Lake Brienz E-Bike Circuit

Self Guided E-Bike Tour: Ride around the entire lake of Brienz

Google maps GPS link:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1t0v1WSZES6Uazmvsg60uz0j23is_1FE&usp=sharing

The best way to see every part of Lake Brienz

Route: Alpine Ride → Aare River → Lake Brienz → Iseltwald → Giessbach Waterfalls → Brienz town → Suspension Bridge (Hängebrücke Wildbach) → Suspension Bridge (Hängebrücke Unterweidligraben Oberried) → Alpine Ride

Distance: 35 – 40 km

Riding Time: 3.5 – 6 hours (depending on if you make stops for photos or food)

Difficulty: Intermediate +

* personal note * I do not consider myself a mountain biker and I found that the trails on the north side of the lake were rocky and challenging with intense declines. It was great fun, I still had to push the e-bike past a few areas but it was worth it for the views. I was able to complete the entire circuit in 3.5 hours without stopping.

Surface: Paved road, gravel paths, some rocky terrain

Incline: about 900m

Suitable for: E-Bikes

Start your E-Bike rental from Alpine Ride. Ride along the Aare River on a bike path that leads to Lake Brienz.

^{Along the Aare River}

Once you arrive at Lake Brienz, the path continues along the lake past several scenic spots where you can jump in for a swim or just stop for some photos. Then you arrive at the small town of Bönigen on the lake, where you can stop for a coffee, some food, or refill your water bottle at a local fountain.

^{View of Lake Brienz along the bike path}

Next you continue on a paved road along the lake until you reach the town of Iseltwald. There is one large incline in between Bönigen and Iseltwald, we suggest shifting your bike into the highest gear and using the highest level of assistance (The red light also known as Turbo mode) on the E-bike. After the incline there is a large decline down to Iseltwald, make sure to use your back brake first (right brake lever) and then add in your front brake (left brake lever) when on the decline.

^Iseltwald

After Iseltwald, follow the bike signs to the bike path that will take you to Giessbach Waterfalls. This path has many inclines and declines and is mostly gravel with some paved areas. You will see a sign that signals you have to walk the bikes down to the waterfall.

^{Sign that indicates you need to push the bike past the waterfalls. You can also lock the bikes and walk behind the waterfalls as well}

^{View of the waterfalls}

^{View of the waterfalls on a rainy day in autumn}

You will see the Historic Hotel Giessbach from the waterfalls, there is a beautiful patio where you can have a snack with a great view of the waterfalls and the lake.

^{View of the hotel from the lower bridge}

^{View of the waterfalls from the Giessbach Hotel}

Continue to follow the bike signs to exit Giessbach Falls and head towards the town of Brienz. There is an intense decline on paved road on the way down from Giessbach falls to Brienz, make sure to use both your back brake and front brake to control your speed.

Once you reach the town of Brienz there are many places where you can stop and fill your water bottle, have a drink or bite to eat, or sit by the water and enjoy the scenery. You will notice wood carvings along the bike path, Brienz is one of Switzerland’s most important centers for traditional wood carving. The village has a long woodcarving tradition dating back to the 19th century. It is home to the Swiss Woodcarving School (Schule für Holzbildhauerei), where the craft is still taught today.

^{Wood Carving – Holzfigur (Holzschnitzerei) Wanderer in Brienz am Brienzer See im Kanton Bern im Berner Oberland in der Schweiz.}

I highly recommend stopping at the Wildpark Brienz if you would like to feed some deer and mountain goats. Here is the google maps to Wildpark Brienz: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yDnz9qdbjx825HNT8 and their website: https://www.wildparkbrienz.ch/

Continue to follow the bike signs and GPS route to the first suspension bridge (Hängebrücke Wildbach) and then continue onward to the second suspension bridge (Hängebrücke Unterweidligraben Oberried). The path on the north side of the lake and to the second suspension bridge is rugged and rocky. Do not be afraid to push the E-bike if you are uncomfortable on the terrain.

^{View from the suspension bridge (Hängebrücke Unterweidligraben Oberried)}

Remember that if you are tired on the way back from the north side of the lake there are many train stations you can go to on the way and bring the bikes back on the train. The first time I tried to complete the circuit around the lake was at the end of a tiring day. I ended up taking the train back from Brienz after enjoying a pizza at a local brewery called JUNGFRAUBRÄU’S or “Kuriosa Brienz Jungfrau Brauerei Shop & Beiz” on google maps.