Hike to the Brienzer Rothorn

From Lake Brienz, a long, steep ascent leads via Planalp and alpine meadows to the Rothorngrat – almost 1,800 metres of elevation gain with sweeping views over the lake and mountains.

From Brienz railway station, the route initially leads through the village and uphill alongside the Trachtbach. Lake Brienz is soon left behind as the broad hiking trail steadily gains height between meadows and forest. Before Planalp, the gradient increases sharply in steep sections.

At Planalp, the view opens up over Lake Brienz. Here the route joins the mountain trail and continues uphill via Mittler Stafel and Ober Stafel. Above the tree line, alpine meadows characterise the long ascent; later, the terrain becomes rockier at the Rothorngrat. Almost 1,800 metres of elevation gain are covered in just under ten kilometres, with no significant descent.

After around five hours, the trail reaches the summit restaurant and, shortly afterwards, the Brienzer Rothorn at just over 2,300 m. The summit is the highest point in the canton of Lucerne and stands on the border between Bern, Obwalden and Lucerne. The destination, Rothorn Kulm, lies just a few steps further on; from here, the Brienz Rothorn Railway runs down into the valley.