Lake Brienz And Its Magnificent Alpine Scenery

Lake Brienz is one of those turquoise lakes that populate the alpine landscape of Bern, Switzerland. This is a setting that looks like the star of a museum painting: green mountains with snowy peaks, little houses on the shore and a beautiful blue sky is what you can see on a visit to this Swiss lake.

This place was already populated since Prehistory. Its first inhabitants saw in it the importance of having a great source of water from which to stock up and be able to fish. Likewise, they used it to move from one place to another while sailing and took advantage of the natural and animal wealth that has always flourished around it.

History of Lake Brienz

From the 5th century BC, Lake Brienz was populated by Celtic peoples, until in the 1st century AD it changed occupants, after the arrival of the Romans. However, in the fourth century, Lake Brienz would change tenants again, to be occupied by Germanic tribes, who took control of both the lake and its surroundings.

It is located in the region of the canton of Bern, north of the Alps, and has an area of ​​approximately 14 kilometers long by almost 3 kilometers wide, while it is located about 564 meters above sea level. On its northern shore is the city of Brienz, from which it takes its name.

What to do in this alpine lake

Although it is an ideal place to take thousands of beautiful photographs and remember its landscape forever, Lake Brienz offers many other activities to tourists. We will highlight some of them below.

Navigate its waters and enjoy its beaches

This lake is navigable, and there are several lines of boats that take its occupants through the crystal clear waters, both for tourist visits and from one side of the lake to the other. In addition, in places like the town of Iseltwald, you can take a relaxing bath in the waters of this lake, as well as enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains in the area and the romantic spaces that this small Swiss town offers.

Walk their hiking trails

In the surroundings of Lake Brienz there are several villages of spectacular beauty that can complete your visit. In addition, you will be able to find several hiking routes that will help you get to know all this beautiful place better. We recommend that you visit the Giessbach waterfall (image below), one of the most important in this enclave.

Visit the Ballenberg museum

You can also enjoy the open-air museum of Ballenberg, an extraordinary example of the respect that the current inhabitants of the lake have towards the place and its history. In it you will contemplate what the typical constructions of the area were like and you will be able to walk through a reliable reconstruction of workshops, houses, kitchens and other spaces that were traditionally found in the towns that surround this Swiss lake.

Practice winter sports

Life around Lake Brienz does not end in summer, as it is also idyllic in winter. Thus, if you visit it at this time, you can go hiking on shovels in the snow or go skiing.

Nearby there are tracks of different difficulties and spaces to enjoy sledding or ice skating. The latter can also be done at night, thanks to the illuminated track in Käserstatt-Lischen.

Buy a nice wood carving

Another aspect of Lake Brienz is that it is a space that invites you to create. Perhaps that is why some of the best wood craftsmen from all over the country meet there.

The love of woodworking can be seen in several of the sculptures that are located around the lake. In addition, the city of Brienz is the only Swiss school for wood carving and sculpture. Even in this region some of the best violins of the moment are made.

Visit the city of Brienz, the cherry on top

Finally, you can also visit the city of Brienz, which is the one that has given its name to this mythical lake. How could it be otherwise, this is also a true fairytale city that stretches between the slopes of a great mountain and the waters of the Lake.

In Brienz, you can find what they call ‘the most beautiful alley in the world’. It is a small street with wooden houses on both sides, decorated with pots of colorful flowers. Isn’t it the finishing touch for such a lovely ride?