2/24/2026 · 6 min read
The Bernese Highlands are defined by water as much as mountains. Lake Thun and Lake Brienz sit on opposite sides of Interlaken, but they create different trip rhythms.
Lake Thun is usually stronger for variety and access. Spiez, Thun, Faulensee, and Einigen combine culture, waterfront recreation, and reliable year-round services. Rail connectivity is broad, and dining options are more varied across towns.
Summer swimming appeal is often stronger on Lake Thun, with slightly warmer water and more distributed lakeside access points. The atmosphere feels balanced: scenic, active, and still calm enough for longer stays.
Lake Brienz is visually intense, known for turquoise color and high photography appeal. Villages like Brienz and Iseltwald feel smaller, quieter, and more intimate. This can be excellent for travelers prioritizing scenic stillness.
The tradeoff on Lake Brienz is service depth. Dining and logistics are more limited, and major hub functionality is lighter. It can be marginally closer for some Grindelwald-side movements but offers fewer broad-base conveniences.
If your itinerary includes multiple mountain day trips, Jungfraujoch, castle visits, and flexible dining, Lake Thun usually offers better logistics. If your priority is water color, intimate village atmosphere, and quieter pacing, Lake Brienz can be the better emotional fit.
For most mixed itineraries that combine hiking, summit goals, and lake downtime, Lake Thun remains the more versatile base.