Brienz Lake

Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) is one of the most dazzling natural gems of the Bernese Oberland – a long turquoise lake framed by steep green slopes, waterfalls and wooden-chalet villages. Families come here for calm promenades, easy lakeside trails, scenic cruises, mountain railways and countless photo spots. The lake often surprises even experienced travellers: its colour shifts from milky teal to bright ice-blue, depending on the light and weather.

How to get to Lake Brienz and move around?

Reaching Lake Brienz is straightforward. Trains from Interlaken take about 20 minutes, and from Lucerne around 1.5 hours. Boats connect Interlaken Ost with Brienz and the Giessbach landing station, so you can easily combine rail and lake cruises in a single day.

Driving is very convenient – renting a car is usually easier for families. There is parking at Brienz train station and at Brienz Rothorn Bahn. At Giessbach, the parking system uses QR-codes and often requires advance online reservation, otherwise the barrier may not open.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Once I arrived at Giessbach without pre-booking and could not pass the gate. Since then, I always reserve parking in advance – it saves time and stress.

Schedules change by season:

• Lake cruises follow a warm-season timetable.
• Giessbach funicular operates during the main season.
• Brienzer Rothorn Bahn runs from June to October.

Ticket prices differ by route: the Interlaken-Brienz boat is around 28 CHF one way, Giessbach funicular about 12 CHF return, and Brienz Rothorn Bahn approximately 96 CHF return (full fare).

What to see at Lake Brienz?

Why explore Brienz village and its lakeside promenade?

Brienz feels like a peaceful lakeside fairy-tale town. Wooden chalets, flower boxes and carved facades line the streets, and a lakeside promenade runs almost the entire length of the village. From here you see the mountains, waterfalls and surreal turquoise water, often described as unbelievable and almost too perfect to be real.

The promenade has sculptures, shady trees, benches and a playground – ideal for children and relaxed family walks. In summer, people swim using small ladders along the shore, and families enjoy cycling or picnicking by the water.

Brunngasse, one of the village’s historic streets, is lined with dark wooden houses on stone bases. It is considered one of the most beautiful streets in Switzerland, combining traditional architecture with an idyllic lakeside setting.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Even on busier days, mornings are quiet. This is the best time for photos with calm water and empty promenades.

How to visit Giessbach Waterfalls and Grandhotel Giessbach?

Giessbach is the signature attraction of Lake Brienz – a 14-tier waterfall dropping through forested cliffs directly into the lake. You can come very close to the water: walk behind the waterfall, cross it at several levels and follow scenic forest paths with constant lake views.

There are two ways to reach the historic Grandhotel Giessbach (Grandhotel Giessbach):

• a 20-minute forest walk from the boat station – quiet, beautiful and ideal for fully appreciating the waterfall;
• the historic 1879 funicular, one of the oldest in Switzerland, with nostalgic wooden cars and a short but atmospheric ride.

From the hotel terraces, families enjoy panoramic views of the turquoise lake and the full cascade. The area also offers several loop trails leading towards Axalp, Schwand, Brienz and peaceful forest viewpoints.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: For calm photos and fewer people, arrive early in the day. Around midday, more visitors gather on the hotel terrace and at the funicular.

Realistic notes:

• Parking requires online pre-booking and works via QR-code; many travellers find the entrance confusing.
• After heavy rain, the waterfall becomes extremely powerful – it is impressive, but also loud and clearly audible in nearby rooms.
• Some trails can be slippery, especially stone steps, so sturdy shoes are recommended.

Is the lakeside trail from Giessbach to Iseltwald worth it?

Yes – this is one of the best family-friendly walks around the lake. The route follows the shoreline for around 1-1.5 hours, mostly flat and shaded by forest, with the clear water close enough for children to dip their feet. Along the way you find rest spots, picnic areas and constant views of the turquoise surface. Many travellers say the water looks so colourful it feels like mixed paint, with a milky glow from fine glacial minerals.

Iseltwald is a small lakeside village at the end of the walk, known for its wooden houses and calm harbour.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Walk from Giessbach towards Iseltwald. When you face the sun, the lake appears more intensely turquoise in photos.

What about Lake Brienz cruises?

Cruising Lake Brienz is one of the best ways to understand its colour and shape. Families appreciate the mix of upper and lower decks, lakeside villages, waterfalls and mountain slopes passing by. Boats stop at Brienz, Iseltwald, Bönigen and Giessbach See, so it is easy to combine walking sections and cruise segments.

Travellers often choose between:

• slower panoramic cruises, perfect for photography;
• direct rides between Interlaken and Brienz (around 1-1.5 hours);
• journeys on the historic paddle steamer, which fascinates children with its visible wheel mechanism.

There are restaurants on board, and many visitors combine a cruise with a walk or a swim stop. Even on rainy days the scenery remains impressive and surprisingly peaceful.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I like to sit at the back of the upper deck – there is less wind, fewer people and often better views for photos.

How unique is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn?

Brienzer Rothorn Bahn is the last steam-powered cog railway in Switzerland. It starts directly in Brienz village and climbs to 2,244 metres, offering views of the lake, steep cliffs and more than 600 visible Alpine peaks. At the top you find restaurants, short panoramic walks and wide viewpoints – ideal for families who want mountain scenery without demanding hikes.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Morning departures usually offer clearer views, while the afternoon light tends to be better for capturing the lake’s colour in photos.

Which museums and family activities are near Lake Brienz?

For families with children, the area around Brienz is one of the richest in the Bernese Oberland.

Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (Ballenberg)
A large open-air museum with more than 100 traditional Swiss buildings, craft workshops and farm animals. It is perfect for a half-day visit with kids who enjoy open spaces and interactive activities.

Trauffer Wooden Toys Museum (Trauffer Museum)
A fun, interactive museum dedicated to Switzerland’s famous wooden cows and traditional woodcarving.

Swiss Woodcarving Museum (Swiss Woodcarving Museum)
Brienz is a centre of woodcarving, and this museum shows tools, techniques and artworks related to the craft.

Local lakeside activities
Along the lake and near Brienz you will find:

• public swimming areas with ladders and shallow access;
• playgrounds and large wooden sculptures;
• picnic and grill spots.

All these elements appear regularly along the promenade or within easy walking distance from the village centre.

Lake Brienz looks unreal – the turquoise water, the wooden houses, the mountains… a perfect Swiss postcard.

What else is located near Lake Brienz and worth visiting?

Iseltwald (Iseltwald)
A peaceful lakeside village with wooden houses, small promenades and excellent photo angles.

Interlaken (Interlaken)
The main hub between Lakes Brienz and Thun, convenient for shopping, boat connections and regional transport.

Lütschine and Aare river landscapes (Lütschine / Aare)
The Aare River carries the same turquoise minerals as the lake, creating strong colour contrasts and easy, flat walking paths along its banks.

Axalp & Hinterburgsee (Axalp / Hinterburgsee)
Mountain areas above Brienz with forest sculptures and a beautiful alpine lake – a very good option for a half-day family outing.

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More Info

Who is Lake Brienz ideal for?

Families with children
Lake Brienz offers promenades, playgrounds, safe lakeside access, boats, short trails, water-based activities and interactive museums. The terrain around Brienz and Iseltwald is generally gentle, making it comfortable for families with children aged 5-18.

Older travellers
Flat promenades, panoramic cruises and the funicular/cog railway allow less active travellers to enjoy impressive scenery without steep ascents.

Nature lovers and photo seekers
Dramatic turquoise water, waterfalls, mountain peaks and wooden-house villages provide a constant backdrop for photography. Many travellers describe Lake Brienz as dreamy, peaceful and among the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

When is the best time to visit Lake Brienz?

Each season offers a different atmosphere:

• Spring: strong waterfalls and blooming flowers.
• Summer: open swimming areas, frequent cruises and a warm family atmosphere.
• Autumn: fewer crowds and golden colours; Giessbach is especially impressive at this time.
• Winter: quiet promenades and spectacular snowy landscapes around the lake.

1-Day Brienz & Lake Brienz Itinerary

Morning (10:00-13:00) – Giessbach Waterfalls (Giessbachfälle) & Grandhotel Giessbach

Arrive by car at Giessbach Parking (QR-code access required; reserve in advance). From there it is about a 5-minute walk to the forest trail. Walk the Giessbach Waterfall Trail (20-30 minutes uphill). The path crosses several levels and includes the unique passage behind the waterfall. Continue to Grandhotel Giessbach (Grandhotel Giessbach) for terrace views of the lake and all 14 cascades. Total activity time is about 2.5-3 hours.

Descend with the Giessbach Funicular (Giessbachbahn) (around 5 minutes; seasonal) for a quick, scenic ride back towards the lake, then walk about 2 minutes to the pier.

Lunch (13:00-14:00) – On the Lake

Take the Lake Brienz Cruise (Brienzersee Schifffahrt) from Giessbach See to Brienz (about 25 minutes, depending on schedule). Boats have indoor seating and basic snacks, and the ride offers views of cliffs and turquoise water. In Brienz, have lunch at Bino’s Pizzeria (Bino’s Pizzeria) near the promenade (typically open 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-23:00) – a simple, fast and family-friendly option mentioned in the source material.

Afternoon (14:00-18:00) – Brienz Village, Promenade & Lakeside Trail

Start with the Brienz Lakeside Promenade (Brienz Promenade) (15-20 minutes). Sculptures, shady trees, a playground and regular benches make it perfect for photo stops and short breaks along the bright turquoise water.

Continue into Brunngasse (Brunngasse) – classic wooden chalets and one of the most picturesque streets in the region. Walk at an easy pace or let children explore the lakeside access points, where people swim from steps and ladders.

If time allows, follow the Lakeside Path from Brienz towards Iseltwald as far as comfortable (the full length is about 1-1.5 hours one way). The path stays close to the water with continuous views and flat terrain, making it ideal for families.

Dinner (17:30-18:00)

Return to Brienz village and choose a lakeside restaurant near the promenade. Enjoy the changing colours over the water at sunset to finish the day.

Traveler Reviews – Brienz

1. Emma Collins – visited July 2019
   I still remember stepping onto the Brienz lakeside promenade and being stunned by the turquoise water – it looked almost unreal, like someone had mixed paint into it. We walked with the kids from the village towards the playground and sculptures, and it felt very peaceful. The lake was cold, but my teenagers loved dipping their feet. A simple, beautiful day that never felt crowded.
2. Daniel Hart – visited August 2021
   We took the boat from Brienz to Giessbach See, and that short ride was a highlight. The lake colour kept changing as the clouds moved. The walk up to Giessbach Waterfalls was easy enough for our 8-year-old, and standing behind the waterfall felt like a scene from a film. The only downside: you really need good shoes, as parts of the trail were slippery after rain.
3. Sofia Bennett – visited May 2024
   Brienz was the quiet break we needed. We wandered through Brunngasse – beautiful wooden houses everywhere – and then followed the long promenade. My favourite moment was watching people swim straight from the lakeside steps. We ended the day with a cruise towards Interlaken, which gave us the best views of the cliffs and waterfalls. If you go, arrive early; afternoon boats are busier.
4. Michael Grant – visited September 2018
   We planned a short stop in Brienz and ended up staying all afternoon. The lakeside trail towards Iseltwald is incredibly relaxing: flat, shaded and close to the water. Our kids collected stones, and we paused at several picnic spots. The lake looked brightest when we walked facing the sun. Just remember that boats are less frequent later in the day.
5. Laura Mitchell – visited June 2023
   The Giessbach Funicular felt like time travel – wooden cars, a slow climb and a spectacular view of the Grandhotel above. We walked down instead of riding back, which meant quieter paths and more waterfall viewpoints. Parking was confusing, though, with the QR-code system. We had to circle twice before figuring it out. Still, the waterfall itself was unforgettable and absolutely worth it.
6. Kevin Ross – visited April 2022
   Our family loved how easy Brienz felt. We parked near the station, grabbed pizza and took a relaxed lakeside stroll. The water colour was incredible – milky teal, especially in the afternoon. The kids ran between sculptures, and we even saw people swimming despite the cold temperature. Brienz lacks the heavy crowds of Interlaken, which made the experience calmer and more enjoyable.

Tips from the Itinerary Expert

1. Walk up to Giessbach Waterfalls and ride the funicular down
   From experience, the forest path offers better viewpoints, especially where you can walk behind Giessbach Waterfalls. It is also quieter than the lower funicular station. Children enjoy stopping at each level. I usually walk up and ride down – it saves energy and time.
2. Pre-book Giessbach parking – the QR system can block you out
   The entrance gate uses a QR-code, and several travellers have struggled with it. I once had to drive in circles before figuring it out. Book parking in advance and keep a screenshot of the code, as mobile reception in the forest is not always stable.
3. For the strongest turquoise colour of Lake Brienz, walk facing the sun
   On the promenade and on the lakeside trail towards Iseltwald, the water becomes intensely milky-teal when the light hits it from behind you. I have tried both directions – walking toward the sun always gives the most striking photos.
4. Plan around boat schedules – late departures are infrequent
   The cruise between Brienz, Giessbach and Interlaken is less frequent later in the day. Once I reached the pier just five minutes after departure and had to wait nearly an hour. Always check the timetable before starting a hike or a long walk.
5. Wear proper shoes for Giessbach – rain makes the stone steps slippery
   Sections of the waterfall trail become wet and slick after rain. Even though the walk is relatively easy, good shoes make a big difference, especially with children who like to explore near the water. The views are excellent, but secure footing is important.

Sunset on Lake Brienz – the kind of moment that makes you stop, breathe, and just admire the world.

Insights from the Itinerary Expert

I last visited Brienz (Lake Brienz) in September 2023, and even after years of exploring Switzerland, this place still feels quietly special. The colour of the lake is extraordinary – a shifting mix of milky teal and bright turquoise that looks different every hour. I enjoy starting the day on the Brienz Lakeside Promenade (Brienz Promenade), where families can walk, relax and let children use the playgrounds without feeling rushed.

One moment that always stays with me is the climb to Giessbach Waterfalls (Giessbachfälle). Walking behind the waterfall is refreshing and unforgettable. The route is easy, but stone steps can be slippery after rain, so good shoes are essential. The QR-parking system near Giessbach really does require preparation; I learned that personally when I arrived without a reservation.

The lake cruise is another experience I never skip. The short ride from Brienz to Giessbach See (Giessbach See) gives excellent photo angles, especially when the light hits the water at an angle. If you then walk towards Iseltwald, try to face the sun – the water becomes even more intensely turquoise.

Brienz is a wonderful choice for families who want nature, calm scenery, outdoor activities and places that still feel authentic. If you plan to explore Brienz or the wider region, the Itinerary Expert can help you create a personalised route that fits your family’s pace, interests and travel style.

FAQ – Brienz (Lake Brienz)

Is Brienz suitable for families with children?
Yes. The lakeside promenade, safe swimming spots, playgrounds and easy trails make Brienz highly suitable for families with children of different ages.

How long does the walk to Giessbach Waterfalls (Giessbachfälle) take?
The forest trail from the boat station to the hotel area takes about 20-30 minutes and is family-friendly, with several viewpoints along the way.

Is the Giessbach Funicular appropriate for kids?
Yes. The 1879 funicular is short, scenic and suitable for children. There are no special age restrictions mentioned, and families often enjoy its historic character.

Do I need to book parking at Giessbach in advance?
Yes. Parking operates with a QR-code system, and advance booking is recommended to ensure access through the automated gate.

What is the best way to photograph the turquoise colour of Lake Brienz?
From experience, the colour looks brightest when you walk toward the sun, especially along the lakeside trail towards Iseltwald. The water then appears more intensely turquoise.

Can children swim in Lake Brienz?
Yes, but the water is cold even in summer. Many families use lakeside ladders near the promenade for short swims, and close supervision is important.

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