Brienz Rothorn Railway
Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn
One of Switzerland's last regularly operating steam cogwheel mountain railways. It climbs from the shore of Lake Brienz to a summit at 2,350 m, with views over the lake and 690 peaks.
The Brienz Rothorn Railway opened in 1892. Steam locomotives push the carriages up from the shore of Lake Brienz, climbing about 1,680 m over roughly one hour through forest, alpine pastures and tunnels. The upper station sits at 2,244 m, and a 15-minute walk leads to the Rothorn summit at 2,350 m. From there you look down on the turquoise Lake Brienz, and on clear days about 690 Alpine peaks are visible. If you're lucky, you may spot chamois. Return fare is about CHF 96, and Swiss Travel Pass holders receive a 50% discount. Combine it with a Lake Brienz boat trip and the village of Brienz for a day out. Getting there: the starting station is across from Brienz railway station and the boat pier.
Opening hours
Approx. Jun–Oct; operates on a set timetable
Nearby sights
- Brienz
- Giessbach Falls
- Ballenberg Open-Air Museum
- Iseltwald
- Lake Brienz
- Bachalpsee
- Grindelwald First
- Reichenbach Falls