Things to Do at Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz is one of those places that actually lives up to the Swiss postcard hype, though it tends to get overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Lake Thun. The water here is this remarkable turquoise color - not the kind you see in tropical destinations, but something uniquely Alpine that comes from glacial runoff carrying fine rock particles. It's genuinely one of the most pristine lakes you'll encounter in Switzerland, stretching about 14 kilometers between steep mountainsides that rise dramatically from the water. What makes Lake Brienz special is how it manages to feel both grand and intimate. You might find yourself on a vintage steamboat one moment, watching waterfalls cascade down cliffsides, and then sitting quietly by the shore the next, listening to nothing but gentle lapping water. The lake sits at about 564 meters above sea level, and interestingly, it's actually quite deep - over 260 meters in some spots - which contributes to that striking color that photographers can never quite capture accurately.

Brienz sits just 20 minutes from Interlaken Ost on the scenic Brünig line. Driving works too, though summer parking in the village disappears fast. The lakeside A8 road delivers impressive views but expect tour bus traffic. The boat from Interlaken beats both options. You'll get the full Alpine lake experience from the moment you board-no crowds, no parking hassles, just water and mountains.