Brienz

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For the village in the Grisons, see Brienz/Brinzauls.

Coordinates: 46°45′N 8°12′E

Brienz
Coat of Arms of Brienz
Canton Berne
District Interlaken
Coordinates  46°45′N 8°12′E
Population 2911   (December 2002)
Area 48.0 km²
Elevation 566 m
Postal code 3855
SFOS number 0573
Website www.brienz.ch
Twin towns Brienz/Brinzauls (Switzerland), Tryavna (Bulgaria), Shimada (Japan)
Location on map of Switzerland
Brienz

Brienz is a municipality in the District of Interlaken of the Canton of Berne in Switzerland. The village lies on the north bank of Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland at the foot of the Brienzer Rothorn mountain.

Contents

[edit] Economics

Tourism and woodcarving are the main activities. The Cantonal Woodcarving School established in 1862 is well-known and respected in the trade.

[edit] History

Evidence has been found for a settlement by the Alamanni in the 7th century. Brienz was first documented in 1146, and in 1528 after an eventful history Brienz became part of the Canton of Berne.

[edit] Points of interests

  • In the difficult years of the First World War a sea-promenade was built that leads along the village to the lake shore, and is probably something one of the most beautiful things Brienz has to offer. With magnificent flower beds and tree plantings, it offers, unencumbered from traffic, peace and relaxation.
  • Ride the Brienz Rothorn Bahn, a steam train up the Brienzer Rothorn.
  • The Ballenberg open air museum of nearly 100 original century-old buildings from all over Switzerland
  • wood carvings
  • Giessbach waterfall with the Giessbach-Bahn, the oldest Funicular in Europe
A view of Lake Brienz in the summer, taken from the quay at Brienz
Enlarge
A view of Lake Brienz in the summer, taken from the quay at Brienz

[edit] External links