Switzerland is renowned for its magnificent landscapes, which are ideal for those who love to try out water activities in a scenic area. Nestled in the picturesque Bernese Oberland is the turquoise-hued Lake Brienz, where you can do just that. Here, you can swim, paddle, go boating, or do whatever water sport you desire while surrounded by picture-perfect mountains.
The stunning color of Lake Brienz is a result of its origins as a glacial lake, and this hue can be seen throughout the clear water. The lake is 8.6 miles long and 1.7 miles wide. To the South of the lake is the epic resort town of Interlaken, known as a hub for adventurers who want to be close to amenities like restaurants, shops, and spas. Several awe-inspiring Swiss villages are dotted along the shores, which you can enjoy from the water or while hiking and biking. If you visit this charming European destination, you’ll be bowled over by the number of outdoor adventures that can be enjoyed here.
Things to do at Lake Brienz
Even though there is much to explore at Lake Brienz, take a moment to absorb the beauty of Switzerland, one of Europe’s most gorgeous countries. Photographers should get up early when the lake is still enough to reflect the Alps mountains for an epic vacation picture. As the lake is so big, you can take a cruise to enjoy it from a different perspective; you’ll even see the pretty Giessbach Waterfalls on these excursions! There is also a scenic train journey from Interlaken to the village of Brienz, which is another way to relax and enjoy the views.
As Lake Brienz is an adventure playground for water sports, you can try most of them here. There are opportunities here to wakeboard, wake surf, wakeskate, water ski, sail, windsurf, paddleboard, kayak, or surf ski paddle. If you prefer swimming, then there are lidos (outdoor swimming areas) around the periphery of the lake, but be warned that the water is cold. There are also plenty of places to go hiking in the mountains to get out-of-this-world views of Switzerland. If you can’t get enough of lakes, head to Lake Thun on the other side of Interlaken for more stunning views and water activities.
Places to stay at Lake Brienz
There are some wonderful accommodations dotted around the lake. One of the most popular, with a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor and a Traveler’s Choice Award, is Grandhotel Giessbach in Brienz. This fairytale establishment is over 100 years old and still embodies the traditional Swiss style. It is family-friendly, with a small pool, high chairs, kid’s meals, a bar, and a bigger pool for the adults.
Another top-rated option is Camping Aaregg, with a 4.5 rating on Tripadvisor, making it the number one campsite in Brienz. It is ranked highly for its stunning views, child-friendly activities, and a bar to relax at the end of the day. For those who would prefer to stay in Interlaken, the 5-star Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is beloved by travelers for its stunning interior and view of the Jungfraujoch mountain. It incorporates 19th-century design elements into its suites and spa, which offer a range of massages, a sauna, a steam room, several pools, and a fitness center. As Lake Brienz is so picture-perfect, its shoreline is the ideal place to unwind after a day of fun on its water.
