Brienz

 

Geography

 

The town of Brienz with an area of 5492 hectares is located on the shores of the lake of Brienz (566 m above sea level) and at the foot of Brienz Rothorn (2350 m). The community extends from Brienzergrat about the lowest point (the lake of Brienz mirrors (564 m) to the highest collection Schwarzhorn (2928 m), bordering on eight neighbouring communities and to the cantons of Lucerne, Obwalden.

Generally, this area at the top of Brienz as a beautiful mountain landscape. The greenblue lake of Brienz, in its southern shore dark pine forests directly on the water, contributes significantly to the character of a mountain lake. Excursions in the area are the Brienzer Rothorn (2350 m), the open-air museum Ballenberg, the Giessbach Falls, Axalp and the Faulhorn (2680 m).

The commune include five alpine pastures: Rotschalp (1698 m), Planalp (1544 m), Hinterburg (1530 m), Axalp (1706 m), Tschingelfeld (1767 m)

Economics

Tourism and woodcarving are the main activities. The Cantonal Woodcarving School established in 1862 is well-known and respected in the trade.

Always on Wednesday and Thursday of the second week in November, the Briensermärt take place. Its origin goes back to 1626. A speciality is the Brienz-doughnut with a filling of dried pears and nuts (from the book Brienz home).

Traffic

Brienz is on the rail line Interlaken- Lucerne. On the lake of Brienz operates the BLS with some ships. The Brienz-Rothorn Rail unveils the Brienzer Rothorn.

The Post cars developed following routes: Brienz-Schwanden-Hofstetten, Brienz-Brünig, Brienz-Axalp. Since 1988 Brienz also has a connection to the A8 highway (Exit No. 29).

History

A settlement of the area by the Alemanni is since 7 Century known. Brienz is first mentioned in 1146. After a tumultuous 1528 Brienz history is part of the canton of Bern.

On the morning of 23 August 2005, the village was hit by the flood. The two torrents Glyssibach and Trachtbach damaged a lot of the village. Two people were killed and there was a big property.

Points of interests