The beauty of Brinz has been drawing visitors to the town with its wooden chalets for centuries. The spectacular location on the lake of the same name and the Alpine crown as a backdrop add to the beauty of this area.

The picturesque village of Brienz in Switzerland

Since the British invented tourism in Switzerland, Brienz has been a must-see on any “Grand Tour of Europe”. Tourism still occupies most of its economy, today the neighboring Jungfrau region is at the forefront of most itineraries.

The peaceful lakeside town of Brienz is steeped in the tradition of woodcarving. Before tourism provided an additional source of income for the farming community, the locals were poor and working conditions were never clean. But it so often happens that starvation stimulates the imagination. In the case of Brienz, it was Christian Fletcher, a self-taught wood carver who began selling his goods produced during long winter months to tourists almost two centuries ago. He laid the foundations for what was to become the finest wood carving estate in Switzerland. Wood carving has a long tradition throughout the Swiss Alps, but wood carvers from Brienz and the Bernese Oberland initially turned it into a source of income.

Let’s start at the “Schiffstation” (boat launch) right across the train station and wander along the shoreline toward the Church. This walk is about 3 km / 1.9 miles long and takes as much time as you are willing to give it. There’s so much to see, it would be a pity to rush. Depending on the time of day you start, or if you are just plain hungry, stop in one of the lakeside restaurants for lunch or a snack. The combination of lakes and the Alps made this area very attractive. Summers are warm and winters are mild. Even palm trees survive here.

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Giessbach Falls: A must-see at Lake Brienz

Quay Brienz

One says that this lake promenade is one of the finest. Linger, unwind and take off your shoes to immerse your weary feet in the crystal clear water. Or come back after your walking tour and enjoy the sunset here.

When you are ready to continue, cross “Hauptstrasse” (Main Street) and walk up “Schlee- and Chilchgasse” to the church. Switzerland’s only Wood Carving School is located on Schleegasse 1 and has a small exhibition room with a collection of wood carvings. It’s open during school hours.

Best view to Brienz from the Church

Walk all the way up the small hill to the Church and you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view.

The Swiss Violin Making School can be found at Oberdorfstrasse 94. They have a large library and you are welcome to visit their reading room during normal business hours. Oberdorfstrasse was “Main Street” in earlier times and you find some of the largest wooden chalets here. Lovingly decorated entrances, windowsills and balconies give evidence of the artistically gifted people all over Brienz.

This is a collection of carved house signs, different for each family. Families not only had or still have their own coat of arms, they distinguished themselves from each other by carving simple signs into objects and even sealed documents with it. Farmers shave their own sign onto cows before they head up to spend summers on Alpine pastures. This way dairymen know which cow belongs to whom.

Brunngasse, the most romantic street in Brienz

Follow “Oberdorfstrasse” all the way to “Brunngasse”, the most romantic lane in Brienz. Walk down this narrow cobble stoned path and you emerge at the “Hauptstrasse” (Main street). Most houses here have been around since the 18th century. The suntanned chalets are treasured and carefully restored where necessary.

Don’t expect to see “Brunngasse” this empty during the high tourist season in July and August. It was once awarded “the most beautiful street in Europe” and it wasn’t kept a secret. Outside of the peak tourist season, Brienz is still as ideal as ever. From “Brunngasse” follow “Hauptstrasse” back to the Train Station or Boat launch. Along the way you find some interesting souvenir shops full of locally handmade wood carvings. The Wood Carving Museum is certainly worth your while. It’s housed in the Jobin building on Hauptstrasse 111. You can even carve your own souvenir there.

Brienz Attractions

Brienz Lake Promenade

Lake Brienz is one of the cleanest lakes, and you can swim for free anywhere you find a spot. Locals love to chill out at the traffic-free Quay after work to relax and enjoy the ever-changing views. The sunset is one of the finest.

The official lido is located a 10 minute walk to the east of the train station on “Strandweg”. Large meadow directly at the lake; paddling pool and playground for children; water trampoline.

Wood Carving Museum

It displays a large collection of antiques, new wood carvings, sculptures and music boxes. The museum provides an insight into the history of wood carving. You can even make your own souvenirs.

Wood Carving School

Founded in 1884, this is the only school in Switzerland that teaches wood carving and sculpting in a 4-year training course. The small exhibition room is open during school hours.

Violin Making School

If you are interested in all things “strings” you might want to check out their extensive library. The reading room is open during school hours. The school organizes exhibitions and a few music events during the summer. Do check with their website.

Excursions

Cruising Lake Brienz

Always a highlight is a cruise on Lake Brienz. Regular boats stop at the villages around the lake and make it easy to explore the region. Or have lunch or dinner on one of the extra cruises during the summer months.

Giessbach Falls and Grand Hotel Giessbach

Take the boat from Brienz to the Giessbach boat launch where the funicular takes you up to the Grand Hotel Giessbach. Enjoy fabulous views while having coffee or a meal on the terrace. Short circle walk to watch the water of the Giessbach Falls tumble down into the lake.

Going up to the Rothorn

Climbing mountains does not always involve breaking into a sweat (unless you insist). The nostalgic Brienz Rothorn Railway with its steam engines will huff and puff up the mountain for you.

Open Air Museum Ballenberg

Experience Switzerland’s living traditions just down the road from Brienz. A short ten minute ride by bus will transport you back in time.

Four Alpine Passes in one Day

Conquer four alpine passes the easy way in one day. Round-trip from Meiringen. Ever changing landscapes – mighty glaciers, high alpine passes, steep and curvy roads (now there’s a way to break a sweat without even trying), romantic villages and southern flair. Mid June to beginning of October.

On the Heels of Sherlock Holmes

Meiringen lies, just 12 minutes by train, from Brienz at the entrance to the Haslital. Meringen became famous for its 656-foot high Reichenbach Falls, here the author Conan Doyle, tried to kill off his famous fictional character Sherlock Holmes. There is even a Sherlock Museum here. To ease the suspense, the sweet and crunchy dessert, meringues, which was invented in Meiringen is just perfect.

Jungfrau Region

This region is probably on every visitor’s wish-list, especially the Jungfraujoch, and it’s easily visited from Brienz via Interlaken Ost.

Popular Hiking Trails

There are approximately 500 km (311 miles) groomed hiking and walking trails an 420 km (261 miles) signalized mountain bike routes. The hiking options below are just a small selection of all the possibilities.

Woodcarving trail Axalp

From dreamy Axalp (40 minutes by bus) on the South slope of the Lake and right across Brienz one enjoys fabulous views to the area. The “Schnitzler Weg” (Wood Carving Trail) is a relative easy hike of about an hour. 80 wood carving sculptures along the way that leads to the “Hinterburgsee”, a small romantic lake on the foot of Oltschiburg Mountain.

Schweibenalp Alpine Permaculture and Centre of Unity

Switzerland’s largest Permaculture project on Axalp is a place of power, magic and impressive views. If you are interested in aromatic herbs, medicinal and native plants, stop at this sacred place while hiking high above Lake Brienz – or participate in one of the many events. Open for visits 10am to noon and 2pm to 5pm.

Hiking in the Rothorn area

Hiking the Rothorn Trails

The terrain is steep and surefootedness is required on the many trails that lead both sides back down into the valleys – Sörenberg and Brienz. Take the Brienzer Rothorn steam train up to the summit and hike back down. On Planalp, the river Mühlebach plunges 100 m – 328 ft from the cliff, not unlike the more famous Staubbachfälle in Lauterbrunnen.

“Fairy Path” from Giessbach to Iseltwald

After you’ve gorged on goodies on the Terrace of the Grand Hotel Giessbach and explored the waterfall, follow the “Fairy Path” along the south bank of Lake Brienz to Iseltwald. The easy walk leads through a magical forest.

Camino along Lake Brienz

Part of the pilgrimage route parallels the lake on both sides between Brienz and Interlaken. If you walk along the north shore stop at castle Ringgenberg for contemplation.

Aareschlucht between Meiringen and Innertkirchen

The hike through the Aare Gorge (1.4 km / 0.62 mi and up to 200 m / 656 ft deept) is impressive and very special, one could even say it is a mystical experience. You might even meet the “Tatzelwurm”, the Aare gorge dragon who terrorized the inhabitants for decades. The river Aare carved its way through limestone thousands of years ago. Open end of March until October.

Rosenlaui Gorge

A narrow hiking trail leads through this picturesque gorge and back over the forest trail. Easy hike on a small path along grottos and cliffs. The postal bus takes you from Meiringen to the Rosenlaui Gorge from where you start the circle route. Open between May and October.

Hotels in Brienz

Following quick links to a few hotels in Brienz. Of course, there are more, but these are my preferred stays. For more options, please refer to the page about Accommodations.

Grandhotel Giessbach****

The historic Grandhotel Giessbach is not directly located in Brienz, but right across the lake. Scenic location on top of a hill overlooking Lake Brienz. Has its own little funicular that brings you up to the hotel from the boat launch. Right next to the Giessbach Falls. Great regular events, from music to dance and ballet evenings.

Hotel Lindenhof***

This chalet-style Hotel Lindenhof (not a hostel as mentioned on the booking page) is conveniently close to the train station/boat launch. Beautiful garden, fabulous views and peaceful site.

Hotel Wildbach**

Just a bit outside Brienz (about one km – 0.6mi), Hotel Wildbach overlooks lake Brienz. Great terrace, nice rooms.

Hotel and Restaurant Steinbock*

The Hotel Steinbock is directly located at “Hauptstrasse” (Main street) and close to the train station and boat launch. The historic chalet style building was completely renovated in 2006 and offers all amenities for a great stay in Brienz.

B&B Spycher Brienz

The historic wooden chalet Spycher Brienz is situated above the train and Rothornbahn station. Two traditional style rooms, nice garden, breakfast included.

Aaregg Camping

Fantastic location directly at the lake. You not only can pitch your tent or bring your own camper, Aaregg Camping also offers lodging in 3-bed-Pod-Houses, starting at only CHF40.