It is no secret that Switzerland is full of charming, picture perfect villages, utterly beautiful landscapes and awe inspiring lakes.  Brienz located on the shores of the serene Brienz lake is one such village that is dotted with wooden chalets and boasts of tradition and culture galore.  Nestled amidst the turquoise lake and the mighty Alps, this little village is full of fairy tale vibes with 18th century houses, overflowing geraniums, flower beds and quaint cafes.

Located in the Bernese Oberland region, Brienz is located just over 80 km from the capital city of Bern.  The village has several sights to offer spanning nature, art, culture and tradition.  Here are some of the things you can do on your visit to Brienz.

Take a trip along the Brienz Rothorn Railway

This is a heritage railway line that has been operational since 1892. The steam cog railway chugs up a whopping 2244 meters above sea level amidst breathtaking meadows, enigmatic tunnels and stunning views all around. As you reach the summit, there is a restaurant for quick refreshments and on clear days, the view which includes that of 693 mountain peaks is simply panoramic!

Spend time at the Brienz Promenade

The lake front at Brienz is a great way to spend time and rejuvenate yourself amidst the tranquil teal hued waters.  There are plenty of activites that you can do especially in the summer months and this includes swimming, canoeing and boating along the waters.  The warmer months makes this location a great idea for picnics, parties and miscellaneous events.

Take a stroll on Brunngasse

Once voted as the most beautiful street in Europe, Brunngasse is a treat for the eyes.  Filled with stout wooden chalets, this winding, cobbled street takes you back in time.  Tastefully done up with plenty of fresh flower pots, kitsch accessories, coloured benches and overflowing vines, this one is cottage core aesthetics at its best!

Visit the Swiss Wood Carving Museum

The only museum dedicated to wood carving in the country, this museum in Brienz is an engaging one.  On display are several wooden objects including toys, houses, figurines and bears among other animals that have been intricately carved, symbolic of a Swiss tradition that dates back to the 19th century.  The craft is said to have been founded by Christian Fischer (1790-1848) who embellised wooden objects with decorative motifs and began to sell them as souvenirs for tourists during the famine of 1816-17.  The museum is actively involved in collecting and preserving artistically significant pieces as well as documents that are related with this native art.   The city is also home to the Brienz School for Woodcarving that was founded way back in 1884.

Shopping, a taste of Swiss Rural life and more

When in Brienz, you can take back a piece of wooden craft as an apt souvenir.  The museum has a shop below apart from other stores retailing these authentic wooden souvenirs.  The Ballenberg Open Air Museum spread over 80 acres, is a great day trip to undertake from Breinz.  Set up to give visitors a taste of the quintessential Swiss rural life, this one is filled with heritage houses, farm animals and plenty of hands on activities.  The splendid Gissebach falls is yet another sight that is not to be missed when visiting Brienz.

To read more Switzerland posts click here and here.