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Alphorn players in traditional dress above Grindelwald

Things to do in Brienz and Iseltwald: the best experiences on Lake Brienz

On emerald-green Lake Brienz you'll find the Giessbach Falls with 14 cascades, the steam cog railway up the Brienzer Rothorn dating from 1892 and the Ballenberg open-air museum. Iseltwald lies on a peninsula in the lake and became famous through the series «Crash Landing on You», and Brienz is the woodcarvers' village.

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Ramon Stüdeli
By , who lives in Grindelwald and Lucerne

At a glance

  • Getting to Brienz: about 21 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost – sbb.ch
  • Boat Interlaken Ost – Brienz: about 1 hour 15 minutes, Iseltwald after about 45 minutes – sbb.ch and interlaken.swiss
  • Boat season: April to October, reduced in spring and autumn – interlaken.swiss
  • Brienzer Rothorn: top station 2244 m, steam cog railway from 1892, 7.6 km, about 1 hour's ride – interlaken.swiss
  • Giessbach Falls: about 400 m in 14 steps, funicular since 1879 – myswitzerland.com
  • Ballenberg: season 9 April to 1 November 2026, daily 10 am–5 pm, over 200 farm animals – ballenberg.ch

Top experiences

  1. Giessbach Falls – By boat to Giessbach See station and with the nostalgic funicular up to the Grandhotel. According to myswitzerland.com, it is considered the oldest funicular in Europe used for tourism. Circular path around the falls 30–45 minutes. The falls are accessible all year, boat and funicular run April to October.

  2. Iseltwald – Small village on a peninsula. The wooden jetty in the bay is one of the most photographed spots on the lake. It's quietest early in the morning. The municipality charges a fee for the jetty (introduced in 2023, CHF 5 according to swissinfo.ch).

  3. Lakeside path Iseltwald – Giessbach – About 5 km along the lake to the falls, back by boat (myswitzerland.com). Free.

  4. Brienzer Rothorn – About an hour from Brienz on the historic steam cog railway. On a clear day, about 693 peaks. 2027 season: from 8 May to Planalp, from 5 June eight trips a day to Rothorn Kulm (brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch).

  5. Ballenberg open-air museum – Historic houses, stables and barns, over 200 farm animals, a museum train with three stations and over 100 courses (ballenberg.ch).

  6. Boat trips on Lake Brienz – Round trip about 2.5 hours. The steamship «Lötschberg» runs from May to September. Everyone travels free on their birthday.

  7. Swiss Woodcarving Museum Brienz – Woodcarving from the «woodcarvers' village» of Brienz. 2027 season: 1 May to 24 October (museum-holzbildhauerei.ch).

  8. Woodcarvers' trail on the Axalp – Wooden sculptures along the path above Brienz (myswitzerland.com). Free.

  9. Sea kayaking – Guided tours or rental from local providers. Summer.

  10. Tandem paragliding – With local flight schools in the Interlaken region. Weather-dependent.

    Request through us: Tandem paragliding from First (Grindelwald) · Winter tandem flight from First (Grindelwald) On request

  11. Photo shoot by the lake – For couples, families or a marriage proposal with local photographers, ideally early in the morning.

When it rains

  • Swiss Woodcarving Museum Brienz – during the season (May to October).
  • Ballenberg – The houses, stables and barns can be visited during the season (April to early November).
  • Giessbach Falls – Accessible all year, paths can be slippery according to myswitzerland.com.
  • St. Beatus Caves on Lake Thun or Bödelibad in Unterseen – interlaken.swiss

With kids

  • Ballenberg – Over 200 farm animals and carriage rides (2026 season until 1 November).
  • Boat trip – Short stage Interlaken – Iseltwald (about 45 minutes).
  • Giessbach circular path – 30–45 minutes, with the funicular as an experience.
  • Steam railway up the Rothorn – Historic steam cog railway from 1892.

In summer

High season: boats, the Rothorn railway (early June to mid-October up to Rothorn Kulm), Ballenberg and kayaking. Early steam trips up the Rothorn run on Saturdays and Sundays in July, August and September at 7.36 am (interlaken.swiss).

In winter

The Rothorn railway takes a winter break, and boats on Lake Brienz are scheduled from April to October. The Giessbach Falls are accessible all year. The 15th International Woodcarving Symposium takes place in Brienz from 6 to 10 July 2027.

FAQ

Is there a fee for the jetty in Iseltwald?

Yes. The municipality has charged a fee since 2023, CHF 5 at the time according to swissinfo.ch. Check the current amount on site.

How do I get from Interlaken to Iseltwald?

By scheduled boat from Interlaken Ost in about 45 minutes (April to October).

How long is the Brienz Rothorn Railway ride?

About an hour for 7.6 km from Brienz to the top station at 2244 m.

How high are the Giessbach Falls?

About 400 m, spread over 14 steps.

When is the Ballenberg open?

In 2026 from 9 April to 1 November, daily 10 am–5 pm.

Tell us what you want to experience

No obligation. We'll get back to you by email or WhatsApp and recommend a suitable local provider.

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Plan your trip

Experiences on request

Nearby

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Jungfrau Region

Things to do in Interlaken

Sources