Brienz is situated at 566 m above sea level and is a popular tourist resort in the Bernese Oberland. It is very idyllically situated between the Brienzer Rothorn and the Brienzersee. From Brienz there are excursions to the mountains as well as activities on the lake. The local mountain, which reaches 2350 m above sea level, is well served by a rack railroad. The ride on the steam locomotive takes an hour and is an experience in itself. The village is known for its woodcarving art and the popular open-air museum Ballenberg.
Brienz is located directly on Lake Brienz. The open-air museum Ballenberg is one of the most famous sights of Brienz. Woodcarving has a long tradition in the village. The so-called Edelweiss furniture pieces are well known. The woodcarving school, founded in 1884, is today a cantonal technical school and training workshop. A game park above Brienz was founded especially for the students' studies.
What activities can you do in Brienz?
On hikes or bike rides around the lake you will discover various natural beauties. Mountain hikes are best started with a trip to the Brienzer Rothorn. Various high-altitude trails are popular and have extremely attractive views
In winter, both the Brienzer Rothorn and the Axalp are winter sports areas. In summer, hiking is also popular at the Axalp. Water sports on Lake Brienz are very diverse. These include, for example, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, wake surfing, wakeboarding or wake skating.
Which destinations can you reach from Brienz?
The Giessbach Falls are about 5 km south of Brienz. They tumble down in 14 steps as water cascades over a total height difference of 500 meters. There are hiking trails from the lakeside to the top. The Giessbachbahn is the oldest funicular in Europe and connects the lake with a grand hotel over 100 meters in altitude.
1535 meters above sea level lies the Axalp. You can reach it by car as well as by post bus in less than 40 min from Brienz. Axalp has been used as a summering area for cattle since the 13th century.
The Brienzer Rothorn reaches 2350 m above sea level and is the local mountain of Brienz. Besides Lake Brienz, a sea of 690 mountain peaks can be seen from here.
