Aenderdorf

The circular trail to Zwergliloch is a varied hike around Brienzwiler. Duration is approximately 1 hour.

NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY IMPAIRMENTS AND SMALL CHILDREN

In the Middle Ages (at least until the Reformation), pilgrims also crossed the Brünig. Even today, the pilgrim hostel in Brienzwiler is used as a stopover on the Camino de Santiago. One can only imagine how greatly a simple accommodation was appreciated after a strenuous passage over the pass in earlier times.

Historically, there has always been a lively exchange of goods between Central Switzerland, the Bernese Oberland, and the southern side of the Alps. A variety of trade goods were transported north and south. In the old Confederation, a few assemblies took place in Kienholz (Brienz), facilitating a certain political exchange between Central Switzerland and Bern on this route. Allegedly, the legendary Brother Klaus, who served the then Canton of Obwalden, also passed through Brienzwiler.

In the 19th century, tourism in the Bernese Oberland gained increasing importance. As traveling was still arduous at that time, it can be assumed that the inns in Brienzwiler were often used as accommodation before crossing the pass. The Brünig road, especially the prominent rock at Balmi, became a popular motif for postcards and travel reports. So the famous American author Mark Twain described the journey over the Brünig in a horse-drawn carriage in his work “A Tramp Abroad” from 1880 with the following words:

With the inauguration of the Brünig Railway on June 13, 1888, the era of the stagecoach came to an end. Most goods and tourists were then transported by rail. Today, the well-developed road is mainly used for private and commercial traffic and serves as the most important connection between the Oberland and Central Switzerland.