Lake Brienz

#88 among destinations in Switzerland

Nature, Natural attraction, Lake

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland, Lake Brienz is a pristine jewel of natural beauty that beckons travelers with its serene blue waters and breathtaking alpine backdrop. The lake, known in German as Brienzersee, stretches over an impressive 14 kilometers in length and reaches depths of up to 260 meters. It is situated in the canton of Bern, bordered by charming villages and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

Lake Brienz is renowned for its vibrant turquoise hue, a result of the glacial sediments that flow into it from the surrounding mountains. This enchanting color contrasts strikingly with the lush greenery of the forests and meadows along its shores, offering a feast for the eyes and a haven for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Visitors to Lake Brienz can indulge in a variety of activities. The lake is a hub for water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Its clear waters are also a favorite among anglers seeking trout and other freshwater fish. For a more leisurely experience, one can embark on a scenic boat cruise to absorb the panoramic views and visit the charming lakeside towns such as Brienz, known for its woodcarving heritage, and Iseltwald, a picturesque fishing village.

The area around Lake Brienz is steeped in tradition and culture. The nearby Ballenberg Open-Air Museum offers a glimpse into Swiss rural life, showcasing over a hundred historical buildings from all over Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Giessbach Falls, a series of waterfalls accessible by a historic funicular, provides a stunning natural spectacle just a stone's throw from the lake.

Hiking enthusiasts will find a paradise of trails in the region, ranging from gentle walks along the lake to challenging treks up the surrounding peaks. The Brienzer Rothorn, accessible via a cogwheel train, offers a formidable hike with rewarding views of the lake and the Bernese Alps.

In winter, the area transforms into a snowy wonderland, with cross-country skiing and winter hiking trails offering a tranquil way to explore the frosted landscape. The proximity to prominent ski resorts also makes Lake Brienz an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts.

Local name: Brienzersee Area: 11.51 mi²Length: 8.7 miWidth: 9186 ftMaximum depth: 853 ftElevation: 1850 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 46°43'32"N, 7°58'15"E

Location

BernSwitzerland

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Day trips

Lake Brienz – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Jungfrau Park, Bachalpsee, Burgseeli, Faulhorn.

4.9 miSW
Large children's play park
Jungfrau Park, Bönigen
126 min walk • Jungfrau Park is an amusement park located near Interlaken, Switzerland. It opened as the Mystery Park in 2003, and closed in November 2006 due to financial difficulties and low turnout.
4.6 miSE
Scenic mountain lake with hiking trails
Bachalpsee, Grindelwald
117 min walk • Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, the Bachalpsee is a serene alpine lake that epitomizes the idyllic beauty of Grindelwald, Switzerland. This tranquil body of water is situated at an elevation of 2,265 meters above sea level and offers a peaceful retreat for...
4.5 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Burgseeli, Ringgenberg
115 min walk • Burgseeli is a lake in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. Its surface area is 5.25 ha. It is located between Ringgenberg and Goldswil on the northern shore of Lake Brienz. Swimming is possible at a bathing beach. Given its relatively small size temperatures up to 26 °C are reached.
3.7 miS
Natural attraction, Mountain, Park
Faulhorn, Grindelwald
96 min walk • The Faulhorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, located between Lake Brienz and Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. The summit is 2,681 metres high and can be reached by several trails.
4.6 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Hinterburgsee
118 min walk • Hinterburgsee is a lake in the Canton of Berne, Switzerland. Its surface area is 5 ha.
2.3 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Augstmatthorn
59 min walk • The Augstmatthorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps, overlooking Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. The largely forested land from the top of the mountain southwards to the lake has been identified by BirdLife International as a 15,900 ha Important Bird Area.
4.4 miS
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Loucherhorn
114 min walk • The Loucherhorn is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. It is located east of the Schynige Platte.
3.5 miN
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Tannhorn
89 min walk • The Tannhorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps in Switzerland. It lies to the west of the Brienzer Rothorn and to the east of the Augstmatthorn. On its southern side it overlooks Lake Brienz.
4.6 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Reeti
117 min walk • The Reeti is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Grindelwald in the Bernese Oberland. From the Bachalpsee, a trail leads to the summit.
5.4 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Wildgärst
138 min walk • The Wildgärst is a mountain of the Bernese Alps, overlooking Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. It lies north of the Schwarzhorn, on the range between Lake Brienz and the Grosse Scheidegg.
4.5 miSW
Forts and castles
Ringgenberg Castle, Ringgenberg
115 min walk • Ringgenberg Castle is a castle in the municipality of Ringgenberg of the Canton of Bern in Switzerland. It is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.