Have you ever dreamed of visiting a lake that is so beautiful and serene that it looks like a painting? A lake that is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, charming villages and green forests? A lake that offers endless possibilities for fun and adventure?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to visit Lake Brienz Switzerland.
Lake Brienz is one of the most stunning and scenic lakes in Switzerland, and also one of the best places to visit in Europe.
It is located in the Bernese Oberland region, about 90 km from Zurich and 60 km from Bern. It is also very close to Interlaken, the famous tourist hub that connects Lake Brienz with Lake Thun.
Lake Brienz is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy a variety of activities on and around the lake, such as cruising, hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and more.
You can also explore the cultural and historical attractions of the villages that dot the lake shore, such as Brienz, Iseltwald and Giessbach.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous holiday, Lake Brienz has something for everyone. In this ultimate guide, we will show you everything you need to know about Lake Brienz, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay and what to eat.
By the end of this guide, you will be ready to pack your bags and book your trip to Lake Brienz. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Let’s get started!
How to get to Lake Brienz Switzerland
Lake Brienz is very easy to reach from Zurich or Bern, as well as from other major cities in Switzerland and Europe. There are several ways to get to Lake Brienz, depending on your preference and budget.
Here are the main options:
- By train: The train is the easiest and most scenic way to get to Lake Brienz. You can take the Interlaken Express from Zurich or Bern, which will take you to Interlaken Ost station in about 2 hours. From there, you can transfer to the regional train that runs along the northern shore of Lake Brienz, stopping at several villages such as Bönigen, Iseltwald, Brienz and Giessbach. You can also take the Golden Pass Line from Lucerne or Montreux, which will take you to Interlaken Ost via Meiringen and Brünig Pass.
- By car: If you prefer to drive, you can take the A1 motorway from Zurich or Bern and exit at Interlaken. From there, you can follow the signs to Lake Brienz and choose either the northern or southern shore road. The drive will take about 1.5 hours from Zurich or 1 hour from Bern. However, be aware that parking can be limited and expensive in some places around the lake.
- By bus: Another option is to take the bus from Zurich or Bern to Interlaken Ost station. You can use the Swiss Travel System website to check the timetables and prices of the buses. From Interlaken Ost station, you can either take the train or the bus that runs along the lake.
- By plane: The closest airport to Lake Brienz is Bern Airport, which is about 50 km away. You can take a shuttle bus from the airport to Bern train station and then take the Interlaken Express train to Interlaken Ost station. Alternatively, you can fly to Zurich Airport or Geneva Airport and then take the train or bus to Interlaken Ost station.
What to do at Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. You can enjoy the beauty of nature, the culture of the villages and the thrill of adventure.
Here are some of the best things to do at Lake Brienz:
- Cruise on the lake: One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Lake Brienz is by taking a cruise on one of the historic paddle steamers or modern boats that operate on the lake. You can hop on and off at any of the 12 stops along the lake and admire the stunning views of the mountains, waterfalls and villages.
You can also enjoy a meal or a drink on board while listening to live music or commentary. The cruises run from April to October and you can check the timetable and prices here.
- Hike around the lake: If you love hiking, you will find plenty of trails around Lake Brienz that suit different levels of difficulty and duration. Some of the most popular hikes are:
- The Brienzer Rothorn Trail: This trail starts from Brienz village and takes you up to the summit of Brienzer Rothorn (2350 m), where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Alps.
The hike takes about 4 hours one way and is challenging but rewarding. You can also take a cable car or a steam train up or down if you prefer. - The Giessbach Falls Trail: This trail starts from Giessbach village and takes you along a scenic path that passes by several waterfalls, including the famous Giessbach Falls (500 m), which plunge into Lake Brienz.
The hike takes about 2 hours round trip and is easy but steep in some parts. You can also take a funicular up or down if you want. - The Axalp Trail: This trail starts from Axalp village and takes you through a forested area that offers views of Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.
The hike takes about 3 hours round trip and is moderate but rewarding. You can also take a bus up or down if you wish.
- The Brienzer Rothorn Trail: This trail starts from Brienz village and takes you up to the summit of Brienzer Rothorn (2350 m), where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Brienz, Lake Thun and the Alps.
- Bike around the lake: If you prefer biking, you can rent a bike from Interlaken or Brienz and cycle around the lake on the designated bike paths. The bike route is about 40 km long and takes about 3 hours to complete.
You can also stop at any of the villages or attractions along the way and enjoy the scenery. You can find more information about the bike route here. - Kayak on the lake: If you are feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak from Bönigen or Iseltwald and paddle on the lake at your own pace. You can explore the hidden coves, islands and beaches of the lake and get close to nature.
You can also join a guided kayak tour that will take you to some of the best spots on the lake and teach you some kayaking skills. You can find more information about the kayak rentals and tours here. - Swim in the lake: If you want to cool off, you can swim in the lake at any of the public beaches or lidos that are located around the lake. The water temperature ranges from 18°C to 24°C in summer and is clean and clear. Some of the best places to swim are:
- Strandbad Bönigen: This beach is located in Bönigen village and has a large grassy area, a sandy beach, a playground, a volleyball court, a kiosk and a restaurant. It is open from May to September and has an entrance fee of CHF 5 for adults and CHF 3 for children.
- Seebad Iseltwald: This lido is located in Iseltwald village and has a wooden pier, a diving platform, a slide, a sunbathing area, a kiosk and a restaurant. It is open from June to September and has an entrance fee of CHF 4 for adults and CHF 2 for children.
- Strandbad Brienz: This beach is located in Brienz village and has a sandy beach, a grassy area, a playground, a volleyball court, a kiosk and a restaurant. It is open from May to September and has an entrance fee of CHF 5 for adults and CHF 3 for children.
Where to stay at Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz has a variety of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, guesthouses, apartments, campsites or even boats that are moored on the lake.
Here are some of the best places to stay at Lake Brienz:
- Grandhotel Giessbach: This hotel is located on a hill above Giessbach village and offers stunning views of Lake Brienz and Giessbach Falls. It is a historic building that dates back to 1874 and has been renovated with modern amenities.
It has 70 rooms and suites that are elegantly decorated with antique furniture and paintings. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace, a garden, a spa and a pool. It is accessible by car, boat or funicular from Giessbach village. - Hotel Brienzerburli: This hotel is located in Brienz village and offers cozy rooms that are decorated with wood and traditional motifs. It has 35 rooms that have balconies or terraces with views of Lake Brienz or the mountains.
It also has two restaurants, one serving Swiss cuisine and one serving pizza and pasta. It is accessible by car, train or boat from Interlaken Ost station. - Seehotel Bönigen: This hotel is located in Bönigen village and offers modern rooms that are spacious and bright. It has 26 rooms that have balconies or terraces with views of Lake Brienz or the garden.
It also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, a sauna and a fitness room. It is accessible by car, bus or boat from Interlaken Ost station. - Camping Aaregg: This campsite is located on a peninsula in Lake Brienz near Brienz village and offers stunning views of the lake and the mountains. It has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as bungalows, chalets and pods for rent.
It also has a shop, a snack bar, a playground, a beach volleyball court, a table tennis table and a boat rental. It is accessible by car or boat from Interlaken Ost station.
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What to eat at Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz has many restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food with local ingredients and specialties. You can enjoy Swiss cuisine such as cheese fondue, raclette, rösti, sausages or chocolate as well as international dishes such as pizza, pasta, burgers or sushi.
Here are some of the best places to eat at Lake Brienz:
- Restaurant Löwen: This restaurant is located in Iseltwald village and offers traditional Swiss cuisine with fresh fish from Lake Brienz as well as meat dishes and vegetarian options.
It has a cozy dining room with a fireplace and a terrace with views of the lake and the mountains. It is open from April to October and is accessible by car, bus or boat from Interlaken Ost station.
- Pizzeria Brienz: This pizzeria is located in Brienz village and offers authentic Italian pizza with thin crust and fresh toppings. It has a large selection of pizzas as well as salads, pasta dishes and desserts.
It has a casual atmosphere and a friendly service. It is open all year round and is accessible by car, train or boat from Interlaken Ost station. - Restaurant Seeblick: This restaurant is located in Bönigen village and offers modern Swiss cuisine with seasonal and regional products. It has a varied menu that includes fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes as well as desserts and drinks.
It has a stylish dining room and a terrace with views of Lake Brienz and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. It is open from March to November and is accessible by car, bus or boat from Interlaken Ost station.
Conclusion
Lake Brienz is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves nature, culture and adventure. It has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the lake, explore the villages, enjoy the activities or taste the food.
Lake Brienz is a place that will make you fall in love with Switzerland and its beauty. We hope this ultimate guide has helped you plan your trip to Lake Brienz and that you have a great time there.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading and happy travels! 😊
FAQs
Why is Lake Brienz so turquoise?
Lake Brienz is known for its surreal turquoise waters, which it owes to the sediment particles that are brought into the lake by glacial waters from Lütschine and the Aare river. These particles reflect the sunlight and create the stunning color of the lake. That’s the main reason why the color of the lake is so surreal, but it’s also partly because the lake is so incredibly clean.
How do you pronounce Lake Brienz?
Lake Brienz is pronounced as “Bree-ents” in English, or “Brienzersee” in German. The name comes from the town of Brienz, which is located on the eastern end of the lake. The town’s name means “by the steep slope” in Celtic.
What is there to do at Lake Brienz in winter?
Lake Brienz is a beautiful destination all year round, but especially in winter when it is covered with snow and ice. There are many things to do at Lake Brienz in winter, such as:
– Ice skating on the frozen lake or on the ice rink in Bönigen – Snowshoeing or winter hiking on the trails around the lake – Skiing or snowboarding at the nearby ski resorts of Axalp, Meiringen-Hasliberg or Grindelwald – Taking a winter cruise on the lake and enjoying the views of the mountains and villages – Visiting the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum and learning about Swiss history and culture
Can you swim in Lake Brienz?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Brienz, as long as you are prepared for the cold water. The water temperature ranges from 18°C to 24°C in summer, which is refreshing but not too chilly. There are several public beaches and lidos around the lake where you can swim safely and comfortably, such as Strandbad Bönigen, Seebad Iseltwald and Strandbad Brienz. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and swim from there.
How long does it take to cruise around Lake Brienz?
It takes about three hours to cruise around Lake Brienz on one of the historic paddle steamers or modern boats that operate on the lake. You can hop on and off at any of the 12 stops along the lake and explore the villages and attractions. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink on board while listening to live music or commentary. The cruises run from April to October and you can check the timetable and prices here.
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