Axalp – Schnitzlerweg, Lake Brienz and winter sports
Accommodation in Axalp
Axalp lies at an altitude of 1,535 metres on a plateau above turquoise Lake Brienz. From the terrace, the view stretches across the lake and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Plateau, lake and Schnitzlerweg
The themed walking trail from Axalp to Hinterburgseeli features around 100 carved figures and takes about an hour. Along the way, the Axalp Schnitzlerweg winds through open high forest and across alpine meadows where cows graze. The combination of the route, figures and scenery makes it a specific destination for anyone who wants to explore Axalp on foot.
The Schnitzlerweg features numerous sculptures carved by woodcarvers from the Brienz region from damaged tree trunks after the avalanche winter of 1998/99 and Storm Lothar. New figures are added every year at the end of July during the so-called Schnitzler Week. In July, you can watch a wooden work of art being created live. Check the exact event dates before your trip.
Hinterburgseeli and its surroundings lie in a nature reserve. Only the specially marked sites may be used for barbecuing. Fishing is also subject to a clear restriction: it is permitted in the area only to the tenant or the alpine herdsman.
Winter trails, ski slopes and snowshoe trails
The winter sports area includes seven slopes totalling 15 kilometres: five easy, one intermediate and one difficult. One chairlift and three drag lifts provide access to the slopes. The range of slopes and conditions vary by season; take this into account when planning and check current operations before your visit.
If you prefer snowshoeing, Axalp has three signposted trails. They all start at the Axalp-Sportbahnen bus stop. Other winter activities include cross-country skiing, winter hiking and sledging. After taking the chairlift, a winter hike starts at Windegg and follows a well-maintained trail back to the village. The cross-country ski trail near Axalp-Sportbahnen offers views of Lake Brienz.
There are also two distinctly different sledging runs: the challenging three-kilometre run leads from Windegg via Chrutmettli to Axalp. The easy run from Hüttboden to Burster is 300 metres long. Sledges can be rented at the ticket office at the chairlift’s valley station.
The Swiss Ski School Axalp practice area includes AXILAND, with numerous courses; the small Axi Park has jumps and boxes. As the layout of the facility may change, it is advisable to check its current status before your visit. The family-friendly AXI Trail runs from the Windegg chairlift’s mountain station to the Axalp chairlift’s valley station. Questions and answers about the fox accompany you along the trail; children who answer correctly receive a small prize at the end. Seasonal operating conditions may change.
More activities and how to get there
A large swing next to the Windegg chairlift’s mountain station offers a panoramic experience high above Lake Brienz. Since you should check its installation status before travelling, do not plan your visit around this attraction alone. Guided hikes are offered on Alp Tschingelfeld, where you can learn about alpine farming; these include an alpine herdsman’s lunch.
From Brienz, you can reach Axalp by postbus or private car in about 35 minutes. PostAuto route 155 connects Brienz with Axalp. All services on the Axalp route are wheelchair accessible; reservations by telephone or email are required. Check the timetable before travelling. This approximate travel time can help you coordinate your overnight stay with the activities you want to prioritise during your visit.
Discover more destinations: Oberried am Brienzersee, Saxeten, Unterseen, Isenfluh, MĂĽrren, Brienzwiler, LĂĽtschental, Wilderswil.
Back to the main travel overview: Interlaken.
