When exploring Switzerland, one adventure stands out above the rest: a trip to the Brienzer Rothorn panorama viewpoint on board the Brienzer Rothornbahn. A cogwheel steam train departs from Brienz village and ascends to the breathtaking Rothorn viewpoint at an altitude of 2351 meters.
An excursion you must do when visiting Switzerland.
To truly make the most of this experience, consider staying overnight at the Rothorn Kulm Hotel at the summit.
After the day tourists have departed on the last train back to Brienz, you’ll have the opportunity to savour this stunning location in tranquil solitude, joined only by fellow hotel guests.
Further down this page, I have answered a few questions I have seen asked on-line. If you wish to read them first, jump down to the FAQ section.
How Best to visit Brienzer Rothorn from Brienz
Here are some essential tips for planning your visit to the Brienzer Rothorn:
For me, the one-hour ride with Switzerland’s unique rack-and-pinion railway with steam locomotives is part of the whole experience. And this is why you should start this trip from Brienz.
There is another option to come up from the other side of the mountain. From Sörenberg in the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch – Lucerne, a cable car sweeps you up the mountain in less than 10 minutes. I will explain more about this option further down.
Hotels In Brienz or Interlaken
This is an area in Switzerland where you would most probably like to spend more than just one day. And Hotels in Interlaken or Brienz are not a rarity. Interlaken is central if you plan on visiting Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen or even Mürren. Click on the map below and you will find hotels ranging from budget-friendly to Luxury Hotels with pool and wellness.
Opening hours of the Brienzer Rothorn-Bahn
The Brienz Rothorn Railway operates from June to October. I highly recommend you pre-book your tickets and seats, because they do sell out super quickly.
During high season they add extra steam trains but still don’t take your chance of not having a seat.
Train Times from Brienz Rothorn Train Station
The station is at the Hauptstrasse 149, 3855 Brienz. There is some parking available but yet again they fill up quickly.
Google map location here.
Departure from Brienz, ascent, 08.36 / 09.40 / 10.45 / 11.45 / 12.58 / 13.58 / 14.58 / 16.36
Departure from Rothorn descent, 09.38 / 11.15 / 12.20 / 13.28 / 14.28 / 15.28 / 16.28 / 17.40
There is an earlier train on weekends during peak times, consult with the station directly.
Ticket Prices for Brienz – Rothorn Bahn
Ticket prices for the Brienz-Rothorn Bahn vary, with discounts available for Swiss Travel Pass holders. Consider taking advantage of special offers, such as discounts for public transport users traveling to and from Brienz.
Adult returns Chf 96.- (1/2 fares with- 1/2 tax fare, Swiss Travel Pass, Day card accepted)
Child 6-15 Chf 10.- (free with a junior travel card)
During peak summer time the company suggests you pre-book your ticket INCLUDING your seat, extra 8.-.
You can buy your ticket here in the ticket shop with a seat guarantee.
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Travel On Public Transport
Normally during the opening hours of the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn, there is a special offer in conjunction with the SBB (Swiss Train Company). Over the last few years, the offer was 20% reduction on the Brienzer Rothorn Bahn for the return ticket if you travel to and from Brienz with public transfer.
Check out the website to see whether there are any current special offers.
In general, in the Bernese Oberland Interlaken Region, it is advisable to travel by train and bus and not by car as this place is super popular.
The Brienzer Rothorn Station is directly opposite the regular SBB Brienz train station and ferry dock.
Arriving by Boat
Alternatively, why not arrive in style by boat on Lake Brienz?
Make it a whole magical Swiss experience and travel from Interlaken by boat to Brienz.
The cruise takes one hour and 15 minutes while it passes quaint Swiss villages, the powerful and stunning Giesbachfalls, and eventually docks at Brienz ready for you to board the Rothorn train.
Summer time tables
From Interlaken Ost to Brienz departure at 09.07/ 11.07 /12.07 / 14.07/ 16.07/
From Brienz to Interlaken Ost departure at 10.40 / 12.40 / 14.40 / 15.40 / 17.40
If you travel outside the peak summertime, check HERE for different timings.
An alternative way to reach the Rothorn Summit
Whilst the steam train from Brienz offers a classic experience, another option is the cable car from Sörenberg in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch, near Lucerne, providing a swift ascent to the summit in only 10 minutes.
A short walk leads from the restaurant and cable car station to the summit at 2350 m. above sea level.
Price Luftseilbahn Brienzer Rothorn
Adult returns Chf 40.- (1/2 tax accepted)
Child 6-15 Chf 20.- (free with a junior travel card)
Things to do at the Brienzer Rothorn Summit
Hike to Eisee
A short downhill hike from Rothorn to Eisee will add an extra adventure to your trip.
The hike is about 2.5km and takes you down 360 meters. The path is quite steep so make sure you come with good hiking boots and not just flip flops.
There is a chairlift that runs from the Rothorn down and up. Therefore, I recommend that if you like to go to the lake, hike down and take the chairlift back up
IMPORTANT: The chair lift runs four times a day at 7.50, 10.45, 13.45, 16.25 (sometimes closed Mon, Tues). Time your visit carefully. It costs CHF 7 each way, a discount for SBB Half-fare, GA, etc, and children.
Enjoy the Viewpoints at Rothorn
Walk to the viewing platform and the cross. These give you some amazing views and maybe a bit of quiet time as not everyone hikes to these points.
Have Lunch at the Rothorn Kulm Restaurant
Of course, there is a restaurant that serves delicious food and refreshing drinks. The terrace is beautiful. I am not sure if they will take on table reservations but you could always try and call before you travel.
As mentioned before, for an unforgettable experience, consider spending the night at the Rothorn Kulm Hotel. Breathtaking sunset and sunrise views await.
All you need to know when spending one night at the Brienzer Rothorn
Even today, one of our core memories as a family was when we spent the night at the Hotel Rothorn Kulm.
Special offers
Sometimes, mostly during the summer months, you can find special offers directly from the main website Brienz-Rothorn Bahn.
Over the last few years, there has been the “Rothorn Nacht” (The Rothorn Night) offer.
Catch the last train in Brienz at 16.36 and enjoy the one-hour slow journey up the mountain. A welcome drink awaited in the simple Rothorn Kulm Hotel, and of course a simple alpine mountain room, with a shared bathroom.
After all, it is an Alpine Auberge. But the millions of stars and luxury all await outside when you can witness some amazing sunsets from the two viewpoints.
The encounter with the resident ibex is amazing and unique, to say the least.
This special offer (2024) only applies to weekdays, from June to August. The price is Chf 120.- per adult and Chf 45.- per child (6-15) for the train ride and overnight with breakfast. Note the train alone is Chf 96.-, therefore a very great deal.
Whether such a great deal for a night at the Brienzer Rothorn will exist when you are reading this post, I don’t know, therefore check their website. I do hope so for you
Hotel Rothorn Kulm
You can also book a night in the Hotel Rothorn Kulm on any non-special offer day. For exact prices, you should contact them directly and specify what you would like.
The Ibex of Brienzer Rothorn
The once-extinct ibex from the area have been reintroduced here and the colony has since blossomed. Due to the region’s proximity to the Augstmatthorn conservation area, ibex can be observed here, as well as chamois, and golden eagles rising on the thermals.
Another reason why you should stay the night at the Rotholm Kulm Hotel.
When the last train departs, calm reinstalls itself at the Rothorn. Give it an hour or so and you will encounter the majestic colony climb up to the summit and together you can enjoy the sunset.
A moment we experienced with the kids and until today we talk about it. And the best part, repeat this most magical moment once more during sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brienzer Rothorn
Is Brienz Rothorn worth visiting?
I believe after reading this post you can answer this question without me. But ok I will confirm this for you. YES YES YES ! This place is stunning. The views are incredible and the fact that you can partake in one of Switzerland’s most awesome train journeys makes it even more memorable.
How much time do I need to visit Brienzer Rothorn (-Bahn)?
How long does the entire excursion take (Brienz – Rothorn Kulm – Brienz)? If you are limited on time the absolute minimum for the excursion is 2.5 hours. This means one hour on the train up – 30 minutes on the top – one hour on the train down.
The route from the Brienz Valley station to Rothorn Kulm measures 7.6 kilometres and as mentioned the journey takes one hour.
More time is required if you wish to hike to both viewpoints.
Does the Swiss Pass cover Brienz Rothorn Bahn?
A 50% discount applies to Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Half-Fare Card holders. Children (6 to 15 years) pay CHF 28.50 or are free with the Junior card. The entire journey, including the bus and train back to Brienz or Interlaken, is free of charge with the Berner Oberland Pass. And of course, with the Swiss Travel Pass, you don’t pay extra for the train and bus either.
How to get from Interlaken to Brienzer Rothorn Station?
Without a car, the best way to get from Interlaken Ost railway station to Brienzer Rothorn station is the train which takes approximately 30 min.
How long does it take to get from Interlaken to Brienzer Rothorn?
It takes approximately 58 min to get from Interlaken to Brienzer Rothorn, including transfers.
Is it better to stay in Interlaken or Brienz?
I think Brienz is a nicer place to stay than Interlaken, but if you are particularly interested in Murren, Lauterbrunnen, and the Jungfrau Region then a base in Interlaken would maybe be the better choice.
Which side of Brienz Rothornbahn to sit on?
Riding to Brienzer Rothorn I recommend sitting on the left side of the train as you face up the mountain.
Both sides are nice, but the left side has more open views. Looking back towards Brienzersee. The train is open-air, but it does have glass windows that slide down in cold and inclement weather.
What is the Prettiest Street in Brienz?
You may have heard of the pretty Brunngasse.
Arguably the most romantic street in Brienz is the famous Brunngasse, which was once awarded the title of “the most beautiful street in Europe”. Most of the houses date back to the 18th century and are embellished with woodcarvings. During the summer months, the street looks more like a garden as so many flowers are displayed.
Worth a visit and good for photos.
Our Thoughts on visiting Brienzer Rothorn
I recommend a trip with the Brienzer Rothornbahn up to Rothorn. No matter how busy it is, the ride up the mountain is epic, beautiful, and unique. While at the top, walk around a bit, visit the different viewpoints, and get away from the crowd.
Still today, spending the night at the top was the best decisions we made on that trip. Here are some more ideas if you spend time in this part of Switzerland.
Bernese Oberland
- Goldenpass Express Line – Montreux to Interlaken
- Things to do in Interlaken
- How to visit Grindelwald First the best way
- 17 Awesome things to do in Lauterbrunnen
I hope that the information provided here on How Best to Visit Brienzer Rorthorn with the Brienzer Rothornbahn will prove useful.
If I have left anything out, please ask your questions in the comments below and share your experience, so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries and stories as well
