character who has transcended the pages of novels to become a veritable icon of popular culture. Although his adventures take place mainly in the misty alleyways of London, it was in Switzerland, in the heart of the Alps, that one of the most significant chapters in his history and that of his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, took root. Today, enthusiasts of the famous detective can also immerse themselves in the world of Holmes in Switzerland, thanks to the museum founded by the writer’s son.
The fateful meeting with Switzerland
It was in the majestic setting of the Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen that Sherlock Holmes and his arch-enemy Professor Moriarty engaged in a fierce battle. Conan Doyle, eager to bring a time-consuming series to a close, chose this spectacular location for what was to be his hero’s final act. In 1893’s “The Last Problem”, Holmes disappeared into the tumultuous waters of the Reichenbach, plunging his readers into a stupor. But the story didn’t end there. Faced with popular pressure, Conan Doyle had to resurrect his character, giving Sherlock Holmes an unexpected renaissance. This symbolic episode in the detective’s career undeniably links Holmes to Switzerland, a country that would later become a sanctuary for fans of the detective.
A shrine to the world’s greatest detective
In 1957, Adrian Conan Doyle, the author’s son, took the initiative of creating a unique museum, the “Sherlock Holmes Museum”, in Meiringen. Dedicated to his father’s work, the museum is much more than just a collection of objects. It is a tribute to the literary legacy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the cultural impact of Sherlock Holmes. Since 2001, the Museum has been housed in the Victorian-style “Maison Rouge” in Lucens, offering visitors an immersion in the world of the detective: letters, first editions, scene reconstructions and even personal objects by Conan Doyle.
This museum is a window onto a world where fiction meets reality. Each room tells a part of the Sherlock Holmes story, from the bustling streets of London to the tranquil mountains of Switzerland, where intrigue lurks in every corner.
Sherlock Holmes and the Swiss spirit
Switzerland, with its picturesque landscapes and peaceful ambience, represents an ideal setting for introspection and reflection, qualities that define Sherlock Holmes. Although the detective is primarily associated with the hustle and bustle of London, his links with Switzerland, through Conan Doyle’s work, underline another facet of his character: that of the man who, having confronted evil throughout the world, seeks a refuge where he can rest, reflect and continue to unravel the mysteries of the world.
The museum, guardian of a heritage
Today, the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen is a place of pilgrimage for fans of the detective from all over the world. A visit to the museum doesn’t just revisit Holmes’ adventures; it also explores Conan Doyle’s enduring legacy, and reveals how a fictional character could influence global culture so profoundly.
Through the permanent exhibitions and events organized in his honor, the museum continues to live and breathe the Sherlock Holmes myth, while celebrating the creativity and influence of an author who, in shaping his hero’s deductive mind, also inspired generations of thinkers, researchers and investigators.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Rue des Greniers 7, Case postale 95, 1522 Lucens
Saturday-Sunday 14:00 – 17:00
Phone : 021 906 73 33, in case of non-response: 076 583 61 33
Email : sherlock@lucens.ch
Website : www.lucens.ch/sherlockholmes