If you are looking for a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural charm, and outdoor adventure, look no further than Lake Brienz. This stunning lake in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland is one of the most scenic and serene places in the country. Surrounded by majestic mountains, lush forests, and picturesque villages, Lake Brienz offers a variety of activities and attractions for every type of traveller. Whether you want to relax on a boat ride, swim in the crystal-clear water, hike to a waterfall, or explore a historic town, Lake Brienz has something for you.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to Lake Brienz, including how to get there, where to stay, when to visit, what to do, and more. Read on to discover why Lake Brienz is Switzerland's most beautiful lake and how to plan your perfect trip there.
How to Get to Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is located in the canton of Bern, about 70 km south of the capital city of Bern and 120 km east of Geneva. The easiest and most convenient way to get to Lake Brienz is by train, as Switzerland has an excellent and efficient rail network that connects all major cities and towns. You can take a direct train from Zurich, Geneva, or Bern to Interlaken, which is the closest and best base for exploring Lake Brienz and the nearby attractions. The train journey takes about 2 hours from Zurich, 3 hours from Geneva, and 1 hour from Bern, and costs around 40 CHF, 80 CHF, and 25 CHF respectively.
You can book your train tickets online or at the station, and use the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card to save money on public transport. Alternatively, you can also drive to Lake Brienz by car, as the roads are well-maintained and scenic. However, driving in Switzerland can be expensive and challenging, as you need to pay for tolls, parking, and fuel, and deal with traffic and narrow roads. You can rent a car from any major city or airport, and use Google Maps or a GPS device to navigate. The drive to Lake Brienz takes about 1.5 hours from Zurich, 2.5 hours from Geneva, and 1 hour from Bern.
Where to Stay near Lake Brienz
One of the best places to stay near Lake Brienz is Interlaken, a charming and lively town that lies between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Interlaken is the gateway to the Jungfrau region, which is home to some of the most spectacular and famous attractions in Switzerland, such as the Jungfraujoch, the Eiger, and the Schilthorn. Interlaken has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, and from hotels to campsites. You can find something that suits your needs and preferences, whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, as a family, or as a group. Here are some of the best places to stay in Interlaken:
Budget:
If you are looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay in Interlaken, you can check out the Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, a friendly and cozy hostel that offers dorms and private rooms, as well as free breakfast, wifi, parking, and laundry. The hostel is located in a quiet and green area, but still close to the train station and the town center. You can book a bed in a dorm for as low as 30 CHF per night, or a private room for 80 CHF per night.
Mid-range:
If you are looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Interlaken, you can check out the Hotel Interlaken, a historic and elegant hotel that dates back to the 14th century. The hotel offers spacious and modern rooms, as well as a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a sauna. The hotel is located in the heart of Interlaken, next to the Japanese Garden and the Höheweg Park. You can book a double room for around 150 CHF per night, including breakfast.
Luxury:
If you are looking for a luxurious and indulgent place to stay in Interlaken, you can check out the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a grand and glamorous hotel that is one of the most prestigious and renowned in Switzerland. The hotel offers lavish and elegant rooms, as well as a spa, a pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. The hotel is located in a prime location, overlooking the Jungfrau mountain and the Lake Brienz. You can book a deluxe room for around 400 CHF per night, including breakfast.
Best Time to Visit Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz is a year-round destination, as each season offers a different and unique experience. However, the best time to visit Lake Brienz depends on what you want to see and do, as well as your budget and preference. Here are some of the pros and cons of visiting Lake Brienz in different seasons:
Spring (March to May):
Spring is a beautiful and pleasant time to visit Lake Brienz, as the weather is mild and sunny, and the nature is blooming and colorful. You can enjoy the fresh and fragrant air, the green and lush scenery, and the clear and calm water. You can also witness the famous cherry blossom festival in April, when the trees along the lake are covered with pink and white flowers. However, spring can also be unpredictable and rainy, and some of the higher-altitude attractions and activities may still be closed or inaccessible due to snow.
Summer (June to August):
Summer is the most popular and busy time to visit Lake Brienz, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the lake is at its most inviting and refreshing. You can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities, as well as the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the town and the lake. You can also catch some of the exciting and fun events, such as the Interlaken Music Festival in July, or the Lake Brienz Fireworks in August. However, summer can also be crowded and expensive, as the demand and prices for accommodation and transport are high, and the lake and the attractions are packed with tourists.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is a wonderful and peaceful time to visit Lake Brienz, as the weather is cool and crisp, and the nature is stunning and colorful. You can enjoy the spectacular and dramatic views of the lake and the mountains, as the leaves change from green to yellow, orange, and red. You can also enjoy some of the delicious and seasonal specialties, such as the chestnuts, the cheese, and the wine. However, autumn can also be chilly and foggy, and some of the attractions and activities may be closed or limited due to the low season.
Winter (December to February):
Winter is a magical and romantic time to visit Lake Brienz, as the weather is cold and snowy, and the lake and the mountains are covered with a white and sparkling blanket. You can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and other winter sports, as well as the cozy and festive atmosphere of the town and the lake. You can also experience some of the enchanting and traditional events, such as the Christmas market, the New Year's Eve fireworks, or the Ice Magic festival. However, winter can also be dark and gloomy, and some of the attractions and activities may be closed or inaccessible due to the ice.
Things to Do at Lake Brienz
Boat ride:
One of the most popular and enjoyable things to do at Lake Brienz is to take a boat ride on the lake. You can hop on one of the historic and elegant steamboats that operate daily between Interlaken and Brienz, and enjoy the panoramic and breathtaking views of the lake and the mountains. You can also stop at some of the charming and picturesque villages along the way, such as Iseltwald, Giessbach, and Oberried, and explore their culture and history. A boat ride on Lake Brienz is a relaxing and scenic way to experience the beauty and diversity of the region. You can buy a ticket for a single or round trip, or use the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card to get a discount. The prices vary depending on the season and the route, but they range from 10 CHF to 40 CHF per person. You can check the timetable and the fares on the official website of the BLS Lake Brienz Navigation.
Swimming:
If you are feeling adventurous and want to cool off in the summer, you can go swimming in Lake Brienz. The water of the lake is clean and clear, and has a turquoise and shimmering hue. The temperature of the water is usually around 18°C to 20°C in the summer, which is refreshing and invigorating. You can find several public and free beaches and swimming areas around the lake, such as the Strandbad Bönigen, the Strandbad Brienz, or the Lido Iseltwald. You can also rent a kayak, a paddle board, or a pedalo, and enjoy the water and the views from a different perspective. Swimming in Lake Brienz is a fun and exhilarating way to experience the lake and its surroundings. However, you should always be careful and follow the safety rules, such as wearing a life jacket, avoiding the boat lanes, and checking the weather and the water conditions before you go.
Hiking:
If you are a nature lover and want to explore the land around the lake, you can go hiking in Lake Brienz. The lake and the mountains offer a variety of hiking trails for every level and interest, from easy and flat to challenging and steep. You can enjoy the stunning and diverse scenery, such as the forests, the meadows, the waterfalls, and the peaks. You can also discover some of the hidden and unique gems, such as the Aare Gorge, the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, or the Axalp Moorlands. Hiking in Lake Brienz is a rewarding and memorable way to experience the lake and its surroundings. However, you should always be prepared and follow the hiking etiquette, such as wearing appropriate shoes and clothing, carrying a map and a compass, and respecting the nature and the wildlife. You can find more information and suggestions on the hiking trails on the official website of the Interlaken Tourism.
Train ride:
If you are a train enthusiast and want to experience the lake from a different angle, you can take a train ride around the lake. You can board the historic and charming Brienz Rothorn Railway, which is a steam-powered cogwheel railway that runs between Brienz and the Rothorn Kulm, the highest point of the Brienzer Rothorn mountain. You can enjoy the spectacular and dramatic views of the lake and the Alps, as well as the nostalgic and romantic atmosphere of the train. The train ride takes about an hour each way, and costs around 90 CHF per person for a round trip. You can use the Swiss Travel Pass or the Half Fare Card to get a discount. You can check the timetable and the fares on the official website of the Brienz Rothorn Railway.
Lake Brienz Itinerary
If you have one or two days to spend at Lake Brienz, you can follow this sample itinerary to make the most of your time and see the best of the lake and its surroundings. This itinerary is flexible and adaptable, depending on your interests, budget, and time. You can also add or skip some of the activities and attractions, or change the order of the itinerary.
Day 1: Interlaken - Iseltwald - Giessbach - Brienz
- Start your day in Interlaken, the main town and transport hub of the region. You can explore the town and its attractions, such as the Höheweg Park, the Japanese Garden, the Stadthaus, or the Casino. You can also enjoy some shopping, dining, or entertainment options in the town center.
- Take a boat ride from Interlaken to Iseltwald, a small and idyllic village on the south shore of the lake. You can stroll along the lakefront, visit the castle and the church, or relax in the lido. You can also hike to the Schnäggeninseli, a small and secluded island in the lake, or to the Seeburg, a viewpoint that overlooks the lake and the mountains.
- Take another boat ride from Iseltwald to Giessbach, a stunning and scenic spot on the east shore of the lake. You can admire the Giessbach Falls, a series of cascading waterfalls that plunge into the lake. You can also visit the Grandhotel Giessbach, a historic and elegant hotel that dates back to the 19th century. You can enjoy a lunch or a coffee at the hotel's restaurant or terrace, and enjoy the views of the falls and the lake.
- Take the last boat ride from Giessbach to Brienz, a charming and traditional village on the north shore of the lake. You can explore the village and its attractions, such as the woodcarving museum, the chalet museum, or the church. You can also enjoy some of the local specialties, such as the Brienz cheese, the Brienz gingerbread, or the Brienz beer. You can spend the night in Brienz, or take a train back to Interlaken.
Day 2: Brienz - Rothorn Kulm - Aare Gorge - Ballenberg
- Start your day in Brienz, or take a train from Interlaken to Brienz. You can board the Brienz Rothorn Railway, and take a train ride to the Rothorn Kulm, the highest point of the Brienzer Rothorn mountain. You can enjoy the views of the lake and the Alps, as well as the atmosphere of the steam-powered cogwheel railway. You can also hike to the summit of the mountain, or have a snack or a drink at the mountain restaurant.
- Take the train back to Brienz, and take a bus or a car to the Aare Gorge, a spectacular and narrow gorge that is carved by the Aare river. You can walk along the gorge on a wooden walkway, and marvel at the rock formations, the waterfalls, and the rapids. You can also visit the power station, the museum, or the souvenir shop at the entrance of the gorge.
- Take another bus or car to the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, a unique and fascinating museum that showcases the rural and cultural heritage of Switzerland. You can see and enter more than 100 authentic and historic buildings, such as farmhouses, barns, mills, or workshops, that are arranged in different regions and themes. You can also see and interact with more than 200 animals, such as cows, goats, sheep, or horses, that live in the museum. You can also enjoy some of the demonstrations, exhibitions, or events that take place in the museum, such as cheese making, bread baking, or folk dancing.
- Take a bus or a car back to Brienz, or take a train back to Interlaken. You can end your day and your trip with a dinner or a drink at one of the restaurants or bars in the town or the village, and enjoy the views of the lake and the mountains.
Lake Brienz is one of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in Switzerland, as it offers a variety of activities and attractions for every type of traveller. You can enjoy the natural beauty, the cultural charm, and the outdoor adventure of the lake and its surroundings, and create unforgettable memories. Lake Brienz is a destination that you should not miss when you visit Switzerland, and we hope that this guide will help you to plan and enjoy your perfect trip there.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading, and we hope to see you soon at Lake Brienz.
