Brienz Rothorn Railway – full steam ahead

Admire the breathtaking view over 693 mountain peaks from the summit

The Brienz Rothorn rack-and-pinion steam railway, which was opened in 1892, allows you to travel at a leisurely pace through meadows and forests towards a breathtaking panorama. If the visibility is good at 2244 m above sea level, you can see an unbelievable 693 mountain peaks from the summit of the Brienzer Rothorn. There’s no need to go hungry after your hike, either – Let the Berghaus Kulm team indulge you with their hearty cuisine.

From Brienz to the Brienzer Rothorn

Your steam train journey begins in Brienz. From there, the 7.6 km route takes you to the Rothorn Kulm summit station. The steam locomotive and its red carriages transport you through the verdant forests, over bridges and through dark tunnels on the hour-long ride. There is a brief stop at the midway station at Planalp, where the locomotive refills its tank with water for the rest of the journey. As you continue your journey, you will enjoy an incredible panorama of the surrounding mountains and Lake Brienz far below in the valley. Once you reach the summit, you have the opportunity to enjoy some culinary delights in the Berghaus. Indulge all your senses!

Hikes for mountaineers

The Brienzer Rothorn offers a variety of short and long routes and is the ideal starting point for climbers and hikers. Hiking in the Rothorn area requires a degree of preparation. Routes marked in red and white should only be tackled by those who are physically fit and wearing weatherproof clothing and suitable sturdy footwear (hiking boots).

Views of the surrounding mountain peaks

The path to the summit from the summit station at 2244 m above sea level to the Rothorn at 2350 m above sea level is, however, an easy and leisurely one. The panoramic view from the summit is unforgettable: If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll see not only the Alps of Central Switzerland (Pilatus, Rigi, Titlis), but also the enormous four-thousand-metre peaks of the Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau) and as far as the Chasseral in the Jura. In perfect weather, the view extends to include an unbelievable 693 peaks.

A variety of possibilities await you

For early risers

Every Saturday and Sunday in July, August and September, the steam locomotive sets off on its first journey of the day up the Brienzer Rothorn at 07.36 am. Combine an early start with a hearty Bärg Zmorge breakfast buffet on the terrace of the Berghaus Rothorn Kulm and enjoy regional specialities against a peerless mountain backdrop. Then, to enjoy the day to the full, embark on a beautiful hike.

For steam fans

Every Wednesday and Saturday you can enjoy an approx. 110-minute trip up to the Brienzer Rothorn on the "Steam Sausage Cruiser". A stop is made at Planalp, where you have the option of enjoying a delicious sausage prepared in the steam boiler of the locomotive, accompanied by a drink and some “rail rack bread”, which is baked in the shape of a cogwheel.

For senior citizens

Every Tuesday, an exclusive offer is available to ladies aged 64 and over and gentlemen aged 65 and over. It is valid on the 9.40 am departure from Brienz onwards and comprises the return train trip to the Brienzer Rothorn and lunch at the Berghaus Rothorn Kulm at a special discount.

Ride in the cab

Take the opportunity to ride in the cab of a steam locomotive on the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Register and get to know the oil-fired locomotive at first hand on an hour-long trip. You’ll learn interesting facts about safety, technology and history – the perfect trip for steam fans.

A bar and restaurant on wheels

The Salon Rouge, a bar and restaurant on wheels, offers a unique travel experience on the Brienzer Rothorn. Want to celebrate a birthday or enjoy a special occasion in stylish surroundings? The Salon Rouge fits the bill. A private train just for you and your loved ones.
© Interlaken

For those who enjoy the good things in life

A full-moon dinner is available at the Restaurant Kulm on the Rothorn on selected dates. Enjoy culinary delights and take the opportunity to get a really close-up view of the majestic alpine ibex. Don’t forget to bring your camera! How does an overnight stay in the Berghaus below the Brienzer Rothorn sound? Enjoy the evening trip and dinner, followed by a night close to the stars. Throughout the season you can end your day with a leisurely trip up the Planalp mountain to enjoy a refreshing drink in the Planalp mountain restaurant.

Your highlights at a glance

  • The summit offers views of around 693 mountain peaks

  • Unique steam experience

  • Breathtaking panorama

  • Culinary delights on the summit

  • Stunning hikes for mountaineers

To ensure that your trip is perfect in every way, please note

  • Plan a whole day for this excursion

  • The train operates to the summit station at Rothorn Kulm from the beginning of June to mid-October and in the early season until midway station Planalp.

  • Routes marked in red and white should only be tackled by those who are physically fit and wearing weatherproof clothing and suitable footwear (hiking boots)

  • Reservations must be made at least two days in advance for groups of ten adults or more

Discover the variety of experiences all round the Brienzer Rothorn:

Brienz Rothorn railway

Brienz

© CC-BY-SA | Brienz Rothorn Bahn, Interlaken Tourismus
9,26 km

Hike to the Brienzer Rothorn

Brienz

© CC-BY-ND | Brienz Rothorn Bahn, Brienz Rothorn Bahn

Berghaus Rothorn Kulm, Brienz

Brienz

© CC-BY-SA | Berghaus Rothorn Kulm, Brienz, Interlaken Tourismus

Berghaus Planalp

Planalp

© CC-BY-SA | Berghaus Planalp, Interlaken Tourismus

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