You board in Brienz, by the village’s railway station, and the train pushes up the mountain. The track is a rack line: a toothed rail between the running rails grips the locomotive’s gear so it can climb gradients of up to 250 per mille. You pass through six short tunnels and two galleries, and at the midway station Planalp (1,341 m) the locomotive takes on water for about five minutes while through passengers stay seated.
What the steam experience is like
Expect noise, the smell of hot oil and some smoke. The railway itself says the locomotives can be very loud and that smoke and exhaust can enter the carriages in tunnels. Above 2,200 m the air is thinner and, according to the operator, it is typically about 10 degrees colder at the top than in Brienz. Seats are not numbered, so arriving at the stated boarding time gives you more choice. Dogs are welcome (CHF 10 per trip), but the noise can stress them.
Steam is not guaranteed. The railway uses diesel locomotives when demand is high or a steam locomotive fails. If you are travelling for the steam, ask at the counter and consider a weekday or a shoulder month.
A short history
The Brienz Rothorn Bahn opened on 16 June 1892, according to the railway’s history page. It was built in 16 months for CHF 2.2 million with about 700 workers, mostly from Italy. Financial trouble turned it into a joint-stock company in 1900, the First World War stopped traffic in 1914, and service up to Rothorn Kulm resumed in June 1931. In 1958 shareholders voted to replace it with an aerial cableway, but a committee of Brienz residents got the decision reversed. The line was never electrified. A Friends of Steam association was founded in 1991, and the federal concession was renewed in December 2019 for another 50 years. In August 2024 storms damaged about 2.2 km of track and cut that season short.
A common claim says this is the oldest steam cogwheel railway in Switzerland. We could not confirm that, and it does not hold as stated: the Vitznau to Rigi line opened in 1871. What is true is that regular steam operation on a mountain line is now rare. The railway is also converting its historic diesel locomotive 11 to battery-electric drive, planned for the 2028 season.
Is it worth it?
For rail enthusiasts, yes. For everyone else the ride is slow and scenic rather than thrilling, and the main reward is the summit view. The railway says you need at least half an hour at the top, so plan a half day. Compare costs on the prices page and check that your date falls inside the season.
Search tours on ViatorAnother option next to the GetYourGuide choices above. Availability and prices vary.
Frequently asked questions
Is every Brienz Rothorn Bahn train a steam train?
No. The operator says trains are normally pulled by steam locomotives, but diesel locomotives are used when demand is high or a steam locomotive fails. You cannot choose the locomotive when you book.
How long does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn take?
About one hour from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm, with the midway station Planalp reached after about 30 minutes. The operator says the minimum total excursion is about 2.5 hours.
Is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn the oldest cogwheel railway in Switzerland?
No. It opened in 1892, but Switzerland's first mountain railway, Vitznau to Rigi, opened in 1871. The Brienz line is better described as one of the few Swiss lines still run regularly with steam.
Are the steam trains loud?
Yes. The operator warns that the locomotives can be very loud, that smoke and soot can enter the carriages in tunnels, and recommends hearing protection for noise-sensitive guests and small children.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.
