Summer buzz in Brienz

Summary

Brienz, a picturesque Swiss village, is celebrated for its charming wooden chalets, vibrant geraniums, the romantic Brunngasse street, its history of wood carving, and the stunning turquoise Lake Brienz, all contributing to its reputation as a fairy-tale destination.

Abstract

Nestled in the Bernese region of Switzerland, Brienz is a village where every home resembles an inviting wooden chalet, adorned with beautifully arranged geraniums that remain vibrant even in September. The village is home to Europe's most voted romantic street, Brunngasse, where the wooden architecture and silence create an atmosphere of enchantment. Brienz's wood carving tradition, which began in the 19th century as a means to combat famine, continues to thrive, with the village known as the 'Village of Carving' for its exquisite wooden crafts. The village's namesake, Lake Brienz, is a natural wonder with its glacial-fed turquoise waters, offering a captivating backdrop to the village. Accessible by train from Luzern, Brienz also provides a cog railway journey to the Rothorn Alps, adding to its allure as a tourist destination. The Evangelical reformed church stands as another highlight, with its unique frescos and panoramic views of the Alps, lake, and village.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the natural and architectural beauty of Brienz, describing it as a fairy-tale setting that surpasses other places they have seen.
The silence of the village is noted as a precious and striking feature, suggesting a reverence for the tranquility of the environment.
The wooden chalets are not only admired for their aesthetic appeal but also for their historical significance, with the wood carving tradition being a point of pride for the village.
The author is captivated by the color of Lake Brienz, emphasizing its unique turquoise hue

Summer buzz in Brienz

There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar; I love not Man the less, but Nature more — Lord Byron

A bang fairy-tale page straight out of a book and then boom !! Real and flesh!! In one short breath, this is Brienz for me.

I have seen umpteen wooden chalets in the world of my experience; not as inviting as the ones you will see in Brienz, a pretty village in Bernese region of Switzerland. Every home here is a dressed-up bride, flawlessly designed, executed and voila even maintained! If cherry to dark shades of mahogany panels mesh in neat horizontal and select verticals underneath beautiful gables, it’s the frill plates of these chalets with a host of bright geraniums that enthuse the romantic hearts. I have not seen anywhere such insanely arranged geraniums and such jubilant in September. There are also other pretty vines and flowering glories raised and disciplined in the gardens and public pavements.

Photo by author

Europe’s most voted romantic street- Brunngasse street — is in Brienz. The homes that I mentioned above are close sequined on either side of this street, thereby allowing no offset for your thoughts until you are out of that street! This exactly is the spirit of romance, the mere experience of it encourages a pleasant deep feeling that is inexpressible but enjoyed for a bold amount of time! On every Europe trip in the past years, I had Brunngasse street on my bucket list, but with time playing spoil tricks, resigned myself to bask the big city lights and leave the countryside for later. Finally I made it !! Resolute 2023 ! Thank you to the listening universe :)

On Brunngasse street, the structures of the chalets vary in slight measure yet not the wood paneled elevations or the choice of Germaniums. The grey alleys complement well with the wooden chalets. It’s a potluck of nature’s best. The neighborhood was strangely silent during my visit; I am not sure if Brienz folks have an unsaid responsibility to guard this precious silence. Except for an occasional flash of few birdy chirps, the village was stunningly silent.

Why so woody ? All of the wood talks of this village have a history that dates back to the 18th century. I was surprised that not much damage has gone into the 18th century Brienz. The village embarked on their wood carving journey starting year 1816. It is said that guided by Christian Fischer a wood turner, the villagers took wood carving as a vocation to earn their livelihood during turbulent times of famine. It has only prospered then on. Carved wood items are still a craze for the tourists. There are numerous shops selling elegant wood carved animals, birds, characters, church sets; some statues are also centrally placed in prominent alleys for public view. Therefore Brienz is also known as the ‘Village of Carving’.

You will not miss this lake !! It is little said about Brienz if I ignore its envious possession — Lake Brienz. They share the same name. Whether the village took its name from the lake or the lake from the village, I rest it as a chicken-egg story. This mesmerizing ribbon curves and fences this pretty village on the southwest side. On a bright sunny day, the lake is either teal or turquoise but not blue. It’s a pass for blue:) This special turquoise effect of the waters is from the glacial particles that drain into this basin from the adjacent Alps. Purity of the lake and the glacial sediments together render this pleasant turquoise effect. It’s a gem of a view.

How do you get here ? The Brienz lake is also used as mode of traffic but not as much as the train journey. Brienz village is a train journey away from Luzern enroute Interlaken. Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can use the Swiss pass to buy this journey, the cheapest alternative for tourists. Across Brienz terminal, there is the steam rail that takes us to the Rothorn Alps. It’s a cog railway and the 2 hours journey from here to the Alps is a fascinating trip and a brave one as you reach the icy mountains that threaten to chill your bones. It’s worth every moment. You can tour the village after your return from the Alps Rothorn climb, to doubly enjoy the croissants and coffee at a street cafe; what more to pamper your body that is just out of the frozy treats of the Alpine valley.

Photo by author — Backdrop: Evangelical Reformed Church

I would not want to leave Brienz without visiting the Great Creator’s altar at the Evangelical reformed church, just around the corner. This is another picturesque structure both inside and out. Unique frescos in the inside, while stain glass windows and stone walls ring the bell of ancient history. From the parapet one gets a brilliant panoramic view of the Alps, the lake and the pretty chalets. Divine !

Brienz to me is one magnificent canvas painted with a divine brushstroke !