Meteorite law in Switzerland
Ownerless natural objects of scientific value belong to the canton where they are found. The finder is entitled to a reward of up to half the value.
Belongs to the state
Who owns a find? The Swiss Civil Code says that ownerless natural specimens and antiquities of scientific value belong to the canton on whose territory they are found. Meteorites fall under this rule. They may not be sold without the canton's consent, cannot be acquired in good faith by a buyer, and the canton's right to recover them never expires.
The finder's reward: the finder is entitled to an appropriate reward, which may not exceed half the value of the find. Landowners must allow recovery in return for compensation for any damage.
In practice hundreds of pieces of the Twannberg iron meteorite have been found in the canton of Bern, and the canton has issued rules for how searchers report and hand in finds. Anyone searching in Switzerland should contact the cantonal authority first.
This is general information to help you ask the right questions, not legal advice. Laws change and their details matter, and this summary was last reviewed in 2026. Before you search, buy, sell or export a meteorite, check the current law with the authorities of the country concerned or a qualified lawyer. See meteorite law by country.
Related pages
Glossary: Meteorite ownership, Export rules, Landowner permission, Provenance