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Village · Interlaken, Berna
Brienz
Village at the eastern tip of the Brienzersee, a center of woodcarving in Switzerland, with wooden houses on the Brunngasse, a carving school and the Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Brienz
Brienz lies on the north shore of the Brienzersee, about 20 minutes by train from Interlaken. In the 19th century woodcarving came to support much of the village, which sold figures and objects to travelers; the cantonal woodcarving school was founded there in 1862.
The Schweizer Holzbildhauerei Museum, housed in a former factory of the Jobin family, displays historic pieces and hosts an annual temporary exhibition, and offers workshops for children and adults. It is open May to October, Wednesday to Sunday. The village also has a violin-making school.
The Brunngasse, a cobbled street with wooden chalets decorated with flowers and carvings, is part of the old core protected as an urban ensemble. A lakeside promenade runs to the boat pier and the station.
In front of the Brünig line station departs the Brienzer Rothorn steam train, and a few kilometers away is the Ballenberg. From the pier the boat crosses to the Giessbachfälle.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours in the village.
Best time
From May to October, when the museum is open and boats run more frequently.
How to get there
Train from Interlaken Ost on the Brünig line, about 20 minutes, or boat on the Brienzersee, a little over an hour.
Tip
Go by boat and return by train. Some workshops welcome visitors and demonstrate the carvers' work; ask at the tourist office.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Brienz
Why is Brienz known for woodcarving?
Because the craft supported the village in the 19th century, and the cantonal school of woodcarving, founded in 1862, is located there.
When is the woodcarving museum open?
From May to October, Wednesday to Sunday.
How to get from Interlaken to Brienz?
By train in about 20 minutes, or by boat across the Brienzersee.
What to do near Brienz?
Ride the steam train up the Brienzer Rothorn, visit the Ballenberg open-air museum and take the boat to the Giessbachfälle.