Timetable and prices
Brienz Rothorn Railway: The steam cog railway, built in 1892, chugs and puffs its way through meadows and forests toward a breathtaking panorama. On a clear day, the Rothorn offers a view of an incredible 693 mountain peaks. And your culinary needs after a hike or for a snack in between won’t be neglected either: The team at Mountain hotel Rothorn Kulm happy Mountain hotel Rothorn Kulm you to hearty delicacies.
Timetable to Rothorn Kulm from June 06 - October 25, 2026
Departures from Brienz
| Brienz | 07.36* | 08.36 | 09.40 | 10.45 | 11.45 | 12.58 | 13.58 | 14.58 | 16.36 |
| Planalp middle station | 08.02* | 09.03 | 10.07 | 11.12 | 12.15 | 13.27 | 14.27 | 15.27 | 17.03 |
| Rothorn Kulm | 08.36* | 09.31 | 10.35 | 11.43 | 12.45 | 13.57 | 14.57 | 15.57 | 17.31 |
Departures from Rothorn Kulm
| Rothorn Kulm | 09.06* | 09.38 | 11.15 | 12.20 | 13.28 | 14.28 | 15.28 | 16.28 | 17.40 |
| Planalp middle station | 09.35* | 10.10 | 11.50 | 12.58 | 14.02 | 15.02 | 16.02 | 17.02 | 18.12 |
| Brienz | 10.10* | 10.38 | 12.20 | 13.30 | 14.32 | 15.32 | 16.32 | 17.32 | 18.40 |
Prices
Return journey
| Price per person in CHF | 1/2 | 1/1 | Children 6-15yrs | Junior card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brienz → Rothorn → Brienz | 49.00 | 98.00 | 10.00 | 0.00 |
| Brienz → Planalp→ Brienz | 33.00 | 66.00 | 10.00 | 0.00 |
One-way ticket
| Price per person in CHF | 1/2 | 1/1 | Children 6-15yrs | Junior card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brienz → Rothorn | 31.50 | 63.00 | 5.00 | 0.00 |
| Brienz → Planalp | 21.00 | 42.00 | 5.00 | 0.00 |
Please note that the seat guarantee costs an additional CHF 8.00 when purchasing tickets in advance (in the webshop or at the ticket counter).
1/2 = Prices with Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Pass
Opening hours
Administration
Outside the season we are available by telephone from 10.00 - 12.00 and 14.00 - 16.00.
Good to know
Tickets and Seating Guarantee
- Your ride is only guaranteed if you have a seat guarantee
The Brienz Rothorn Railway is a historic steam cog railway with limited capacity. On nice days, the trains are often fully booked. Only with a ticket that includes a seat guarantee is your ride at the desired departure time guaranteed. Without a seat guarantee, you may have to wait or, under certain circumstances, may not be able to ride. The seat guarantee also allows for direct access to the platform: Webshop
Seat Guarantee Price The seat guarantee costs CHF 8.00 per person. It is automatically included when you purchase a ticket in the online store.- Passes, Cards, and Tickets from Other Providers
If you have one of the following discounts, passes, or cards, you can purchase only the seat reservation for CHF 8.00 per person in the online store: Berner Oberland Pass, Lucerne Travel Pass, Camping Card Berner Oberland, Brienz Guest Card, FVP Tourism Supplement Card, SBB Ticket.
SBB tickets (paper or app) and RailAway offers do not include a seat guarantee and will not open our turnstiles. Please present your ticket along with the seat guarantee at the ticket counter.
Birthday If your birthday falls on the day of the trip, simply purchase the seat guarantee for CHF 8.00. You can pick up your ticket at the ticket window upon presentation of a valid ID.
Coupons: Coupons from Brienz Rothorn Railway (with a QR code) can be redeemed when making a reservation in the online store.- Exchanges and Refunds:
Tickets, including those with a seat guarantee, cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Get in and let's go
- Admission and Seat Selection
Tickets and seat reservations will be checked for validity before boarding the train. The turnstile opens 30 minutes before departure. Seats are not numbered and can be chosen freely; the earlier you arrive, the greater your selection of seats. - Compartments
Our compartments can accommodate eight people. During periods of high passenger volume, we make full use of the available capacity. We do not offer private compartments. - Return trip from Rothorn Kulm
The seat guarantee also applies to the return trip. Please be at the Rothorn Kulm station at least 10 minutes before departure.
Steam and Diesel Locomotives Our trains are pulled by steam locomotives. When there is a high volume of passengers or in the event of a technical failure of a steam locomotive, we also use diesel locomotives.
Health and Comfort
- Smoke, Altitude, and Health
When the locomotives are in operation, smoke, steam, soot, and exhaust fumes may be produced, which can enter the cars—particularly in the tunnels. In addition, the trip takes place at an altitude of over 2,200 meters above sea level, where the air is thinner. We recommend that guests with asthma or other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions seek medical advice before the trip and carry any necessary medications with them. - Noise
The operation of the locomotives can be very loud at times. We recommend that guests who are sensitive to noise, as well as families with small children, wear ear protection. - Weather and Clothing
It is often significantly cooler and windier on the Rothorn than in the valley (usually 10 degrees colder). Be sure to bring a warm jacket, even in summer. The cable car runs even in rain and wind.
Group rates
If there are 10 or more paying adults, you benefit from a reduction on the regular fare. Further information on groups can be found here.
Public transportation
With public transport, you can travel more sustainably, without stress and without parking worries, and benefit from a 20% discount on the Brienz - Rothorn return journey. You can find more information about the offer and booking options on the SBB website.
Season tickets
The BRB season ticket is available for adults at CHF 350.00 and for children at CHF 30.00. The season ticket is valid on all scheduled trains (except extra trips/evening trips).
Families
All children under the age of 6 ride for free. Please note that the steam train makes noise and steam and this can cause stress for children. A seat not in the immediate vicinity of the locomotive is recommended.
Please note that we also recommend purchasing a seat guarantee for children: Webshop.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on board. Please note, however, that the steam train produces noise and steam, which may cause stress for your dog. We recommend choosing a seat that is not in the immediate vicinity of the locomotive.
The ride costs CHF 10.00 per dog, one way or return.
We ask you to keep your dogs on a lead on the hiking trails and to ensure that they do not bathe in the cow troughs.
Please purchase a ticket for your dog at the ticket counter in Brienz; dog tickets cannot be purchased online. It is not necessary to reserve a seat for your dog.
Further reductions
- Brienz Guest Card: 20% off the standard fare / 10% off the Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Card fare
- Camping Card Bernese Oberland: 20% off the normal fare / 10% off the Half Fare Card or Swiss Travel Card fare
- Bernese Oberland Pass: With the Bernese Oberland Pass, you travel for free on the Brienz Rothorn Railway. Guests with a Bernese Oberland Pass are advised to buy a seat guarantee online for the desired departure time to ensure that they have a seat on the desired departure: Webshop.
- Lucerne Travel Pass: With the Lucerne Travel Pass, you can travel on the Brienz Rothorn Railway . Guests with a Lucerne Travel Pass are advised to purchase a seat guarantee online for their desired departure time to ensure they have a seat on the train they want to take: Webshop.
Accessibility and OK:GO
We can transport passengers in manual wheelchairs upon prior arrangement. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate electric wheelchairs or oversized wheelchairs on our trains. This also applies to motorized mobility aids (such as Swisstrac), as they are very heavy. However, these aids may be parked free of charge at the Brienz valley station. We lift the person in the wheelchair into the car by hand (65 cm high), as the slope of the platform prevents us from setting up a ramp.
That is why it is helpful to have assistants who can accompany the person, lift them into the car, and provide support in case of an emergency along the way (such as a train cancellation or a change of trains en route). Once you arrive at Rothorn Kulm, you will need to navigate the steep, paved path to the restaurant (approx. 100 m). The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and features an accessible restroom. Unfortunately, it is not possible to continue the “hike” in a wheelchair from there, as all the trails around the Rothorn are red-and-white mountain hiking trails. However, people in wheelchairs can enjoy the view over Lake Brienz from the terrace.
If you would like to book a trip with a wheelchair, we need the desired travel date, the desired departure time from Brienz, the desired departure time from Rothorn Kulm, the number of accompanying persons and your complete address including telephone number (at least seven days before arrival).
Further information on accessibility: Ginto-Guide.
Reka-Checks
Reka-Checks are accepted 100% on all tickets (group fares excluded).
