BRIENZ ROTHORN RAILWAY
Scenic Mountain Steam Train from Lake Brienz
The Brienz Rothorn mountain rack railway climbs over 5,500 feet from the shore of Lake Brienz to the summit station of Rothhron Kulm. The scenic train has been driven by steam engines since the 4.7 mile route was first opened in 1891. Three generations of steam engines have been operating over the track to the high alps meadows of the Bernese Oberland for a century and a quarter. The idea for a railway to the Rothorn came after the completion of the Mt Rigi railway from Lake Lucerne in 1871 (see Mt Rigi Railway), proving the alps slopes could be conquered by steam. A German engineer named A. Lindner, who had worked on the Gotthard Railway, became fixed on the idea of building the world’s highest mountain railway at the time to the Rothorn.
The Brienz Rothorn peak was already familiar to the Swiss before a railway was built. In 1829 the summit of the Rothorn was marked as the geographic point where the three cantons of Bern, Lucerne and Obwalden met. A stone marker still denotes the juncture. The peak in the Brienz region is not the only Rothorn mountain in the alps and the origin of the name meaning “Red Horn” is uncertain. There is one legend dating from the 14th Century that tells of an particularly angry Alpine herdsman who boiled a neighbor in a pot of whey, and a soldier who discovered this blew his warning horn so hard he bled.
At the 7395 ft summit of the railway is the mountain restaurant and hotel of the Rothorn Kulm. A short walk from the summit station of the railway the terrace panorama deck of the restaurant offers a Swiss style meal or a drink with a chance to relax and take in the spectacular views of the Berner Oberland Alps. The Mountain Lodge Rothorn Kulm features comfortable, but no frills single or double rooms, or a double room with a bunk bed for a family. The rooms have washbasins, but in old world traditional mountain lodge style, the showers and toilets are in the hallway. Some of the rooms face to the north side and some to the south, with views of the mountains from the windows.
From the summit station or hotel is some of the most spectacular hiking in central Switzerland, surrounded by the tranquility and nature of the high alpine meadows and peaks. The classic Rothorn Brunig Pass trail starts at the Brienzer Rothorn summit and is calculated to take about 2½ hours, to Schönbüel. Another hour continues to Turren peak. The trail starting in Lungern-Schönbüel offers the best views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau across the valley. The more family friendly hiking route for the casual hiker or young and older is the Brienzer-Planalp trail. The hike begins a few steps from the Rothorn Kulm panorama terrace. This trail allows a good look at the railway as it climbs the mountain slope from the lake shore.
Taking the Brienz Rothorn Railway
The Rothorn Railway station is located directly across from the Brienz main rail station and the lake boat cruise dock. You can take the train to the top at Rothorn or partway to Planalp. Ticket prices range from 35 CHF to 54 CHF for adult one way, or 55 CHF to 84 CHF for adult round trip. Holders of a Swiss Pass or Half Fare Card get a 50% discount. Holders of a local Tell Pass ride free as many times as they want. From June to October trains depart starting at 7:30 am until 5:30 pm, with last train down at 8:40 pm. Early season hours can vary and the route can be closed in bad weather. © Bargain
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