Brienzer Rothorn - Eisee - Schönebode

The starting point of the hike is at the Top of Biosphere, the Brienzer Rothorn, which you can comfortably reach by cable car. The ride with the cable car from the valley to the Brienzer Rothorn at 2350 m above sea level is spectacular. Once at the top, most people are speechless for the first time. The view stretches far north over the Emmental forest valley, on clear days over the Napf and the lakes beyond, even as far as the Black Forest area. And on the back side, the turquoise Brienz Lake and the snow-covered Bernese Alps with Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and another 690 peaks—simply breathtaking. The unique panoramic view can be enjoyed in good weather on the sun terrace and also from the summit restaurant Rothorn thanks to large window fronts.

After marveling, photographing, and enjoying, the hike starts, the descent towards Eisee is somewhat steep but the view is simply fantastic. At the natural jewel Eisee, a longer break is really worth it. Whether having coffee or lunch at the cozy mountain inn Eisee or a picnic right at the lake—you experience pure mountain idyll here! The Eisee is popular with fishermen. Rainbow trout, brook trout, and char can also be fished here with a day permit.

Now strength in the legs is required, as the hiking trail leads steadily downhill back to Sörenberg. Shortly after the Eisee, you hike in a zigzag along the valley slope. The black piste often causes a pounding heart in winter—it is one of the steepest in all of Europe. Even in summer, the steep terrain is impressive. This part of the hike is a rather rocky section; hiking poles are highly recommended to relieve strain.

Once it turns green again, a final highlight awaits, the Emmensprung. Like out of nowhere, spring water gushes from the ground and finds its way into the valley, where it eventually flows into the Waldemme. Just a few meters further, you discover two waterfalls in the middle of a small forest, over whose moss-covered rocks the water rushes down. Now it is only a short distance back to the valley station of the cable car and the end of the hiking route.