Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Lake Brienz is a true gem. Surrounded by the picturesque Faulhorn and Schwarzhorn hills, this turquoise lake is a must-visit for any nature lover. At 14 km long, 2.8km wide and 260m deep, Lake Brienz is one of the deepest lakes in Switzerland, making it an ideal spot for swimming, boating and fishing. But it’s not just the lake that’s worth a visit, Brienz, the charming little town at its shore, is renowned for its wood carving industry. With the steam-driven cog railway, Rothornbahn, you can take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore this stunning region!
Key Takeaways
- The train station at Brienz connects the lake to the Swiss train network, and it takes around 2 hours to reach Brienz from Zurich by train and 1.5 hours by car.
- From Interlaken, the train ride takes just about 20 minutes, and the most fun way to get there is by boat.
How to reach Brienz
By train: The train ride from Interlaken to Brienz is a mere 20 minutes. Reaching the idyllic town of Brienz, nestled along the shores of Lake Brienz, is a breeze thanks to the efficient Swiss train network. The Brienz train station connects the lake to the rest of the country, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
By boat: for a truly unique experience, consider taking the boat from Interlaken to Brienz. The turquoise waters of the lake reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a truly magical effect. The lake is fed by the glaciers of the Lütschine and the river Aare, which carry small particles of sediment into the lake, giving it its distinctive turquoise color.
By car: If you’re coming from Interlaken, the drive to Brienz takes just 20 minutes. The journey is a beautiful one, taking you through charming Swiss villages and offering views of the lake as you approach the town.
When you arrive in Brienz, you’ll find ample parking options available. The town has large parking lots at the train station and at the Rothorn station, as well as several other parking lots along the lake promenade. This makes it easy to park your car and explore the town on foot.
Zurich to Brienz
By train: It takes a little over two hours to reach Brienz from Zurich by train, offering passengers a scenic journey through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
By car: For those who prefer to travel by car, reaching Brienz is a relatively easy journey. The town is located just over an hour and a half from Zurich, making it a convenient destination for those starting their journey in the city. The drive to Brienz takes you through picturesque Swiss countryside, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
How to reach Brienz from Luzern
Reaching Brienz from Luzern requires a bit more planning and a combination of different modes of transportation. Luzern is located on Lake Lucerne, which is separate from Lake Brienz, so it’s not possible to reach Brienz directly by boat from Lucerne.
One option is to take a boat from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, and then walk over to the train station to catch the train for the remainder of the journey. The train goes over the Brunig pass and is rack assisted, making for a unique and scenic journey. This route is a great option for those who want to experience different modes of transportation and take in the sights of the Swiss countryside.
If you want to travel a little faster, there is also a train connection without changing trains between Lucerne and Brienz.
By car: Take the route over the Brünig Pass and reach Brienz in about 1h.
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Conclusion
Whichever route you choose, reaching Brienz from Lucerne is a journey that will take you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes and offer a chance to experience the country’s unique transportation system.
