Wanderyn
Lake Brienz
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · CH

Lake Brienz

Getting around: Lake Brienz sits on the eastern side of Interlaken, with the town of Interlaken Ost at its western tip. Boats (BLS) depart from Interlaken Ost for trips along the lake to Brienz and other villages; the shoreline is also served by train and road.
Hours: Accessible at all times along the public shoreline; boat cruises run on a seasonal daytime schedule, more frequent in summer.

Lake Brienz is known for its striking turquoise-green water, a color that comes from glacial rock flour suspended in the lake, distinguishing it visually from the deeper blue of neighboring Lake Thun. It's generally considered the quieter, less developed of Interlaken's two lakes, with steep forested slopes and small villages like Iseltwald and Brienz along its shore rather than large towns.

A boat cruise is the classic way to see it, and it also connects to several worthwhile stops — the wooden village of Brienz itself, known for woodcarving, and the St. Beatus Caves are reachable via the lake or its shoreline roads.

Lake Brienz FAQs

Why is the water that turquoise color?

Suspended glacial rock flour in the meltwater gives Lake Brienz its distinctive green-turquoise tint.

Can I swim in Lake Brienz?

Yes, there are public swimming spots along the shore, though the water stays cold given its glacial source.

Is a boat cruise worth it?

Yes, it's the classic way to see the lake and reach villages like Iseltwald and Brienz along the shore.

Is Lake Brienz quieter than Lake Thun?

Generally yes — it's considered the less developed and more scenic of Interlaken's two lakes.

How do I get to the St. Beatus Caves from here?

The caves are actually on Lake Thun, not Lake Brienz — reachable via boat or the lakeside road on the other side of Interlaken.

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