Lake Brienz
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this stunning lake embodies the very essence of tranquility and natural serenity. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush surrounding forests, and majestic mountains, Lake Brienz offers an immersive experience that will captivate the souls of nature lovers. Read more about getting to Lake Brienz and things to do in this blog!
Getting to Lake Brienz
The nearest international airports to Lake Brienz are Zurich Airport (ZRH) and Geneva Airport (GVA). From both airports, you can take a rental car to get to Lake Brienz, or use the train to get to Interlaken Ost. From Interlaken Ost it’s just a short bus ride to Lake Brienz.
Already staying in Interlaken? Then it’s a short drive, as it will take you approximately 10-15 minutes by car. From Lauterbrunnen, it’ll take you approximately 25 minutes by car.
Parking
Lake Brienz is not a small lake, so there are a lot of small villages surrounding the lake that you can navigate to. I found Iseltwald convenient, as it was close to the famous picturesque Hotel as well as a free swimming area. The machine at the Iseltwald parking lot accepted Euro coins as well as Swiss Francs. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk downhill to get to the lake.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lake Brienz is between June and September, when the weather is nicely warm and more then pleasant. During summer, you can even go swimming in this stunning lake.
Capture the famous Hotel
A Glimpse of Emerald Paradise: As you first lay your eyes upon Lake Brienz, you'll be amazed by the mesmerizing hues of its water. The emerald and turquoise shades make the scenery even more perfect. The best way to capture the beauty of Lake Brienz is with the picturesque Hotel in Iseltwald.
Let’s hit the water
Embark on a leisurely boat cruise along the tranquil waters of Lake Brienz, allowing the gentle breeze to caress your face as you soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Other ways to hit the water are by paddle boats, rowing boats or motorboats.
You can also opt for a ride on one of the historic paddle steamers, offering a unique and nostalgic experience, with classic design and wooden decks. Hop on the Lötschberg Steamboat and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Swimming!
The water temperatures are chilly during summer months, since Lake Brienz is fed by several mountain streams and is located in the Swiss Alps. They will be approximately 18°C – 20°C, meaning that you can cool off nicely during a sunny afternoon in the Swiss Alps.
There are a variety of options to choose from, since there are a few swimming areas around Lake Brienz, including public beaches and swimming pools. I enjoyed Strandbad Iseltwald, a free public beach with a bar and terrace, as well as a small recreation area with a table-tennis table. You can also rent a kayak here! Good to know: there is no entrance fee.
A scenic train ride
The way that the Swiss have created their railway network with all these mountains is pretty impressive to me. The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a perfect example of this Swiss masterpiece, taking you on a journey to the top of Mount Rothorn. From Brienz train station, the journey will take approximately 30 minutes before you get to the summit of Mount Rothorn. Here you can enjoy a nice view of Lake Brienz and the Swiss Alps surrounding the lake.
Note that the train runs for 7 months during the year, from April to October, while it’s preferred to buy to tickets online to make sure that you don’t have to wait in line. You can also check the availability straightaway.
Historic Villages
The shores of Lake Brienz are adorned with charming villages that offer glimpses into Swiss history and culture. Visit the picturesque village of Iseltwald, with its traditional chalets and inviting lakeside promenade. Explore the open-air Ballenberg Museum, where you can immerse yourself in Swiss rural heritage through its collection of historic buildings and exhibits.
More things to do in the area!
