Lake Brienz is the long, turquoise lake east of Interlaken, and Brienz sits at its eastern end. The railway is the headline, but a good trip combines it with the water.
On the water
Scheduled boats call at Interlaken Ost, Giessbach, Brienz and other lakeside stops in the summer season. A boat day pass covers Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and GetYourGuide lists one at 4.2 out of 5 from 224 reviews (November 2026). For something faster, the 75-minute jetboat ride is listed at 4.7 from 441 reviews. If you want the lake at its best, go on a clear morning.
Interlaken: Boat Day Pass on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
A day ticket for scheduled boats on both lakes. 4.2/5 from 224 reviews on GetYourGuide (November 2026). Lake Brienz boats run in spring and summer.
Interlaken: Scenic Jetboat Ride on Lake Brienz
A 75-minute jetboat tour with views and a bit of adrenaline. 4.7/5 from 441 reviews on GetYourGuide (November 2026).
Giessbach Falls
The Giessbach falls drop in a series of cascades into Lake Brienz, reached by boat and a historic funicular. A third-party seller lists the funicular running daily from 3 April to 29 November 2026, while Giessbach’s own shop says funicular tickets are valid to 31 October, so check which applies. A one-way adult ticket appears at CHF 7 in the official shop, but that listing is ambiguous. GetYourGuide has no Giessbach-specific listing in our search; the nearest is a tour of Brienz, Iseltwald and Giessbach that is new with two reviews.
Ballenberg open-air museum
Ballenberg, in Hofstetten near Brienz, shows more than 100 historic Swiss buildings with crafts such as basket weaving and blacksmithing. Its 2026 season ran from 9 April to 1 November, daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and the Ballenberg train is included in admission. Third-party listings show about CHF 32 for adults and the Berner Oberland Pass gives 25% off; we did not find an official general price. GetYourGuide lists an admission ticket at 4.9 from 45 reviews.
Interlaken: Ballenberg Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket
Entry to the open-air museum with historic farmhouses and crafts. 4.9/5 from 45 reviews on GetYourGuide (November 2026). Check the season dates before you book.
Check the cancellation terms on the listing.
Plan around the seasons. The Rothorn railway, Ballenberg and the funicular are summer attractions. A May or October trip may get you only some of them; see best time to visit.
And in the village
Visit Brienz village for woodcarving and the lake promenade, and read how to get there.
Planning to stay overnight? Compare rooms in Brienz.
Search tours on ViatorAnother option next to the GetYourGuide choices above. Availability and prices vary.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do on Lake Brienz?
Scheduled boat trips, a jetboat ride, the Giessbach Falls with the historic funicular, the Ballenberg open-air museum, and the village of Brienz. In winter the offer shrinks.
When is the Ballenberg open-air museum open?
The 2026 season ran from 9 April to 1 November, daily from 10:00 to 17:00. We did not find the 2027 dates. Third-party listings show an adult ticket of about CHF 32; confirm on ballenberg.ch.
How do I get to Giessbach Falls?
By boat from Interlaken Ost or Brienz, then the funicular to the waterfall and hotel. Sources disagree on the 2026 end of the funicular season (31 October or 29 November), so check giessbach.ch.
Can I take a boat from Interlaken to Brienz?
Yes, in the summer season, on the scheduled Lake Brienz boats. Day passes for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz are listed on GetYourGuide. Check the timetable for your date.
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