Brienz

Brienz and the surrounding villages Axalp, Brienzwiler, Hofstetten, Oberried and Schwanden are the ideal starting point for your excursions into the mountains. Here, you will discover traditions and customs and live in a homely environment. The trip up the Brienzer Rothorn on the historical steam train will thrill you. The higher you go, the more impressive the mountain panorama. From here you can see the four-thousand-metre peaks of the Alps and even see into Central Switzerland. From Brienz, you can discover the area on one of the many hiking trails and footpaths. Always with a view of the mountains and lake.

Things will start getting wild when you visit the wildlife park in Brienz. Did you know that this was created so that the woodcarvers had a range of genuine animals as models? To ensure you enjoy a perfect holiday, you can book three excursions directly with the "Experience Card Brienz": with a cruise on Lake Brienz, a trip up the Brienzer Rothorn and a visit to the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum, you’ve definitely taken care of all the highlights.

A trip on the PostBus or by car takes you around the tight bends, through forests and past meadows to the rugged cliff faces. From the Axalp, you can see Lake Brienz with the fantastic Alpine panorama and go on wonderful hikes along the woodcarving trail or to the Hinterburgseeli. The Axalp is attractive for families in the winter as a skiing area with 15 kilometres of pistes in various degrees of difficulty and the popular Axiland children's paradise.

The Giessbach​​​​​​​ crashes down 400 metres. When the snow is melting, the falls have an incredible amount of thundering water, but even during the more gentle times of the year, the waterfall is always a sight to behold. Take the boat and travel up on the Giessbach Railway to see this natural spectacle. Or discover the area on foot. There are steps and paths along the waterfall. Together with the historical Grand Hotel Giessbach, nestled in a natural park and lush forest, you will experience this energy source at its most intense. When the Giessbach waterfall is illuminated at night, there is something of a mystical atmosphere.

In Brienz, you will find alleys and chalets that look as if they are straight from a picture book: once voted Europe's most beautiful alley, the Brunngasse is lined by houses from the 18th century. You are bound to get the perfect snapshot here. Brienz is also affectionately called the woodcarving village. The long tradition of wood-working is still visible today. The School of Woodcarving as well as the violin making school are taking handcraftsmanship into the future. The custom of woodcarving is explained in detail at the Woodcarving Museum. Why not try it yourself and carve your very own wooden cow? You will find out lots about customs when you visit the Ballenberg. The Ballenberg, Swiss Open-Air Museum is a popular excursion destination in the summer. Here, you will discover all regions of Switzerland and you can even roll up your sleeves and take part.

Schwanden enjoys a tranquil and sunlit location above Brienz. From here you can savour superb views of crystal clear Lake Brienz. The Schwander Lebensweg starts in the centre of the picturesque village. This beautiful circular route leads visitors past figures carved in wood and lush green meadows. Along the way you pass through pretty forests and hear the burble of mountain streams. The circular route runs around the welcoming village.

Oberried is a quiet and sedate lakeside village. With a stunning natural backdrop and views of the lake, the village has a welcoming atmosphere thanks to its old but well maintained chalets. Lake Brienz in all its magically turquoise glory is best appreciated from the bankside. The renowned Jakobsweg also leads past Oberried village on its way towards Interlaken.

The charming village of Hofstetten stands at the foot of the mighty Brienz Rothorn, adjacent to the west entrance of Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. With no through traffic to concern them, visitors can enjoy peaceful times on the idyllic plateau. Relax and recharge your batteries amid the splendour of nature, close to Brienz.

The beautiful village of Brienzwiler blends into the southern slope of the Brünig Pass. The average elevation of the village is 700 metres above sea level. The east entrance of Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is in the village itself. The district of Brienzwiler also encompasses the Alp Oltscheren on the opposite side of the valley. Take a tour of discovery around this stunning natural idyll and enjoy active recreation on numerous hiking trails.

Whether in Brienz, Axalp, Schwanden, Hofstetten, Brienzwiler or Oberried: you are bound to find exactly what you are looking for in terms of accommodation for your holidays. Traditional hotels, modern holiday apartments, snug chalet holiday homes, three camping sites directly on the shores of Lake Brienz, group accommodation and the Berghaus on the Rothorn offer accommodation to suit every requirement. Are you travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or family? In Brienz you will find just what you are looking for to ensure you have perfect holidays in the middle of a mountain world.