A gem nestled between the Bernese Alps and the Emmental Alps
Lake Brienz is not only the cleanest lake in Switzerland, it also offers a wide range of leisure activities. One of the favourites is an excursion on a cruise.
Five cruises travel on Lake Brienz, among them the paddle steamer “Lötschberg” which dates back to the Belle Époque. A favourite stop is the Giessbach Falls, which cascade over a length of 500 m into the lake. You will hear “Land ahoy!” when the cruise approaches the small island “Schnäggeninseli”, which is located in the middle of the lake and invites visitors to linger for a BBQ. While most of the cruises stop for the winter, kayaks take to the lake and move their passengers gently across the water. After their kayaking adventure, visitors warm up with a fondue in one of the wooden chalets or an enticing dessert at the Grand Café Schuh.
A woodcarving village and the hot spot for hot pots
Visitors can find a prime example for craftsmanship in Brienz: It has not only a school for woodcarving but also the only school in Switzerland that teaches violin-making. Visitors can relax in one of the many hot pots with a fondue and drinks while the surrounding icy landscape offers a charming contrast to the steaming thermal bath. Over three days in August, rock fans gather at Lake Brienz to celebrate the Rock Festival.
