Brienz Rothorn Bahn
- Visit: 2–3 hours
- from CHF 98
- Ideal for kids
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Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a historic steam rack railway from lakeside Brienz, Switzerland, to Rothorn Kulm below the Brienzer Rothorn summit.
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Why go
- Ride Europe's highest unelectrified railway, reaching 2,244 metres.
- Climb 1,678 metres from lakeside Brienz.
- Steam locomotives push trains uphill on gradients of up to 25%.
Opening hours
Today08:00 – 17:00Show all
Monday08:00 – 17:00
Tuesday08:00 – 17:00
Wednesday08:00 – 17:00
Thursday08:00 – 17:00
Friday08:00 – 17:00
Saturday08:00 – 17:00
Sunday08:00 – 17:00
Don't miss
- Rothorn panoramaLook out over Lake Brienz and the Bernese Oberland; on clear days, as many as 693 mountain peaks are visible.Rothorn Kulm, below the Brienzer Rothorn summit
- Planalp water stopOlder steam locomotives take on water here during the climb.Planalp station
- Fluhtunnel viewing windowsWatch for two large windows as the train passes through Fluhtunnel, looking toward Brienz and Lake Brienz.On board, along Fluhtunnel
- Summit hotel and sun terracesA hotel and sun terraces sit at the top, alongside mountain views.Rothorn Kulm
Know before you go
- When passenger numbers are high or a steam locomotive fails, the train may use a diesel locomotive.
- Compartments seat eight people; private compartments are not offered.
- Dogs may ride aboard and need a ticket. Keep them on a lead on hiking trails; sit away from the locomotive.
- Motorized mobility aids can be parked free at the Brienz valley station.
Tips for your visit
- Busy summer departures can sell out or involve long waits; a guaranteed-seat ticket gives direct platform access for your selected departure.
- A hiking trail links the upper station with Brünig-Hasliberg station at the Brünig Pass.
- Public transport users receive a 20% discount on the Brienz–Rothorn return journey.
Best time to visit
- The railway usually operates from May to October and pauses in winter.
- Preseason trains run only as far as Planalp.
With kids
- Children under six ride free.
- The steam train makes noise and releases steam, which may unsettle some children.
- Books following ibex Steinli and squirrel Eichi are sold at Brienz valley station, the summit hotel and online.
Interesting facts6
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The 7.6-kilometre line uses an 800 mm gauge and the Abt double lamella rack system.
Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia -
It has five tunnels and three passing loops at Geldried, Planalp and Oberstafel.
Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia -
3 steam
Its Class H2/3 steam locomotives have two of their three axles driven.
Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia -
Modern steam locomotives use light-oil-fired technology and were built by SLM in Winterthur.
Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia -
Older steam engines have a side-tank design nicknamed “kneeling cow.”
Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia -
13 was
Locomotive number 13 was skipped because some consider it unlucky.
Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn - Wikipedia
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History
Engineer Alexander Lindner planned the railway with local support. Builder and architect Theodor Bertschinger joined the project, and Roman Abt advised on its rack system. Early visitors often crossed Lake Brienz by boat because the Brünig railway did not reach Interlaken until 1916.
- 1889The Federal Assembly granted the railway concession on 20 December.
- 1890–1891Up to 640 workers, mostly Italians, built the line.
- 1892The railway opened in full on 17 June.
- 1914Service stopped during the First World War and remained suspended after it ended.
- 1931The railway reopened to Rothorn Kulm in June.
Show all
- 1958A proposal to replace the rack railway with a cable car was dropped after public protests.
- 2024A storm damaged the track and ended the season early. Repairs cost around CHF 5 million.
- 2025After repairs, service resumed to Planalp on 12 May and to the Rothorn on 7 June.
How to get there
- TrainThe valley station is opposite Brienz railway station on the Zentralbahn’s Brünig line.
- BoatThe valley station is near the Lake Brienz landing stage.
- 5 minParkingThe parking deck with electric vehicle charging is at Trachtlistrasse 2, a five-minute walk from the valley station.
- On footThe railway address is Hauptstrasse 149, 3855 Brienz.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access Arrange at least seven days ahead. Staff lift manual wheelchair users aboard because the platform slope prevents a ramp. Electric and oversized wheelchairs cannot be carried.
- Rothorn Kulm restaurant About 100 metres from the station along a steep paved path; the restaurant has accessible facilities.
- Terrace views Wheelchair users can enjoy views over Lake Brienz from the terrace.
- Mountain trails Wheelchair users cannot continue onto the red-and-white hiking trails around the Rothorn.
Sources: Brienz Rothorn Railway - Wikipedia · Brienz - Wikivoyage (do) · Brienz Rothorn Railway Historic Steam Rack Rail… · Brienz Rothorn Railway Schedule & Fares 2026 · Railroad history - Brienz Rothorn Railway · Brienz Rothorn Bahn - Wikipedia · Brienz-Rothorn-Bahn - Wikipedia · Ferrovia Brienz-Rothorn - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026
Where
Hauptstrasse 149, 3855, Brienz
- Website
- brienz-rothorn-bahn.ch/
- Phone
- +41 33 952 22 22
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Questions and answers
How long does a Brienz Rothorn Bahn journey take?
About one hour each way, at a maximum speed of 9 km/h.
How steep is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn route on average?
The average gradient is 22.5%.
How many steam locomotives did the Brienz Rothorn Bahn start with?
Five.
When did diesel locomotives arrive on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn?
In the 1970s.
Does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn have a partner railway?
It has partnered with Ōigawa Tetsudō in Japan since 1997.
How can I contact the Brienz Rothorn Bahn?
Call +41 33 952 22 22.
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