Passenger ships have set sail on this lake since 1839. Today there are five passenger ships on the lake. Lake Brienz has an unforgettable natural setting. The Bernese highlands possess a rugged beauty and offer a vast array of attractions with unlimited possibilities for sport and recreation. The alpine region of Brienz-Meiringen-Hasliberg is one of 27 vacation resorts in Switzerland to have received the seal of approval from the Swiss Agency of Tourism.

Summer sports
Summer activities in the area of Lake Brienz include hiking, mountaineering and climbing, biking, tennis, golf, swimming and other water sports, paragliding and many more. The hiking paradise of the region is between the Brunig, Grimsel and Susten passes. Alpine flowers, snow-capped peaks, lush alpine fields, thundering waterfalls, majestic, crystal clear mountain streams these images can help you realize what you will see when you come here. The hiking area can be accessed by post buses and mountain lifts. There are over 300 km of marked, excellently maintained hiking trails to the delight of hiking enthusiasts. There are several great routes wed be happy to recommend. One is the Hasliberg-Reuti -Winterlcke - Hinterarni-Baumgarten Engstlenalp route. Its duration is about 5 hours with elevation difference of 700 m. It is of medium difficulty. This scenic route offers panoramic views on the way up to Engstlenalp and the beautiful Engstlenalp lake. The hiking trail weaves through diverse alpine flora. Another option is the Grimsel pass. This is a circular route starting from Innertkirchen, past the Grimsel Pass summit, Handeck, Boden, Achistein and back to Innertkirchen. The duraiton is six hours with an elevation difference of 1300 m downhill. If you are looking for a really strenuous hike, try the 2-day Furtwang Saddle tour. The total hiking time is just 8 hours, but the elevation difference is 3000 m in total, uphill and downhill. The trek starts in Gadmer Vallery. On the second day you will ascend the Furtwang saddle with altitude of 2568 m. After this you descend to Guttannen at a little over 1000 m above sea level. It is very important to bring good climbing shoes. Hikers must be experienced and well trained. Biking is a popular pastime at Lake Brienz. The area offers 300 km of marked biking tracks. It is considered one of the best biking areas in the Bernese highlands, if not the entire country. You can bike through alpine meadows, gorges, remote valleys and passes. There are routes for every biking level from leisurely tours for families to challenging treks in mountainous regions. A great option is a family bike tour to the Aare gorge, ensuring excitement for all. The length of this route is 30 km. There are opportunities for climbing both indoors and outdoors. Experienced mountain guides will lead you safely to fantastic mountain peaks. You can visit the Haslital Meiringen Climbing Hall, which features a boulder room, a wall for kids, and degrees of difficulty between 3 and 10.

If you cant live a day without playing tennis, dont worry about coming to the wrong place. There are two outdoor courts in Brienz, as well as a tennis school. Lessons are available for children, adults and the elderly, in groups or for individuals. Swimming is possible in Lake Brienz and in a number of pools, both indoor and outdoor. You can use your vacation as an opportunity to practice this holistic, exciting and refreshing sport that gives strength and stamina. Paragliding courses are also possible on Lake Brienz. The flying area extends from the Brienzer Rothorn over the Titlis to the Susten region. The most popular starting area is on Planplatten. Other sky sports include skydiving and helicopter sightseeing. If you are into skydiving, you will be able to fly in a light plane or open helicopter and jump at 3700 m above sea level. The free fall is 40 seconds. Helicopter sightseeing is a relatively new activity at mountain resorts, but at Lake Brienz it is simply part of the package. These flights are available all year round. They start from heliport Schattenhalb near Meiringen and heliport Gsteigwiler near Interlaken to the Eiger and Jungfrau regions. There are group and company trips. Helicopter skiing is possible in the winter. You can take a taxi flight from and to any airport you choose. Lake Brienz offers a myriad of health and fitness clubs, scooter bikes, canyoning, river rafting, inline skating, archery, horseback riding and waterskiing. You can enjoy riding scooters with your entire family, or take the so-called Monster Scooter trip. This involves a ride up on the monumental Reichenbach Funicular to Gasthaus Zwirgi, where you will enjoy a delicious monster dinner in a panoramic restaurant overlooking Meiringen. After that you will ride down to the town on the monster scooter in the moonlight. Inline skating enthusiasts can have a go on the flat stretch between Meiringen and the lake. We guarantee an amazing experience. Families will have a great time at the Meiringen-Hasliberg Archery and Recreation Park. It offers archery, alpine hikes, unlimited outdoor experiences for children, sleeping in tepees and a number of programs for youngsters. The park is located on the Brnigstrasse along the way to Brunig Pass. It is open from May to October. Horseback riding is a must when you arrive here. Here is a unique chance to ride a beautiful Haflinger horse in the scenic surroundings of the Hasliberg. There are guided rides, instructions in jumping, riding on your own or on a school horse, a club restaurant and other amenities. If youre going for the full-out authentic experience, you can sleep in the hay. Finally, you are bound to love waterskiing on Lake Brienz. Skis are available for amateurs and professionals, and adults and children over 12.

Winter sports
Winter sports around Lake Brienz include classic skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, winter hiking, sledging, and mountain climbing. Skiing is a sport that requires stamina, coordination, strength and most importantly self-confidence. There are many well-maintained, brilliantly white ski slopes here. There are two winter sports areas Axalp and Meiringen-Hasliberg above Brienz. The total length of the ski run network is 80 km. There are 22 ski lifts, powder snow areas on Hasliberg and Axalp, three snowboard and ski schools, cozy mountain huts, bars and restaurants, and equipment rental in a variety of sport shops. There are two ski areas for children, Axiland and Skihsliland, and a natural border cross. The freestyle park at Mgisalp was developed by professional constructors and contains rails, a lift, a quarter spring, a corner and diverse jumps from 5-20 m. This is a paradise for freestyle ski enthusiasts and snowboarders. The park is appropriate for amateurs and pros alike. It is a scientific fact that cross-country skiers live longer, because this sport requires one to use every single muscle in his/her body. Arm and leg coordination is very important. This is an excellent blend of nature and sport. There are 38 km of cross-country tracks in the area of Lake Brienz. A great training area is the Cross Country Circuit Gadmen. Lake Brienz offers suitable terrain for snow-shoeing. You will enjoy the unique panorama of the Wetterhorn, Engelhorn and Eiger mountains and hike through the secluded slopes of the scenic Rosenlaui Valley. In the evening you will be accommodated in a cozy alpine hut. The majestic Rosenlaui glacier is within easy reach from here.

Attractions
There are many attractions in the area - scenic destinations, monuments, landmarks and museums. Of the first, there are seven notable ones. Two of them are the Alpen Tower at 2250 m and the Brienzer Rothorn. The Alpen Tower offers a magnificent view of all directions. The Brienzer Rothorn is the oldest steam-cog railway in the country. Its ground stop is in the town of Brienz, and its highest stop is at elevation of 2350 m. It provides an elevation gain of 1678 m. A visit to the scenic Aare Gorge is a must. It is 200 m high and 1400 m long, and can easily be crossed through tunnels and along wooden galleries. Fun and excitement for the whole family! Another majestic gorge is the Rosenlaui Glacier, offering waterfalls of untamable magnitude and picturesque grottos.

The Giessbach and Reichenbach Waterfalls are two of the most majestic waterfalls in the entire world. The roaring waters of the Giessbach flow through the wild Giessbach Valley and plunge into Lake Brienz over 500 m in 14 steps. Many years ago the author of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle, became infatuated with the raw beauty of Reichenbach Waterfalls. Interesting museums in the area include the Sherlock Holmes Museum, the Ballenberg Open Air Museum and the Living Museum of Jobin Brienz. The Sherlock Holmes Museum allows you to explore the fictitious home of the genius detective at 221b Baker Street. The displays chronicle the history of crime and punishment in the 1890s in London. You will see how Scotland Yard still stands by the principles established by Holmes, even in this age of mass computerization. You can see materials about Holmes and Watson and enter the detectives living room. The Ballenberg Open Air Museum allows you to see what Switzerland was like ages ago. It features around 100 authentic century-old buildings from all over the country. This museum is a major attraction of Brienz. You will stroll through fields, farms, gardens and pastures, and familiarize yourself with the 250 medicinal herbs cultivated in the herb garden. Remember to see the collection of native farm animals and observe skilled craftsmen at work. This exhibit is complete with interactive events.

Woodcarving is a very important economic activity in the area, perhaps even more so than tourism. The Living Museum of Jobin Brienz was founded to keep the master carvers heritage alive. It features the biggest collection of Brienz woodcarvings in the world, as well as a myriad of musical works from the past century. The ancient folk art of woodcarving is expressed in furniture, equipment and old buildings. The craft began as a hobby mountain farmers did it to pass the time in the evenings. The result of their efforts led to production of intricately carved ornaments and exquisite works of art, such as choir stall and church statues. After the 18th century the center of this trade moved to the area of Brienz-Meiringen. As you stroll through the charming town of Brienz, you will see many sculptures and carvings. A traditional event in the area is the Meiringen music festival. It has taken place since 1960 and draws music lovers from all parts of the globe. The talented musicians perform concerts that impress with their intimacy and quality. Many world-famous soloists have performed over the years.