Tradition, nature and Alpine magic: Travelling with your dog in Brienz

Despite the rather gloomy weather, the journey to Brienz already offers us views beyond compare of the picturesque landscape.

Relaxation from the stress of everyday life by shimmering turquoise Lake Brienz

Brienz Youth Hostel is located on the shores of the lake and countless excursions near the accommodation await adventurers and explorers. After the three-hour journey, perfect for us, because we can hardly wait to check the area out.

Picturesque Lake Brienz welcomes us in all its glory. © Livia Waser

Wildpark Brienz wildlife park

We decide to take a short excursion to the Brienz wildlife park before checking in at the youth hostel. It’s open all year round and admission is free. Dogs on a leash are allowed and the enclosure and aviaries are accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Red deer, ibex and chamois as well as snow owls, golden owls, golden pheasants and mandarin ducks are looked after here by the club’s team of keepers. With a little luck and patience, you may even see up to three young marmots (born in early June).

Special encounters at the zoo. © Livia Waser

A warm, dog-friendly check-in

We’re back at Brienz Youth Hostel just in time for opening hours. We receive a warm welcome and get settled into our room. One awesome and important thing to highlight is the opportunity to book dinner. Throughout our stay, we enjoy the superb cuisine, and even the wishes of customers with allergies are taken into account.

At Brienz Youth Hostel, we are warmly welcomed and catered for. © Livia Waser

Giessbach Falls combined with lunch and a boat ride

Perfect for our planned tour (Grandhotel Giessbach combined ticket), the weather today is much friendlier. A leisurely walk along the lake (around an hour) takes us from the accommodation to the Grandhotel Giessbach car park.

Well signposted, the impressive natural spectacle of the Giessbach Falls starts here (approx. 10 minutes from the car park; the circular trail takes around 20 minutes). A visit is particularly worthwhile in spring, when the thundering mass of water plunges a total of 14 steps over rocky cliffs into the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Surrounded by dense forest, it offers a unique backdrop for nature lovers and photographers.

The masses of water rushing down the Giessbach Falls are impressive. © Livia Waser

If you book early, you can enjoy a 3-course lunch at the Grandhotel (included in the ticket). The historically significant hotel and restaurant is supported by the region. Local producers ensure only the best for guests, as the high-quality, regional products are offered as an authentic and unique culinary experience.

Travelling by rail and water

Our journey continues and instead of following the rather steep footpath down the valley, we enjoy the charmingly guided return trip on the Giessbachbahn down to the «Giessbach» jetty. Opened on 21 July 1879, the Giessbachbahn is the oldest funicular railway in Switzerland still in operation. At the same time, it is the first cable car in Switzerland built exclusively for tourism.

The perfectly timed BLS boat is quick to arrive and takes us back to Brienz in an approximately 10-minute crossing. The hostel is a comfortable 20-minute walk from the jetty. We use this time to reflect on what we have experienced and treat our four-legged friends to a dip in the cool water before returning home.