Brienz is a gem for travelers who love authentic Swiss experiences. Its cherry-red wooden boats, lush landscapes, and charming villages make it a perfect setting for memorable tours. What sets Brienz apart is its blend of cultural traditions—like the famous woodcarving—and stunning natural scenery, including Lake Brienz and the Alps. We’ve picked four of the best tours that showcase this wonderful region: from exploring historical buildings to summiting a mountain with a Swiss triathlete. Whether you’re after a leisurely cruise or an active adventure, Brienz offers something truly special.
For example, the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum lets you wander through hundreds of traditional Swiss buildings and watch craftspeople at work—perfect for history lovers. On the other hand, the scenic boat trip to Giessbach Falls is a fantastic way to relax and enjoy nature’s spectacle. For those craving an adrenaline rush, climbing the Brienzer Rothorn with a local triathlete guarantees a personal and authentic alpine experience. Lastly, a boat and hike combo combines the best of scenic cruising and gentle walks, perfect for active travelers. Below, we break down each tour to help you pick the best fit.
1. Interlaken: Admission ticket for the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum
Exploring Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is a superb way to see Switzerland’s regional architecture and crafts. This tour grants you access to more than 100 historic buildings, including farmhouses, bakeries, and stables from different parts of the country. The museum is a lively place where you can watch traditional crafts like basket weaving, lace making, and blacksmithing in action—perfect for those curious about Swiss traditions. The medicinal herb garden and themed exhibits add educational charm, making it especially good for families or culture enthusiasts.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on hands-on experience and authenticity. The petting zoo allows close encounters with farm animals, adding a fun element for kids and animal lovers. With a rating of 5/5 from three reviews, visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and engaging demonstrations. The ticket is valid for a full day, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Bottom line: If you love history, crafts, or want a relaxed day immersed in Swiss culture, this open-air museum is a great choice. It offers excellent value for its comprehensive experience and is ideal for those who enjoy interactive learning.
2. Brienz, Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls Tour
For a scenic journey through quintessential Swiss landscapes, the Brienz, Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls Tour offers a perfect 4-hour adventure from Interlaken. This guided tour takes you to the peaceful lakeside village of Iseltwald, famous for its appearance in a popular Netflix series, where you can stroll along the wooden pier and snap photos of the tranquil lake.
Next, you’ll experience the dramatic Giessbach Falls—a series of waterfalls plunging into Lake Brienz. The tour includes a visit to the historic Giessbach Hotel and a ride on the vintage funicular that transports you above the falls for spectacular panoramic views. The final stop is the charming village of Brienz, renowned for its intricate woodcarving tradition, perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs.
At $258 per person, this tour balances scenic beauty with cultural insights. Reviewers note the peaceful boat cruise across Lake Brienz as a highlight, and the walk back from the falls is manageable for most fitness levels. The tour’s relaxed pace and intimate group size make it suitable for travelers seeking a mix of nature, culture, and photo opportunities.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for those who want a comfortable, picturesque experience with plenty of time to enjoy Swiss lakeside villages and waterfalls.
$258 per person
3. Brienz: Summit the Brienzer Rothorn with a Swiss Triathlete
If you’re after a true mountain adventure, this private tour offers a chance to summit the Brienzer Rothorn, at 2,350 meters, guided by a seasoned Swiss triathlete with decades of mountain experience. The day begins with a pickup at Brienz Bahnhof, then a challenging hiking expedition lasting around 7 hours.
What makes this tour exceptional is the personalized coaching and insider knowledge offered by your guide. You’ll experience the Swiss Alps in an authentic way, moving at a pace that suits your fitness level. The hike includes stunning views of Lake Brienz and surrounding peaks, with plenty of photo stops. The guide’s background as a triathlete means safety and motivation are always prioritized.
Guests who have done this tour rave about its customized approach and breathtaking vistas. It’s perfect for active travelers looking for a serious mountain challenge or a unique perspective on Switzerland’s alpine environment. The price of $214 per person reflects the exclusivity and expertise involved.
Bottom line: If you’re fit and eager for a guided mountain ascent with personalized attention, this private summit adventure is hard to beat.
$214 per person
4. Interlaken: Boat Trip to Giessbach Falls & hike to Iseltwald
This boat trip to Giessbach Falls, combined with a hike to Iseltwald is a great way to enjoy Lake Brienz’s beauty at a relaxed pace. Starting from Interlaken Ost, the tour begins with a 70-minute cruise across the lake, offering stunning views of mountains and water.
Once at Giessbach, you’ll visit the famous waterfalls, then take a scenic funicular ride up to the Grandhotel Giessbach, a historic hotel with spectacular views. After exploring the hotel and falls, you’ll hike for about 1.5 hours back toward Iseltwald, passing viewpoints and small lakeside spots that are perfect for photos.
This tour is perfect for those who want a half-day outdoor experience without strenuous hiking or long travel. The small group tour ensures personalized attention, and the combination of boat, water, and light walking makes it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a scenic cruise, a bit of waterfall awe, and a peaceful lakeside hike, all in one go.
How to Choose Your Perfect Brienz Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and activity level. If you love history and crafts, the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum offers a rich, hands-on experience. For those wanting scenic views and lakeside charm, the boat trips and village visits are excellent, especially the boat and hike tour. The mountain summit with a Swiss triathlete is best suited for fit travelers craving a more active challenge.
Think about your schedule—if you have limited time, the 4-hour boat and village tour hits most highlights without commitment. Budget-wise, consider whether the full-day mountain hike or the more affordable open-air museum better suits your plans. Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, to secure availability and the best times.
Final Thoughts
In Brienz, your options range from culture to outdoor adventure. The Ballenberg Open-Air Museum is perfect if you want a relaxed, educational day. For a memorable scenic experience, the boat and waterfall tour offers stunning views in a manageable half-day. The active traveler should not miss the private summit climb—a true highlight for mountain lovers.
No matter your style, Brienz’s diverse tours promise a genuine taste of Swiss life and scenery. Booking early will help lock in your preferred dates, especially during busy seasons. Whichever tour you choose, you’re sure to walk away with unforgettable memories of this beautiful region.