The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is a historic rack railway that climbs from the lakeside village of Brienz to Rothorn Kulm in Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. Operating since 1892, the 7.6 km route passes forests, alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and the Planalp middle station before reaching the mountain terminus.
Quick Answer
For the 2026 season, the Brienz Rothorn Bahn runs to Planalp from May 9 to June 5 and to Rothorn Kulm from June 6 to October 25. An adult return to Rothorn Kulm costs CHF 98, or CHF 49 with an eligible half-fare discount. Advance booking is wise on clear summer days.
Key Takeaways
- The standard 2026 adult return fare from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm is CHF 98; the eligible half-fare price is CHF 49.
- Trains operate only to Planalp from May 9 to June 5, 2026, and continue to Rothorn Kulm from June 6 to October 25, 2026.
- A seat guarantee costs CHF 8 per person. Seats are guaranteed but not numbered.
- Allow at least 2.5 hours for the shortest return trip to Rothorn Kulm, including a 30-minute stop at the top.
- Weather, demand, and technical conditions can change services or lead to diesel-locomotive substitution.
As the train climbs higher, passengers are treated to a visual feast that changes with every turn.
Brienz Rothorn Bahn ticket prices for 2026
The following are the published individual fares for the 2026 season. Check the official Brienz Rothorn Bahn timetable and price page before booking because fares and operating conditions can change.
| Route | Standard adult | Half fare | Child age 6–15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brienz–Rothorn Kulm return | CHF 98 | CHF 49 | CHF 10 |
| Brienz–Planalp return | CHF 66 | CHF 33 | CHF 10 |
| Brienz–Rothorn Kulm one way | CHF 63 | CHF 31.50 | CHF 5 |
| Brienz–Planalp one way | CHF 42 | CHF 21 | CHF 5 |
Children aged five or younger travel free. Children with a valid Junior Card may also qualify for free travel, but a seat guarantee is still recommended when travelling on a busy departure.
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How the CHF 8 seat guarantee works
The online ticket shop adds a CHF 8 seat guarantee per person to eligible advance bookings. This reserves space on your selected departure, but it does not assign a numbered seat. Passengers choose from the available seats after entering the platform.
The turnstile generally opens 30 minutes before departure. Arriving at the stated access time gives you a better choice of seats, although compartments may be filled to their available capacity.
Warning: Completed advance tickets and seat guarantees are normally non-refundable and cannot be moved to another departure. Check your date and both travel times carefully before paying.
Pro Tip: Reserve both your uphill and downhill trains. Booking only the ascent does not guarantee a place on your preferred return departure.
Brienz Rothorn Bahn timetable and operating dates
The railway has two operating periods in 2026. During the early season, trains travel only as far as Planalp. Full service to Rothorn Kulm begins in June and continues into October, subject to weather and operating conditions.
Planalp season: May 9 to June 5, 2026
| Direction | Published departure times |
|---|---|
| Brienz to Planalp | 09:45, 11:45, 13:45, 15:45 |
| Planalp to Brienz | 10:45, 12:45, 14:45, 16:45 |
Rothorn Kulm season: June 6 to October 25, 2026
| Direction | Published departure times |
|---|---|
| Brienz to Rothorn Kulm | 07:36*, 08:36, 09:40, 10:45, 11:45, 12:58, 13:58, 14:58, 16:36 |
| Rothorn Kulm to Brienz | 09:06*, 09:38, 11:15, 12:20, 13:28, 14:28, 15:28, 16:28, 17:40 |
*Weekend early train: The 07:36 ascent from Brienz and 09:06 descent from Rothorn Kulm operate on Saturdays and Sundays during July, August, and September.
The final scheduled downhill train leaves Rothorn Kulm at 17:40 and reaches Brienz at approximately 18:40.
Note: Published times can change because of weather, safety conditions, technical faults, or special operations. Check the official timetable and ticket availability on the day of travel.
How long does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn journey take?
The journey from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm takes about 60 minutes and covers 7.6 km. The railway gains approximately 1,678 metres in elevation along a steep rack-rail route.
Planalp lies about halfway along the line and is reached after roughly 30 minutes. Steam locomotives may stop there for about five minutes to take on water. Passengers continuing uphill should follow the crew’s instructions and normally remain seated during the stop.
The official minimum time for a return outing from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm is approximately 2.5 hours. This allows one hour uphill, at least 30 minutes at the top, and one hour downhill. Most visitors will enjoy the trip more with three to five hours available.
How to purchase Brienz Rothorn Bahn tickets
- Choose your travel date: Confirm whether trains are operating only to Planalp or all the way to Rothorn Kulm.
- Select both departure times: Choose an uphill train and a return train that leave enough time for viewpoints, food, or walking.
- Apply the correct discount: Select the fare that matches your pass or travel card and bring the original pass with you.
- Review the booking: Confirm the date, route, direction, passenger count, and seat-guarantee times before paying.
- Arrive for platform access: Have your ticket and any discount card ready when the turnstile opens.
You can buy tickets through the official ticket shop or at the Brienz valley station. Same-day sales are possible, but popular departures may be full.
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Discount cards and travel passes
- Swiss Half Fare Card or Swiss Half Fare Travelcard: Eligible passengers pay the published half fare.
- Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex: The BRB ticket shop offers the half-fare Brienz Rothorn Bahn rate when the pass is valid on the travel day.
- GA Travelcard: The railway lists the GA under its half-fare pricing category.
- Berner Oberland Pass: Regular scheduled travel is included, but reserving a CHF 8 seat guarantee is recommended.
- Lucerne Travel Pass: Regular scheduled travel is included, with an optional CHF 8 guarantee for a chosen departure.
- Brienz Guest Card or Camping Card Bernese Oberland: The railway publishes a 20% reduction from the standard fare and a smaller reduction from eligible discounted fares.
- Birthday offer: Passengers may travel free on their birthday after showing official identification. A paid seat guarantee is still recommended.
Discounts generally do not apply to special trains, evening events, or packages that already have a reduced price.
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What to expect on the train
The Brienz Rothorn Bahn is known for its historic steam operation, open mountain scenery, mechanical sounds, smoke, and close views of the locomotive. However, the railway may use a diesel locomotive when demand is high or a steam locomotive is unavailable for technical reasons.
Seats are arranged in compartments that can hold up to eight passengers. Private compartments are not normally offered, and crews may use every available seat on busy departures.
Families and young children
Children are welcome, but the noise, movement, smoke, and steam can be stressful for some young passengers. A seat farther from the locomotive may be more comfortable. A seat guarantee should be booked for each child who needs a guaranteed place.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. The published fare is CHF 10 per dog for either a one-way or return journey. Dog tickets must be purchased at the Brienz station and cannot normally be bought online. Dogs do not need a seat reservation.
Luggage and bicycles
Bring compact luggage that you can carry and place in the available storage area without help. The railway’s transport terms exclude bicycles, mountain bikes, folding bicycles, scooters, and similar wheeled sports equipment.
Weather and service changes
The railway normally operates in rain, but trains can be cancelled, shortened, or altered when safety cannot be guaranteed. Clouds can also remove most of the mountain view even when trains are running.
Warning: Do not rely on a mountain forecast alone. Check current railway notices, ticket availability, trail conditions, and the last descent before starting a hike or committing to a one-way ticket.
What to do at Rothorn Kulm
Rothorn Kulm station stands at approximately 2,244 m. From the station area, you can visit viewpoints, eat at the Berghaus Rothorn Kulm or the summit restaurant, and take short mountain walks.
The Brienzer Rothorn summit is approximately 2,350 m above sea level. A trail continues upward from the station area, but conditions can include wind, low cloud, wet ground, snow, or rapid temperature changes. Wear suitable shoes and turn around when conditions are poor.
The railway recommends at least 30 minutes at the top. Allow more time if you want a meal, photographs, or a walk toward the summit.
Special trips and packages
In addition to regular scheduled trains, the railway offers seasonal experiences such as full-moon trips, Salon Rouge dining journeys, the Steam Sausage Train, nostalgic Planalp trips, footplate experiences, and Swiss National Day excursions.
Dates, eligibility rules, departure times, meals, and prices differ from the standard service. Review the official special trips and offers before booking.
How to reach the Brienz Rothorn Bahn
The valley station is at Hauptstrasse 149, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland.
- By train: Brienz mainline railway station is directly opposite the Brienz Rothorn Bahn valley station.
- By boat: Boats from Interlaken arrive at Brienz quay, approximately a three-minute walk from the railway.
- By car: Signed paid parking is available near the valley station. The official full-day rate is CHF 8.
- Electric vehicle: Charging points are available at Trachtlistrasse 2, about a five-minute walk from the station.
Review the official arrival and parking information before driving.
Tips for riding the Brienz Rothorn Bahn
- Book clear-weather weekends early: Trains can sell out on popular summer days.
- Reserve the return trip: The last descent can be busy, especially when the weather is good.
- Dress for the elevation: Rothorn Kulm is often around 10°C cooler than Brienz.
- Bring sun and rain protection: Mountain conditions can change quickly.
- Allow connection time: Do not schedule a tight onward train or boat connection after the final descent.
- Check which locomotive is operating: A diesel engine may replace steam for operational reasons.
- Carry water for walks: Even short summit routes are exposed to sun and wind.
Accessibility and wheelchair information
Manual wheelchair users can travel only by advance arrangement. The railway requests the travel date, preferred uphill and downhill departures, number of accompanying people, contact details, and telephone number. The request should be submitted no later than seven days before travel.
Electric wheelchairs, oversized wheelchairs, and heavy motorized mobility attachments generally cannot be transported. Because the historic platform does not allow a boarding ramp, a wheelchair user may need to be lifted approximately 65 cm into the carriage. The railway recommends travelling with helpers who can assist with boarding and an unexpected train change.
At Rothorn Kulm, the paved route from the station to the Berghaus climbs steeply for about 100 metres. The restaurant and an accessible toilet can be used by wheelchair visitors, but the surrounding mountain hiking trails are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: Contact the railway before purchasing tickets when wheelchair transport or boarding assistance is required.
Contact information and customer service
- Railway and reservations phone: +41 33 952 22 22
- General email: info@brb.ch
- Reservation email: reservation@brb.ch
- Station address: Hauptstrasse 149, CH-3855 Brienz
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to reserve a seat on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn?
A reservation is not always compulsory, but a CHF 8 seat guarantee is strongly recommended for clear summer days, weekends, holidays, and fixed travel plans. It guarantees space on a selected departure, although the seats are not numbered.
How much are Brienz Rothorn Bahn tickets in 2026?
An adult return ticket from Brienz to Rothorn Kulm costs CHF 98. The eligible half-fare price is CHF 49. Children aged 6–15 pay CHF 10 return, while children under six travel free.
When does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn operate in 2026?
Trains operate between Brienz and Planalp from May 9 to June 5, 2026. Full service between Brienz and Rothorn Kulm runs from June 6 to October 25, 2026, subject to weather and operational conditions.
Is the Brienz Rothorn Bahn included in the Swiss Travel Pass?
The Swiss Travel Pass normally qualifies the holder for the published half-fare ticket rather than free travel. Bring the valid pass and the matching Brienz Rothorn Bahn ticket. The Berner Oberland Pass and Lucerne Travel Pass include regular scheduled travel.
Can I buy Brienz Rothorn Bahn tickets on the day?
Yes. Tickets can be purchased at the Brienz station, subject to availability. Popular departures can sell out, so advance booking is safer when you have a fixed itinerary.
How long should I allow for the complete trip?
The shortest return trip to Rothorn Kulm takes about 2.5 hours, including one hour in each direction and a minimum 30-minute stop. Allow three to five hours for a more relaxed visit.
Does the Brienz Rothorn Bahn run in the rain?
The railway normally operates in rain. However, departures may be cancelled, shortened, or changed when demand is very low or safe operation cannot be guaranteed.
Can I change or cancel a seat guarantee?
Completed advance bookings are normally binding. Seat guarantees cannot usually be cancelled or transferred to a different departure, so review the selected date and times carefully before payment.
Can dogs travel on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn?
Yes. A dog ticket costs CHF 10 for either a one-way or return journey and must be purchased at the Brienz station. Dogs do not require a separate seat guarantee.
Sources
- Brienz Rothorn Bahn timetable and prices — 2026 fares, departure times, discounts, dogs, families, and accessibility.
- Official Brienz Rothorn Bahn FAQs — journey duration, booking rules, weather operation, restaurants, and parking.
- Official ticket shop — seat guarantees, platform access, pass validation, and booking restrictions.
- Official route information — route length, journey time, elevation gain, gradients, tunnels, and stations.
- Official arrival information — access by train, car, boat, parking, and electric-vehicle charging.
- Interlaken tourism: Brienzer Rothorn — Rothorn Kulm station and summit elevations.
