At a glance
- Lake Brienz cruises operate seasonally from April 3 to December 6, 2026. Departure and arrival times in Brienz vary by operating period, so check the BLS timetable for your travel date instead of counting on a fixed “9 a.m. boat.”
- PostBus route 164 to Rosenlaui operates from May 14 to October 18, 2026. Even during the peak season from May 30 to October 11, there are about eight buses a day, so secure your return from Gschwandtenmaad or Rosenlaui to Meiringen before planning the outbound trip.
- We don’t recommend taking a long Lake Brienz cruise, going all the way to Rosenlaui, and then trying to fit in both a Lake Thun picnic and sunset at Harder Kulm. A late boat arrival or one missed bus can throw off your connections all the way to the last mountain train.
- Neuhaus is a picnic spot with a large lawn, shade, and lake access. There are no lifeguards, so treat swimming as optional and check the water temperature, depth, and wind conditions on site.
- The Harderbahn funicular takes about 10 minutes each way, but allow at least an hour round-trip for tickets, waiting, and time at the viewpoint. The 2026 summer season runs from April 3 to November 29. Check the date-specific timetable for the last descent.
A map for choosing one afternoon activity instead of fitting everything in
① Take a Lake Brienz boat ride. Add ② Rosenlaui only when the seasonal bus connections work. For ③ a Neuhaus picnic and ④ sunset at Harder Kulm, prioritize one based on your return time and the weather instead of trying to do both on the same day.
See the travel guidance for each stop below.
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Interlaken Ost See Morning boat
The BLS operating season and departure time set the limits for the day.
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Brienz · Meiringen Connections
For Rosenlaui, check the connection from Brienz to Meiringen and the return bus together.
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Rosenlaui Seasonal option
Include route 164 only when it’s running from May to October. Skip it if the return connections don’t work.
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Neuhaus Afternoon picnic
An option on Lake Thun when you have time to spare earlier in the day.
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Harder Kulm Sunset option
Save it for the end of the day only when the weather is clear and there’s enough time before the last descent.
The first boat and last return set the limits for the day
Day 3 · Flexible lake and mountain itinerary
This is not an itinerary for checking off all four places. On days when the morning boat and the Rosenlaui bus connections line up, visit the valley. If you return late, choose either a Lake Thun picnic or Harder Kulm. Check actual departure and arrival times for your travel date with BLS, SBB, and PostBus.
Board a Lake Brienz cruise at the Interlaken Ost See boat dock. First departures and arrival times in Brienz vary by season, so save the BLS timetable the day before. Arrive a little early if you want an outdoor seat, and keep a light jacket handy for the breeze on the lake.
- Check BLS operating dates, stops, and last boat
- Outdoor seating and a light windbreaker
- Allow time for your connection after arriving in Brienz
Travel from Brienz to Meiringen, then take PostBus 164. Gschwandtenmaad is a stop for views of the valley. To visit the glacier gorge, search for Rosenlaui, Gletscherschlucht and make sure you select that stop. The gorge visit takes about 45 minutes and is not accessible with a stroller or wheelchair, so check whether it suits everyone in your group. This route operates only from May 14 to October 18, 2026. Check the downhill bus and your return train to Interlaken together, allowing time for entry, the visit, and getting back to the stop. If your boat arrives late or the round-trip connections look uncertain, skip this leg and spend time in Brienz.
- Check round-trip times for route 164 from Meiringen
- Confirm your stop: Gschwandtenmaad or Rosenlaui
- Groups of 10 or more should check advance booking requirements
If you return to Interlaken early, head toward Neuhaus in Unterseen on Lake Thun. The lawns, shade trees, and lake access make it a good spot for a picnic blanket. If you swim, remember there are no lifeguards, and check the depth, cold water, and wind conditions on site. If you get back late from Rosenlaui, skip Neuhaus.
- Picnic blanket · water · light snacks
- Take all your trash with you
- No lifeguards · check water temperature and depth before swimming
Aim to arrive at the Harderbahn lower station one hour before sunset. The funicular ride takes about 10 minutes, but allow extra time for tickets, waiting, and walking to the viewpoint. If the clouds are low or there’s little time before the last descent, stay in Interlaken for the evening instead. From Harder Kulm, you can see Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, as well as the Jungfrau massif in good weather.
- Check the last descent time first, then check sunset time
- Bring a jacket for the wind at the summit
- Views of both lakes and a short panoramic walk
Places and meals
Lake Brienz cruise dock. Check the BLS timetable for same-day service and stops.
Google MapsAfter arriving by boat, decide whether to continue to Meiringen and Rosenlaui or stay in the village.
Google MapsPostBus route 164 to Rosenlaui runs seasonally. Check your return bus before entering the valley.
Google MapsA Lake Thun picnic spot with lawns, shade, and lake access. Check on site which areas are free or paid and what operating conditions apply.
Google MapsA viewpoint overlooking both lakes and the Bernese Oberland peaks. Check operating dates and the last descent for your travel date.
Google MapsWho this itinerary suits
This itinerary suits travelers who want to mix a boat ride, a valley visit, and lakeside downtime instead of spending a long time at just one lake. If you want less travel, it’s more relaxing to visit only Brienz village after the Lake Brienz cruise, or combine Neuhaus on Lake Thun with Harder Kulm.
Reality check
BLS’s one-day Two Lakes Pass covers scheduled boats, trains between Interlaken Ost and Interlaken West, and buses in Interlaken Libero Zone 750. Do not assume the same coverage applies to PostAuto route 164 to Rosenlaui or Harder Kulm; check coverage for your pass and the timetable for your travel date separately.
Make the Lake Brienz cruise and the round trip to Rosenlaui the main activities of the day, including travel time. After that, adding 1–2 hours for either a picnic at Neuhaus or a visit to Harder Kulm is realistic. If you want to include all four places, first write down the times for the first boat, the round-trip route 164 buses, sunset, and the last descent. If any connection is tight, cut an afternoon stop.
Check your budget separately for the BLS cruise, connections between Brienz and Meiringen, PostBus route 164, and the Harder Kulm funicular. Pass discounts and included services vary by product and validity period, so check the official coverage map for the pass you purchased instead of assuming, for example, that a service is free with a “VIP Pass” based only on its name.
Save your return connections first so you don’t miss the last mountain bus or boat. Rosenlaui can feel chilly even in summer, so bring a windproof jacket. Since there are no lifeguards at the lake, check the depth, water temperature, and wind before swimming. Use open flames or cook only if on-site instructions allow it.
If plans change
After the Lake Brienz cruise, have lunch in Brienz village, walk along the lakeshore, and return to Interlaken. Leave time for Harder Kulm or Neuhaus instead of forcing in a trip to the valley.
Skip the morning cruise and combine a picnic and swim at Neuhaus with sunset at Harder Kulm. There are no lifeguards, so don’t swim far from shore alone.
Spend less time at Lake Brienz or skip it to leave more time for the return journey between Rosenlaui and Harder Kulm. Check the last valley bus first.
You’re unlikely to get views above the clouds from Harder Kulm. Simplify the day with a cruise that’s operating, an indoor meal in Brienz or Meiringen, and time to rest at your accommodation.
Small tip
Buy picnic food and water ahead of time in a place with more options, such as Interlaken or Brienz. Bring a small picnic blanket and trash bag for Rosenlaui. If you’re planning to visit Harder Kulm in the afternoon, it may be more convenient to save swimming at Neuhaus for another day so you don’t have to carry wet swimwear and heavy bags uphill.
Final check before departure
- Check BLS for Lake Brienz cruise service, stops, and first and last boats on your travel date.
- Check connections from Brienz to Meiringen and return connections to Interlaken on SBB.
- Check the seasonal schedule for PostBus route 164, the return bus from Gschwandtenmaad or Rosenlaui, and group booking requirements.
- Check which areas at Neuhaus are open that day and the conditions for using the swimming area and restrooms.
- Check the last ascent and last descent at Harder Kulm for your travel date, sunset time, and mountain weather forecast.
- Check the official coverage for your pass to see whether it applies to the cruise, bus, and Harder Kulm.
- Pack a windbreaker, water, light snacks, a picnic blanket, a trash bag, and a power bank.
For 2026, Lake Brienz cruises are scheduled to operate from April 3 to December 6, PostBus route 164 to Rosenlaui from May 14 to October 18, and Harder Kulm from April 3 to November 29. Departure and last-service times, weather, facility hours, and group booking requirements may change, so recheck each operator’s timetable for your travel date before setting out.
Information checked: 2026-10-02