Closed from late October to May. There are no winter trains. If your trip falls outside the dates below, plan around the lake and village instead.
Season dates
| Period | Where the train goes |
|---|---|
| 8 May to 4 June 2027 | Brienz to Planalp and back (four trips a day) |
| 5 June to 24 October 2027 | Brienz to Rothorn Kulm (eight trips a day) |
| 25 October to early May | No service |
The 2027 dates are on the operator’s home and price pages, checked in November 2026; tickets for 2027 were not on sale yet then. The railway can also cancel trains for low demand or when safety cannot be guaranteed, and it ran through rain. Check the live webcam and notices on the official site the morning you go.
Departures from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm (5 June to 24 October 2027)
| Leave Brienz | 07:36* | 08:36 | 09:40 | 10:45 | 11:45 | 12:58 | 13:58 | 14:58 | 16:36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planalp | 08:02* | 09:03 | 10:07 | 11:12 | 12:15 | 13:27 | 14:27 | 15:27 | 17:03 |
| Rothorn Kulm | 08:36* | 09:31 | 10:35 | 11:43 | 12:45 | 13:57 | 14:57 | 15:57 | 17:31 |
Departures from Rothorn Kulm
| Leave Kulm | 09:06* | 09:38 | 11:15 | 12:20 | 13:28 | 14:28 | 15:28 | 16:28 | 17:40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planalp | 09:35* | 10:10 | 11:50 | 12:58 | 14:02 | 15:02 | 16:02 | 17:02 | 18:12 |
| Brienz | 10:10* | 10:38 | 12:20 | 13:30 | 14:32 | 15:32 | 16:32 | 17:32 | 18:40 |
*Runs only on Saturdays and Sundays in July, August and September. Early season (8 May to 4 June) trains leave Brienz at 09:45, 11:45, 13:45 and 15:45 and return from Planalp at 10:45, 12:45, 14:45 and 16:45.
How long to allow
The ride is about an hour up. The operator says the minimum stay on the mountain is about 30 minutes and the minimum total trip is 2.5 hours. A typical plan is the 09:40 or 10:45 up, a walk and lunch at the summit, and the 14:28 or 15:28 down, which leaves a buffer before the 17:40 last train. The single track has few passing places, so only about three trains per departure slot can run, and sunny days can sell out; see prices and seat guarantee.
For the weather and seasons at the top, read best time to visit.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn open for the season?
For 2027 the operator lists 8 May for trips to the midway station Planalp and 5 June for trips to Rothorn Kulm. The last day is 24 October 2027.
What were the 2026 season dates?
The 2026 season is over and the operator's pages no longer show its dates. Switzerland Travel Centre gave 9 May to 5 June 2026 to Planalp and 6 June to 25 October 2026 to the summit.
What time is the last train down from Rothorn Kulm?
17:40, reaching Brienz at 18:40, according to the 2027 timetable and the operator's FAQ. Do not miss it: the only other way down is on foot.
Does the railway run in winter?
No. Operations pause over winter and resume in May. See Brienz in winter for what to do instead.
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