Brienzer Rothorn: the steam railway above Lake Brienz
The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a steam-hauled cogwheel railway from Brienz up to Rothorn Kulm at 2,244 m. It runs only in summer: the 2027 season is 8 May to 24 October, and the line is closed the rest of the year.
Fares and ticketsTimetable and season
- Independent guide, not Brienz Rothorn Bahn AG
- Fares read on brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch, November 2026
- Updated 7 November 2026
Photo: MHM55, CC BY-SA 4.0
Brienz sits at the eastern end of Lake Brienz, a short train ride from Interlaken. From the station area the railway climbs 7.6 km and 1,678 m to the Rothorn Kulm station, with a stop at Planalp halfway. The ride takes about an hour each way, and most trains are pulled by a steam locomotive. Our railway guide explains how the trip works, and the prices page lists every fare we read on the operator’s site.
This railway is seasonal. It does not run from late October until May. If you visit Brienz in winter, read Brienz in winter for what is open instead.
What else is around Brienz
- Getting to Brienz by train from Interlaken or Lucerne, by boat or by car.
- The summit and the view over what tourism sites call 693 peaks.
- Hiking from Planalp or Brienz, and a clear warning about the Hardergrat ridge.
- Lake Brienz things to do: cruises, Giessbach Falls and the Ballenberg open-air museum.
- Brienz village, known for woodcarving.
- Where to stay and the best time to visit.
Book the seat, not just the ticket. On sunny summer days trains can sell out and the railway recommends a seat reservation. See the prices page for how the CHF 8 seat guarantee works.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn run?
Only in summer. The official site lists the 2027 season as 8 May to 4 June to the midway station Planalp and 5 June to 24 October to the summit, Rothorn Kulm. It does not run in winter.
How much does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn cost?
On brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch an adult return from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm is CHF 98, or CHF 49 with a Half Fare card or GA. Children aged 6 to 15 pay CHF 10, and under-6s travel free.
Is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn free with the Swiss Travel Pass?
No. The Swiss Travel Pass gives 50% off, according to Switzerland Travel Centre. The operator's own price page lists free travel for the Berner Oberland Pass and the Lucerne Travel Pass, and half price for Half Fare and GA holders.
Is this the official Brienz Rothorn Bahn website?
No. Brienzerrothorn.com is an independent travel guide. We are not Brienz Rothorn Bahn AG, the municipality of Brienz or the tourism board.
Plan your Brienz trip
The railway
Brienz Rothorn Bahn explained: 7.6 km steam cogwheel line to 2,244 m, 60-minute ride, when diesel runs instead, history since 1892 and what to expect.
Read guide
Prices
Brienz Rothorn Bahn fares from the official site: CHF 98 return (CHF 49 with Half Fare), CHF 8 seat guarantee. Swiss Travel Pass 50% via Switzerland Travel Centre. Checked Nov 2026.
Read guide
Timetable
Brienz Rothorn Bahn 2027: Planalp from 8 May, summit from 5 June to 24 October. Departure times from Brienz, last train down at 17:40. Closed in winter.
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Getting there
How to reach Brienz: about 20 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost, the Brünig line from Lucerne, Lake Brienz boats in summer and parking at CHF 8 a day.
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The summit
Rothorn Kulm, 2,244 m: trains reach the summit May to October (5 June to 24 Oct 2027); a cable car from Sörenberg and hiking routes also do.
Read guide
Hiking
Brienzer Rothorn hikes: Brienz to Planalp (2.5 to 3 h), Planalp to the summit, Brienz to Kulm 5 to 6 h, and an honest warning about the Hardergrat ridge.
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Lake Brienz
Lake Brienz things to do: boat day pass, jetboat, Giessbach Falls, Ballenberg open-air museum (2026 season 9 April to 1 November) and Brienz village.
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Tours & tickets
Lake Brienz tours and day trips: jetboat, boat day pass, Ballenberg, Swiss Travel Pass and a Zurich private tour. No listing sells the Rothorn train itself.
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Hotels
Where to stay for the Brienz Rothorn Bahn: Brienz village, the lakeside, Interlaken, or the Berghaus at Rothorn Kulm. Live map of stays with prices.
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Best time
The best time for the Brienz Rothorn Bahn is June to mid-October, when trains reach the summit. May runs only to Planalp, and winter has no train. Month by month.
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Brienz village
Brienz village guide: the woodcarving tradition, Brunngasse and its 'most beautiful street' ranking, the lake promenade and how it fits with the Rothorn railway.
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Winter
Brienz in winter: the Rothorn steam railway is closed from late October until May. What is open instead: the lake, winter jetboat and kayak, Giessbach.
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