Brünig Pass - Image 1
1 / 3

Brünig Pass

4.5
·273 reviews·Meiringen, Switzerland

A stunning alpine pass connecting Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland, famous for its scenic train route and breathtaking mountain and lake v...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, vibrant greenery

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Brünig Pass - Image 1

Brünig Pass

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, vibrant greenery

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning alpine pass connecting Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland, famous for its scenic train route and breathtaking mountain and lake views.

4.5
(273 reviews)

"The Brünig Pass is a great, great road, highly recommended for its beauty and driving experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

Scenic Train Ride

Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express for incredible views without the driving stress. :train2:

Drive Safely

The road is good but winding. Enjoy the views and ride safe! :motorcycle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Luzern-Interlaken Express

Luzern-Interlaken Express

Brünig Pass route

A stunning train journey offering panoramic vistas of lakes and mountains.

Lungerersee Lake

Lungerersee Lake

Near Brünig Pass

A picturesque lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, perfect for peaceful reflection.

Alpine Road Views

Alpine Road Views

Brünig Pass summit

Breathtaking overlooks of Interlaken and its two lakes from the pass summit.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Scenic Drive

The Brünig Pass offers breathtaking views, making it ideal for road trips. Consider driving or taking the scenic train for the best experience. Plan for potential weather changes, as mountain conditions can be unpredictable.

Timing is Key for Views

While beautiful year-round, the pass truly shines in warmer months for hiking and biking. Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light for photography and fewer crowds on the road.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clear skies, vibrant greenery
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Stunning fall colors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Panoramic views ft. @syifa_in_switzerland. #archoskar The 'Luzern-Interlaken Express'. Located through the Brünig Pass, Switzerland. Video by Syifa (@syifa_in_switzerland). Song by The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, 'A Whole New World'. . "Joy is the simplest form of gratitude." — Karl Barth. #architectureoskar . #panoramic #train #swiss #switzerland
architectureoskar
1.8K likes • 58.9K views

Scenic Train Ride

Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express for incredible views without the driving stress. :train2:

Drive Safely

The road is good but winding. Enjoy the views and ride safe! :motorcycle:

Who knows this place? 🧐 The holiday region of Lungern-Schönbüel is on the Brünig Pass halfway between Lucerne and Interlaken. 🚂 Clip by @timulrich.pix, thank you for sharing. #train #lungern #obwalden #lakelucerneregion #lungernsee #bruenig #brünig #interlaken #lake #zentralbahn #sbbcffffs
visitlucerne
529 likes • 14.6K views
🌄 Zugdurchfahrt am Fotospot in Lungern: ABeh 161 "Stadt Luzern" und ABeh 150 auf ihrer Reise über den Brünigpass! 🚆 📍 Lungern OW 🛤️ Brünigbahn (Luzern – Interlaken Ost) 🚂 ABeh 150 102, ABeh 161 011 📈 PE 2929 🚩 Interlaken Ost 🏁 Luzern 🗓️ 12.05.2024 Dabei war: @leland33946 @clau_dia_si @rolf.sidler @swissrails Tags: #trains #train_nerds #trainspotting #trains_worldwide #abeh161011 #abeh150 #abeh1...
swissrails
2.3K likes • 29.6K views

Capture Lungerersee

Don't miss the stunning beauty of Lungerersee, a perfect photo spot. :camera:

Consider a Car

A car offers flexibility for exploring scenic driving routes. :car:

a dreamy drive, from Brünig Pass to #Interlaken in #Switzerland 🇨🇭 ☁️🌧️🌧️⛰️⛰️🌳🌧️🏡☁️🍀☁️⛰️🌧️🌧️⛰️⛰️⛰️ القياده في أرض الأحلام.. لكن للأسف الوجهه كانت.. إلى منطقة.. المتسكعين الخليجيين #انترلاكن ههه🎃 #سويسرا 28-7-2018
mbrmj
194 likes • 2.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Scenic Train Ride

Take the Luzern-Interlaken Express for incredible views without the driving stress. :train2:

Drive Safely

The road is good but winding. Enjoy the views and ride safe! :motorcycle:

Capture Lungerersee

Don't miss the stunning beauty of Lungerersee, a perfect photo spot. :camera:

Consider a Car

A car offers flexibility for exploring scenic driving routes. :car:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(273 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers praise the Brünig Pass for its beautiful scenery and excellent road conditions, making it a highly recommended scenic route between Central Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland. While some find it a bit underdeveloped for tourism, its natural beauty and the enjoyable train journey are consistently highlighted.

"The Brünig Pass, at an altitude of 3,307 feet, connects the Bernese Oberland and central Switzerland. It isn't a high pass by US Western standards, but it very pretty and the road is quite good. At the top, one looks down on Interlaken and it's two lakes."

Celeste Ruppelt

"Very pretty location with easy access"

Greg Turnbull

"Beautiful"

Juliana Elizabeth Vásquez Lara

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Great road
Scenic train route

What People Dislike

Not tourist-ready

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Brünig Pass is accessible by car, connecting Central Switzerland with the Bernese Oberland. It's also a key route for the Luzern-Interlaken Express train, offering a scenic journey. Driving from Zurich to Interlaken via the pass is recommended for its views over going via Bern. Instagram+1

The road is generally well-maintained and considered quite good, though it is winding. It's not a high pass by US Western standards, but offers beautiful scenery. Ride safe and enjoy the drive! Reddit

Yes, the Brünig Pass is popular for cycling, with some reels showcasing thrilling descents. Be prepared for the inclines and enjoy the adrenaline! Instagram

Many travelers recommend taking the scenic train, the Luzern-Interlaken Express, which travels directly through the pass and offers panoramic views. Driving is also a fantastic option for flexibility and enjoying the alpine road. Instagram+1

Lungerersee is located near the Brünig Pass and is accessible via public transport, often as part of a journey along the pass route. The train line runs close by. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, driving over the Brünig Pass itself does not require a ticket as it's a public road. However, if you plan to use specific scenic train services like the Luzern-Interlaken Express, you will need a valid train ticket. Instagram

Viewpoints along the Brünig Pass are generally accessible without charge, as they are part of the natural landscape and public road. Enjoy the stunning vistas freely! Instagram

The Brünig Pass road is typically open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, winter conditions can sometimes lead to temporary closures or require winter tires. Always check local conditions before traveling in colder months.

Ticket prices for the Luzern-Interlaken Express can vary depending on the class of travel and any special offers. It's advisable to check the official SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) website for current pricing and booking options. Instagram

Yes, the Luzern-Interlaken Express train is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, making it a convenient option for pass holders to enjoy the scenic route. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

While specific trail details aren't extensively covered, the area around Brünig Pass is popular for hiking, offering beautiful alpine scenery. The region around Lungerersee is particularly scenic. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The Brünig Pass is a popular route for motorcyclists, offering a thrilling ride with stunning alpine views. Remember to ride safely and be aware of other traffic. Instagram

Expect breathtaking panoramic views of lakes, including Interlaken's two lakes and Lungerersee, as well as dramatic mountain landscapes. The summit offers particularly impressive overlooks. Instagram+2

Yes, there are towns and viewpoints along the pass where you can stop. Lungern is a notable town on the route, and there are various spots to pull over and admire the scenery. Instagram+1

Crowds can vary. While it's a scenic route, it's not typically as overwhelmingly crowded as some major tourist hubs. Traveling during off-peak hours or seasons can offer a more serene experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo spots include the train passing through Lungern, the serene Lungerersee, and the panoramic views from the pass summit overlooking Interlaken and its lakes. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal. Instagram+3

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning mountain vistas. Instagram

Yes, the Brünig Pass is a fantastic location for train photography, especially with the Luzern-Interlaken Express. Lungern is highlighted as a prime spot for capturing trains. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating mountain peaks or train details. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or long exposures of the lake. Instagram

While dedicated photography tours might not be widely advertised, many local tour operators in the Bernese Oberland or Lucerne regions can arrange custom excursions that include the Brünig Pass and its scenic viewpoints. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Luzern-Interlaken Express train is a fantastic way for families to experience the Brünig Pass. Kids will be mesmerized by the changing scenery, and the train offers a comfortable and safe environment. Pack snacks and drinks, and consider a window seat for the best views. Instagram+1

While the pass itself is a scenic drive, younger children might find long car journeys challenging. However, stops at viewpoints or the area around Lungerersee can provide opportunities for them to stretch their legs and enjoy the natural beauty. The overall experience is visually engaging and can be a memorable part of a family trip to Switzerland.

🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists

The Brünig Pass is a dream route for road trippers and motorcyclists. The well-maintained alpine road offers thrilling twists and turns, coupled with spectacular views. Driving or riding from Zurich to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass is highly recommended for its scenic rewards. Instagram+1

Plan for stops at designated viewpoints to fully appreciate the panoramas of the lakes and mountains. Be mindful of the winding nature of the road and always prioritize safety, especially when motorcycling. The pass provides an unforgettable driving experience through the heart of Switzerland. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Brünig Pass offers a wealth of opportunities. Capture the iconic Luzern-Interlaken Express as it winds through the landscape, particularly in Lungern. The serene Lungerersee provides stunning reflections, and the summit offers sweeping vistas of Interlaken and its lakes. Instagram+3

Aim for the 'golden hours' of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic lighting. A combination of wide-angle and telephoto lenses will be beneficial for capturing both the grand landscapes and specific details. Be prepared for changing weather, which can add to the dramatic photographic potential. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Brünig Pass Railway Experience

The Brünig Pass is not just a road; it's a vital artery for the Zentralbahn railway, specifically the Luzern–Interlaken Express. This scenic train journey is a highlight for many visitors, offering unparalleled views of the alpine landscape without the need to drive. The train winds its way through picturesque valleys, past charming villages like Lungern, and offers stunning vistas of lakes and mountains. Instagram+1

Travelers often praise the comfort and the unobstructed views provided by the train. It's a fantastic option for those who want to relax and soak in the scenery. The route connects major tourist hubs, making it an integral part of many Swiss itineraries. The Luzern-Interlaken Express is designed to maximize the visual experience, with large windows and often commentary on the sights. Instagram

For train enthusiasts and photographers, capturing the train itself against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps is a popular activity. Specific viewpoints, like the one in Lungern, are known for offering excellent opportunities to photograph the trains as they traverse the pass. Instagram

Driving and Motorcycling the Brünig Pass

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road, driving or motorcycling the Brünig Pass is an exhilarating experience. The road is well-maintained and offers a dynamic route connecting Central Switzerland with the Bernese Oberland. Many travelers describe it as a 'dreamy drive' with incredible scenery unfolding at every turn. Instagram+1

The pass is particularly popular with motorcyclists, who are drawn to its winding curves and the sense of adventure. Reels showcase the thrill of descending the pass, emphasizing the passion and adrenaline associated with this route. Safety is paramount, and riders are advised to be aware of the road conditions and other traffic. Instagram

When driving, consider stopping at viewpoints like the summit for breathtaking panoramas of Interlaken and its two lakes. The journey from Zurich to Interlaken via the Brünig Pass is often recommended over other routes for its scenic value. Instagram

The Natural Beauty of Lungerersee

Nestled near the Brünig Pass, Lungerersee is a gem that captivates visitors with its serene beauty. This picturesque lake is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The reflections of the Alps on its calm waters create a postcard-perfect scene. Instagram+1

Lungerersee is frequently highlighted in social media content as a must-see location when traveling the Brünig Pass. It offers a peaceful contrast to the more dynamic experience of the pass itself, providing opportunities for quiet contemplation and stunning photography. Instagram

Whether you're arriving by train or car, Lungerersee is easily accessible and provides a beautiful backdrop for photos or a relaxing break. Its proximity to the pass makes it a convenient and rewarding stop on any journey through the region. Instagram

You may also like