This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Brienz.
Brienz lies in the second-largest state of Switzerland, Bern, on the northern shore of the lake of the same name, below the high Brienzer Rothorn mountain. With only around three thousand inhabitants, the village is not exactly large, but it is, however, a quite popular holiday resort.
The main attraction, of course, is the lake, which is believed to be used for transportation centuries before Christ. Regular public boat services were first offered sometime in the early nineteenth century and they are still the best way to experience the lake and to reach various little villages around it. Another amazing way to spend the day is by visiting the Brienzer Rothorn mountain with a special tourist steam railway. The views are absolutely spectacular on a nice sunny day, but the ticket prices are pretty expensive. Other places in the area worth seeing are the beautiful Giessbach Falls, nearby Lake Thun, and an open-air Ballenberg Museum.
All in all, Brienz is a wonderful place to visit. There aren't exactly tons of Brienz hostels to stay in, but what you can find is quite good, if a little bit pricey. And since the village is small, a lot of interesting places are within walking distance -- for others there are fine bus and boat services to transport you around the area. Not only does the region have some fascinating attractions, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation. This is a place nature lovers definitely shouldn't skip.
Written by local enthusiast for Brienz hostels
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