Brienzer Rothorn Mountain

Address: Brienzer Rothorn (summit access from Brienz), Canton of Bern, Switzerland

Website: https://www.brienz-rothorn.ch

Hours: Seasonal (summer service, typically May-Oct); check timetable online

Brienzer Rothorn is a 2,350-metre mountain in the Bernese Oberland of Switzerland above Lake Brienz. It is known for panoramic summits and a historic rack railway service.

Hikers and railway passengers reach the summit for wide views over Lake Brienz and the surrounding Bernese Alps; alpine walking routes and the summit plateau are primary attractions. The mountain is popular for day trips in the summer season when the steam railway runs.

The Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a steam-operated rack railway, was established in the late 19th century to provide tourist access to the summit and has operated since then with seasonal service. The mountain itself has long been used for alpine pasture and recreation.

The peak rises above the village of Brienz on the eastern shore of Lake Brienz in the canton of Bern, central Switzerland.

• Elevation: The mountain reaches an elevation of 2,350 metres, providing extensive views across Lake Brienz and surrounding peaks.
• Railway access: The heritage steam railway operates seasonally and offers an alternative to the alpine hiking routes for reaching the summit.

What to See#

• Summit viewpoint: The summit area offering panoramic viewpoints over Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps, reached by the historic mountain railway and by alpine hiking routes.
• Steam rack railway: The Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a historic steam-operated rack railway that ascends from the lakeside village of Brienz to the summit, operating seasonally for tourists and hikers.

Travel to Brienz by regional train from Interlaken Ost (frequent connections on the Interlaken-Brienz line). In Brienz, the Brienz Rothorn Bahn steam rack railway departs from the lower station a very short walk from Brienz railway station and climbs to the Brienzer Rothorn summit. You can also drive to Brienz and park at the railway/start point before boarding the Rothornbahn.

• Take the Brienz Rothorn Bahn from Brienz and aim for a morning ascent for the clearest views over Lake Brienz and the Bernese Alps; the steam trains run seasonally (summer months), so check the timetable in advance.
• Buy tickets in advance during July-August or take an earlier or later train to avoid peak mid-day crowds; allow time for short summit walks-there are panoramic vantage points a few minutes from the station that many visitors miss.