Along the North Side of Lake Brienz

April 1, 2017 -- Forecast for Saturday was for so-so weather, and we were thrilled to see the blue skies and snow-covered peaks that we were approaching as we headed toward the Bernese Alps for our planned hike along Lake Brienz near Interlaken.

The entire trail along the North side of the lake from Brienz in the East to Interlaken in the West is 17 km and that was our plan for the day. Walking was not difficult, mostly forest roads about 200m above the lake, but we ran out of time to complete the hike (about 5 hours) because we left home late and lunch in the restaurant took longer than expected (that always takes longer than a picnic). So we stopped just 3 km short of our goal, a stretch we will complete another time.

Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) is a marvel with its many varied hues of blue ranging from turquoise to silver, depending on weather and time of year. This day, with a decent wind, it appeared bluer than usual. Usually it's a milky turquoise, especially in summer.

The mountain flank on the North side of Lake Brienz is very steep and therefore susceptible to avalanches, sometimes late into the spring. We crossed over such a section, about 4 meters wide, of snow mixed with grass that filled the gully from high up almost down to the lake. 

This section of trail happens to be part of Stage 9 of the Santiago de Compostela trail through Switzerland.

Heading South toward the Brünig Pass along Lake Lungern

Heading South toward the Brünig Pass along Lake Lungern

We walked 15 km from Brienz to Ringgenberg, just 2.5 km short of our goal of Interlaken

Lakeshore Trail in the town of Brienz

Town of Brienz on Lake Brienz

There are many wood-carvers in Brienz, and their artwork is displayed everywhere.

There are many wood-carvers in Brienz, and their artwork is displayed everywhere.

Church in Brienz on Lake Brienz

Lake Brienz looking West toward Interlaken

More signs of Spring

No donkeys or mules allowed.

Most of the trail was forestry roads or pavement. I am always glad when there is something like this.

Looking eastward. This is a Yak farm.

There are a few yak farms in Switzerland, not just cows.

The trail to this suspension bridge is closed in winter. Just opened for crossing this weekend.

The trail to this suspension bridge is closed in winter. Just opened for crossing this weekend.

At the back on the left is Brienz where we started our hike.

At the back in the middle is Brienz where we started our hike. The lake looks more turquoise from here.

Here in the village of Oberried is where we had lunch in a restaurant.

After lunch in Oberried on the lake, we continued back up the hill and further along the lake.

Because the mountain is so steep, there are avalanches late into the spring season

From high up to almost to the lake is an avalanche trail of snow mixed with grass and dirt

Walking along Trail Number 4, "Via Jacobi" (St.James Trail or "Santiago de Compostela" Trail)

From here the water also look turquoise.

Last stretch before heading down to the lake again at Ringgenberg to catch the bus to Interlaken.

On previous trips I have seen the lake from different view-points in its most beautiful turquoise blue.