Brienz: Axalp

The landscape around Brienz is defined by steep Alpine slopes rising directly above Lake Brienz, which has shaped both the settlement’s linear lakeside form and its local economy. The village sits in the Bernese Oberland beside the turquoise lake, with the Brienzer Rothorn climbing high above its eastern side. Brienz has long been associated with Swiss woodcarving; carved figures, furniture and decorative objects remain part of its local identity. The historic Brunngasse, lined with closely set wooden houses, reflects this tradition of timber craftsmanship. Browse other webcams across the Bernese Oberland to place Brienz and Lake Brienz in a wider geographic context.

Built around the Aare River and routes across the Swiss Plateau, Bern grew into a canton connecting the federal capital with the Bernese Oberland. Its territory extends from Jura foothills and farmland through the Aare valley to the high Alps around the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. The city of Bern, Switzerland’s federal capital, preserves an Old Town inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, while Thun and Interlaken lead towards Lakes Thun and Brienz. Urban institutions, dairy farming and established alpine resorts give the canton a notably broad Swiss character. View additional webcams nearby to better understand how Bern relates to its Alpine and plateau surroundings.

Switzerland stretches from the Jura Mountains in the northwest to the Alps in the south, encompassing a central plateau of cities, farms and lakes. The Rhine rises in the Swiss Alps, while Lake Geneva forms part of the country’s southwestern border. Zürich, Geneva and Basel are major urban centres, yet mountain railways and passes remain central to how many regions are experienced. Four national languages—German, French, Italian and Romansh—reflect Switzerland’s distinct cantonal identities. The Matterhorn above Zermatt is among Europe’s most recognisable peaks, and the 1291 Federal Charter is closely associated with the country’s founding tradition. Continue through nearby webcams to explore different parts of Switzerland.