Brienz: Summit the Brienzer Rothorn with a Swiss Athlete｜Switzerland

We meet right at Brienz Pier, next to the train station. From there, we walk through the village before the trail begins climbing almost immediately — first on steep concrete roads, then straight into the forest.

Very quickly, we gain elevation and the views begin to open behind us. Looking back, we see the village of Brienz, the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, and on clear days even toward Interlaken.

Higher up, the trail occasionally runs alongside the historic Brienz Rothorn cogwheel railway. These sections are more open and exposed to the sun, offering incredible views and a unique perspective as the tracks lead steadily toward the summit.

Then it is back into the forest and the real climb begins. The path continues gaining elevation at a steady pace, and along the way we pass several mountain fountains where we can refill our water bottles — always a welcome stop on a long alpine ascent.

As we continue upward, the landscape gradually changes. The forest gives way to open alpine terrain. Wide meadows appear, cows graze on the slopes, and the mountain suddenly feels much bigger. The trail becomes more alpine, with gravel paths and ever-expanding views in every direction.

Reaching the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn is always a special moment. At 2350 meters, one of the most impressive viewpoints in the region opens up, with sweeping views over Lake Brienz, Lake Thun, the Augstmatthorn ridge, and the surrounding Alps.

This is a private guided hike, and the day remains flexible throughout. The route and pacing are thoughtfully adjusted by me based on your fitness, the conditions, and the overall mountain experience. It is not about rushing, but about moving well together in the mountains.

For the descent, there are several options. We can hike back down toward Brienz, take the historic cogwheel train from the summit when operating, or descend the northern side of the mountain toward Sörenberg, where a gondola is also available.