Brienz Travel Guide

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Brienz, Switzerland, through our comprehensive travel guide featuring key attractions, accommodations, food, and culture.


Brienz, a stunning village in the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Highlands region, offers visitors an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, culture, and romance. From the towering Alps to the sparkling emerald waters of Lake Brienz, the town’s surroundings are nothing short of majestic.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey throughout Brienz, with recommendations for the top places to visit, activities to enjoy, delectable cuisine to taste, and local customs. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an outdoor adventure, Brienz has something to offer every traveler. Let’s dive right in!

Introduction to Brienz

Brienz is a small town with a population of just over 3,000 and is situated on the eastern shores of Lake Brienz. It is a perfect spot for people who love the outdoors and nature, with a backdrop featuring high mountain peaks and merging green valleys. The town itself is charming, with wooden chalets and cobbled streets juxtaposed against a stunning natural landscape.

List of Places to Visit in Brienz

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Brienz is rich in history and culture, with plenty of museums and historical places to visit. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • Ballenberg Open-Air Museum: This unique museum resembles a village with over 100 rural buildings from different parts of Switzerland. Each building is furnished with original items from its respective region and offers a glimpse into Swiss rural life.
  • Brienz Rothorn Railway: Take a breathtaking tour on this vintage steam train through the mountainous terrain to the summit of the Brienz Rothorn, Switzerland’s third-highest mountain.
  • Woodcarving Museum: This museum showcases the unique woodcarving tradition of Brienz and features intricate carvings of various types. Visitors can learn about the history of Brienz woodcarvings as well as the techniques used.

Natural Attractions of Brienz: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural beauty of Brienz is captivating, with its crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and picturesque mountains. Here are some top recommendations for exploring the town’s natural surroundings:

  • Lake Brienz: This emerald green lake is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful lakes. Visitors can take a leisurely boat tour or even go scuba diving to get a closer look at the lake’s marine life.
  • Harder Kulm: Accessible via a funicular railway, this mountaintop offers panoramic views of Interlaken and Lake Brienz. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal with views of the surrounding landscapes from various cafes and restaurants on-site.
  • Giessbach Waterfall: This impressive waterfall with cascading water beltings out from a height of 500 feet is a remarkable site. Visitors can follow a hiking trail from the top of the falls down to the banks of Lake Brienz.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Brienz

For outdoor enthusiasts, Brienz has a plethora of hiking and biking trails to explore. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  • Brienzer Rothorn: This mountaintop has several hiking trails, with the most popular being the historic steam train trek, which takes travelers through picturesque railroads and peaks at the very top of the mountain for stunning panoramic views.
  • Axalp: This is a great place for mountain biking; visitors can explore forest roads and trails and ascend up to Oxenberge, with views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.
  • Faulhorn: This hike provides a thrilling experience with its steep cliffs and rocky terrain. It culminates in an intersection of three historical hiking routes with incredible views of the surrounding area.

Best Things to Do in Brienz: Activities and Tours

Brienz offers visitors a range of activities, from unparalleled natural beauty to exploring the town’s rich culture. Below are some unique experiences not to miss:

  • Paragliding, Interlaken: Get a birds-eye view of the town with a tandem paraglide to Interlaken. You can even take a video of the experience to cherish forever.
  • Swimming in Lake Brienz: Take a dip in the clear-blue waters of Lake Brienz; there are several spots to swim, surrounded by nature’s stunning beauty.
  • Tour the Festung Furigen: This 20th-century military fortress used to protect the passes in Switzerland. Visitors can take a guided tour to understand its history and absorb its engineering marvel.

Week-Long Itinerary for Brienz

Brienz is an idyllic locale to spend a week surrounded by natural beauty and heritage. Here’s a recommended itinerary for a one-week stay in Brienz:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Brienz and take a leisurely stroll around the lake harbor, take in the serene views.
  • Day 2 and 3: Spend time hiking the mountain passes and summits.
  • Day 4: Visit the Ballenberg Open-Air museum to explore the rural culture and history
  • Day 5: Spend the day sailing and swimming on Lake Brienz.
  • Day 6: Get a bird’s eye view of the town while paragliding over Interlaken.
  • Day 7: Explore the charming town of Brienz and shop for local souvenirs.

Food and Drink Scene of Brienz

No trip is complete without trying the local food and drink offerings. Brienz boasts a range of unique culinary experiences to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rosti: This is a Swiss version of hash browns with crispy potatoes served with bacon and eggs.
  • Fondue: This is one of Switzerland’s signature dishes, melted cheese served with morsels of bread with dipping sauces.
  • Swiss chocolate: Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, and there are several chocolate factories in Switzerland well worth a visit.

Local Beverages

  • Swiss wine: Switzerland’s best-kept secret is its wine. Sample some of their white or reds, whichever suits you best.
  • Beer: Why not try the local beer, brewed in Swiss microbreweries.

Where to Stay in Brienz: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Brienz offers several accommodation options for visitors. Here are some of the top places to stay:

  • Grandhotel Giessbach: This grandeur hotel opened in 1874 is located next to Giessbach Waterfall with stunning views of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.
  • Schwizi’s Apartments: These spacious suites are perfect for families since they offer the convenience of a home and a stunning view of the lakeside.
  • Chalet Romantica: This ancient-wooden house custom-fitted with modern amenities is a perfect option for a romantic getaway.

What to Buy in Brienz: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can’t leave Brienz empty-handed. Here are some souvenirs and local products to take home:

  • Handcrafted Wooden Gifts: There are many artisan shops selling intricate wooden carvings from the region.
  • Swiss Cheese: Bring back some Swiss cheese, world-famous for its rich, nutty flavor.
  • Swiss Cowbells: A trip to Switzerland is not complete without a traditional cowbell for a unique souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Brienz

Swiss culture is rich and diverse, and Brienz has its unique traditions. Here are a few customs you may notice:

  • Costumes and Festivals: In summer, the Brienz Rothorn Railway festival is celebrated in traditional Alpine costumes and featuring delicious local food.
  • Woodcarving: Woodcarving has a rich tradition in Brienz, and visitors can witness their artisans crafting wooden sculptures.
  • Language: The official language of Switzerland is German, and while most people in Brienz can speak English, it’s always appreciated to learn a few German phrases.

Best Time to visit Brienz

Brienz provides stunning scenery year-round, with differing activities depending on the seasons. The best time to visit Brienz is from May to October during the mild summer months.

  • Summer: The mild summer weather is perfect to explore the outdoors, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and an average of 10 hours of daylight.
  • Winter: When the snow falls, Brienz transforms into a winter paradise, perfect for skiing and other winter activities, even enjoying the spectacular scenery.

Do’s and Don’ts of Brienz

Do:

  • Respect Etiquette: Swiss etiquette means being punctual and courteous always, including saying ‘Gruetzi’ (Hello) and ‘auf Wiedersehen’ (Goodbye) when greeting and leaving people.
  • Leave it Clean: Switzerland is known for its cleanliness, hence, dispose of rubbish in the plastic bins on the street.
  • Try to Speak German: When in Switzerland, Swiss German is an excellent language to learn, and the locals are thrilled when visitors put in an effort.

Don’t:

  • Be loud in public: Swiss people are relatively reserved, so make sure not to make a lot of noise in public areas.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not common in Switzerland – it’s already included in the service charge, except for exceptionally excellent service.

Safety and Health

Safety in Brienz

Brienz is known for its safe environment, and crime rates are much lower than many other parts of the world. Visitors will enjoy a calm and serene environment while exploring the town and its surroundings.

Health in Brienz

Switzerland boasts one of the best medical systems globally, making it relatively safe for visitors. While there are no safety concerns, it’s still a good idea to have travel medical insurance for any eventuality.

Getting to Brienz: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Brienz

If traveling by air, the closest airport is Bern-Belp Airport. Other airports in the vicinity include Zurich Airport and Geneva Airport.

Bus Stations Near Brienz

Brienz has a centrally located railway station, with regular regional train and bus services making it easy for visitors to get around. There is also a ferry with a regular schedule making it possible to take in all the lakeside towns.

Other Options

Finally, for those who prefer to travel during daylight, the journey by car is also very scenic.

How to Get Around in Brienz

Brienz is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer journeys, it’s best to take a bus from the town’s central station or even by boat on Lake Brienz.

Where to Go Next from Brienz: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Brienz is pretty much the center of adventure with Interlaken being home to the stellar Jungfruajoch – the top of the world. You can also take this journey using the famous Jungfrau railway. Other nearby destinations include the popular ski resort, Gstaad or the lively Swiss capital Bern.

Conclusion

Brienz is undoubtedly one of Switzerland’s most picturesque destinations, and we’re confident that this guide has given you something you’ve been looking for on your next vacation. The town’s natural beauty, delightful culture, and delicious cuisine promise to provide a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. With so much to see and do, why wait? Start planning your next trip to Brienz today.

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