The best walks and hikes around Brienzersee
4.6
(6665)
50,171
hikers
834
hikes
Hiking around Brienzersee offers diverse landscapes characterized by the turquoise-blue lake, surrounded by majestic mountains and numerous waterfalls. Trails often follow the lake's shores, providing views of the water and peaks of the Bernese Alps. The region features lush forests and alpine pastures, with elevations ranging from lakeside paths to higher mountain viewpoints.
Best hiking trails around Brienzersee
- The most popular hiking route is Iseltwald - Giessbach Lakeside Trail, a 5.5 miles (8.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This moderate path offers views along the lake's edge.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lake Brienz Lakeside Trail – Lake Brienz Lakeside Trail loop from Schwand, a moderate 5.5 miles (8.8 km) path. This route provides continuous lake views and passes through varied lakeside terrain.
- Local hikers also love the Lower Giessbach Falls – Giessbach Falls loop from Giessbachfälle, a 5.1 miles (8.1 km) trail leading through forested areas and past the cascading Giessbach Falls, often completed in about 3 hours 18 minutes.
- Hiking around Brienzersee is defined by its glacial-fed turquoise lake, surrounding Bernese Alps, and prominent waterfalls like the Giessbach Falls. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain ascents.
- The routes in Brienzersee are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 6,500 reviews. More than 49,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Brienzersee's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.9
(51)
307
hikers
8.79km
02:50
130m
560m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(101)
764
hikers
8.83km
02:36
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(33)
191
hikers
8.14km
03:18
550m
550m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.1
(34)
241
hikers
11.0km
03:12
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.2
(22)
190
hikers
18.8km
09:02
1,670m
1,670m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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Tips from the Community
super pretty ridge. Very airy up here
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Lake Brienz Lake Brienz is located in the Bernese Oberland between the communities of Interlaken in the west and Brienz in the east. The lake area is located in the communities of Ringgenberg, Niederried, Oberried and Brienz on the northern shore of the lake and Interlaken, Bönigen and Iseltwald on the southern shore. The large Bernese Oberland lake is fed by many mountain streams, mainly by the Aare in the east and the Lütschine in the west. At Interlaken, the Aare flows out of the turquoise-blue Lake Brienz and flows back into Lake Thun a little later in the Weissenau area. At normal water levels, the lake is at an altitude of 564 meters above sea level. With an area of almost 30 square kilometers, Lake Brienz is the eleventh largest lake in Switzerland and the third largest in the canton of Bern after Lake Thun and Lake Biel. It stretches 14km in an east-west direction and is almost three kilometers wide. There is only one island in Lake Brienz. The snail island - dialect: Schnäggeninseli - is located around 250m from the shore near Iseltwald. The circumference of Lake Brienz is almost 35km. The annual Lake Brienz Run circles the lake along the shore. Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/brienzersee/
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Swimming in Lake Brienz The clear but often cold Lake Brienz offers only a few wild bathing spots due to the steep slopes, but is considered the cleanest lake in Switzerland. There are four lidos spread around the lake. These are the Niederried outdoor pool, the Bönigen lido, the Iseltwald lido and the Brienz lido. An overview of the four lidos can be found here: «Lake Brienz lidos». If you need warmer temperatures for your bathing fun, the nearby Burgseeli in Ringgenberg is recommended. Text / Source: Schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/brienzersee/
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A visit to Iseltwald is often combined with a boat trip on the turquoise-blue Lake Brienz, because especially in spring and summer there are hardly any nicer ways to be chauffeured from A to B. If you want to include a boat trip in your hiking program, it is worth taking a quick look at the BLS Schifffahrt AG timetable beforehand. This way you can plan your arrival in Iseltwald accordingly. https://www.bls-schiff.ch/de
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On this lakeside trail, you can admire breathtaking turquoise waters framed by dramatic Alpine peaks. The trail offers easy, well-maintained tracks that wind through lush forests and past picturesque Swiss villages, making it an ideal place for a leisurely stroll. This route is particularly beautiful in the morning light or late afternoon, when you can catch a glimpse of the golden reflections of the lake.
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Fantastically beautiful place, the hotel offers very beautiful views of the lake and waterfalls
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Brienzersee?
Brienzersee offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 800 routes to explore. These range from easy lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, ensuring options for every skill level.
What natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see while hiking around Brienzersee?
The region is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter the mesmerizing turquoise-blue Lake Brienz, majestic peaks of the Bernese Alps, and numerous waterfalls. Notable viewpoints include the Faulhorn Summit and Augstmatthorn, offering breathtaking panoramas. The famous Giessbach Falls are a highlight, where a path even allows you to walk behind the cascading water.
Are there hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, Brienzersee offers several family-friendly options. The Giessbach Falls – Lower Giessbach Falls loop from Giessbachfälle is an easy 2.9 km trail that takes just over an hour, perfect for a shorter outing. The Wooden Sculpture Trail at Axalp (Schnitzlerweg) is another great choice, featuring over 100 woodcarvings that children often enjoy discovering.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around Brienzersee?
Many trails around Brienzersee are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the stunning scenery with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock, and to check specific trail regulations before you go.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Brienzersee?
The best time for hiking around Brienzersee is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, trails are clear of snow, and the landscapes are vibrant. Summer offers warmer temperatures, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Brienzersee?
Yes, there are several circular routes available. For example, the Lake Brienz Lakeside Trail – Lake Brienz Lakeside Trail loop from Schwand is a moderate 8.8 km path offering continuous lake views. Another popular option is the Lower Giessbach Falls – Giessbach Falls loop from Giessbachfälle, which leads through forested areas and past the famous waterfalls.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Brienzersee?
The Brienzersee region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 6,500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the breathtaking turquoise lake views, the majestic mountain backdrops, and the diverse trails that cater to various fitness levels. The cascading waterfalls, particularly the Giessbach Falls, are also a consistent highlight.
Are there any hikes that feature waterfalls?
Absolutely. The Brienzersee area is famous for its waterfalls. The View of the Giessbach Falls – Giessbach Falls loop from Brienz is a great option to experience the thunderous Giessbach Falls. You can also explore the 'Three Waterfalls Trail' on the south side of the lake, which includes the Mühlebach Waterfall.
How can I reach the hiking trails around Brienzersee?
Many trailheads are accessible by public transport, including trains and boats that operate on Lake Brienz. For those driving, parking is often available near popular starting points in villages like Brienz or Iseltwald. Specific parking information can usually be found on individual route descriptions.
Are there places to eat or stay near the hiking trails?
Yes, the region offers various options for refreshments and accommodation. Charming villages like Brienz, Iseltwald, and Oberried am Brienzersee have restaurants and hotels. Additionally, you'll find cozy mountain huts along some routes, providing opportunities to rest and enjoy regional specialties. For more options, you can explore huts and cabins around Brienzersee.
What unique themed trails can I find in the Brienzersee area?
Beyond the natural beauty, Brienzersee offers unique themed trails. The 'Brienzersee Drei Wasserfälleweg' (Lake Brienz Three-Waterfalls Trail) is a 19 km route along the south side of the lake. Another distinctive option is the Wooden Sculpture Trail at Axalp (Schnitzlerweg), a 2.7 km path featuring over 100 woodcarvings created from tree stumps, showcasing the region's woodcarving tradition.
Are there any challenging ridge hikes for experienced hikers?
Yes, for experienced and well-prepared hikers, the region offers strenuous ridge routes. The Hardergrat ridge hike, for instance, leads high above Interlaken and Lake Brienz towards Augstmatthorn, providing extensive views and the chance to spot alpine ibex. These routes require good physical condition and appropriate gear.
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