Brienzer Rothon Ridge Hike

When we looked back to our travel history for the past decades, Switzerland is the most visited country we have ever been thus far. Every time we went there, we could still find some marvelous places which would never fail us. Brienzer Rothorn is one of them! Brienzer Rothorn is the highest summit of the Emmental Alps, in Switzerland, with an elevation of 2,350 metres above sea level. There are numerous hiking trail at the mountain top there. We planned to take the one starts from Brienz (Brienzer Rothorn) → Schönbühl → Turren (→ Lungern), which would take about 4 hours.

Driving to Brienz

The summit can be reached from Brienz by the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. In order to avoid the crowds, we took the earliest train departed at around 7.30 am. The ticket is quite expensive, but special discount will be given to earlier visitors.

Brienz Rothorn Bahn

Brienz Rothorn Bahn is Switzerland’s only daily steam rack railway since 1892. In roughly one hour, the small steam locomotive push the merry red panorama coaches from Lake Brienz up to the Brienzer Rothorn. Unlike the steam railway, this line also operates during winter

Although feeling a bit sleepy, our mood was elevated instantly when we saw this beautiful lake view.

It’s not everyday we can ride on a great grandpa train and hear him stomping, huffing and puffing all along the way. We told the boys be patience with him.

The views as we travel up the mountain on the train are amazing.

As usual, grass in Swistzerland is particular green.

In Italy, the land surrounded lakes are usually very developed, with big & luxury houses & hotels. In Swiss, the development around the lake doesn’t seem excessive !

Woodcarving is traditional and famous in Brienz. Yet the price is usually too expensive for our liking.

The train stopped at mid level for water refill.

Those cows have the whole greenery mountain to roam freely. I always think the cows in Swistzerland are the most lucky cows in the whole world !

The ridge of this mountain is clearly seen when the train was passing by it slowly.

On a clear day, the Rothorn offers you a magnificent view of no fewer than 693 peaks.

Rothon Bahn

Brienzer Rothon Station

The train reached the mountain station at 2,244 metres above sea level. There are many short and longer trails started from here, ideal for both seasoned mountaineers and relaxed hikers.

The 4 of us at a fine day in Aug-2019. It was very sunny but also very windy.

Bistro Rothorn

A nice place to chill out, if not too windy

So peaceful, so heavenly beautiful !

Hiking from Station to Lake Eisee

Our hiking trip began from here. It passes through Sorenberg Cable Car Station which transport visitors to Sorenberg village on the other side of the ridge.

The peak upfront is just a small detour.

The scenery at the other side is no less beautiful

A look out for 360 panaroma view

Lake Brienz is 564m above the sea level, with a length of about 14km, a width of 2.8km and a maximum depth of 260m. The lake is poor in nutrient, thus fishing is not very important, a blessing instead.

Knowing the boys would walk fast from here, I captured his photo while he was still within my sight.

A beautiful backdrop !

Husband had to remind the boys repeatedly to stop and wait for us at whatever junction they encountered.

From the look out peak, we started to walk down to the path we had planned.

The walk is easy enough cause mostly descent. I could pay full attention to the beautiful environment.

This chair lift will bring visitors down to beautiful Lake Eisee, but that’s not our focus in this trip.

Lake Eisee at backdrop

Those cows are very skinny, can see their ribs bone clearly. I wonder why?

Bullettime Video

Eisee, a nice lake, lying below the steep northern slopes of Arnihaaggen. The altitude of the lake is 1896 m, but the path crosses its northern shores some 50 meter higher, until reaching the hut of Eisee, 1953 m.