The Beauty and Fury of Nature: Reflections on the Storm in Brienz Switzerland

The evening sky over Lake Brienz in August 2024 was one of the most stunning sunsets I have ever witnessed. The golden light stretched across the water, casting a warm glow on the mountains and the quaint village opposite the lake. We were travelling with our two children and our dog, Fred, enjoying the calm before nightfall at our campsite. Then, almost imperceptibly, the first raindrops began to fall, pin-pricking the lake’s surface. The air felt calm but carried an eerie stillness. We had no idea that a terrible storm was about to hit, changing the landscape and giving us the imperfect version of this otherwise perfect place.

Sunset over Lake Brienz before the storm, swans gliding through calm water and golden sky

The Calm Before the Storm

As the sun dipped lower, the first raindrops started to fall. They were gentle at first, like tiny taps on the lake’s surface. The calmness was deceptive. The sky darkened quickly and the wind picked up. We could see the clouds rolling in fast from the mountains. The lake, which had been so still moments before, began to ripple with the growing wind.

The Storm Hits

Within minutes, the gentle rain turned into a heavy downpour. The wind howled through the trees, and the lake’s surface was whipped into waves. We frantically wound our awning in before it took off! Packed the chairs away we had been relaxing in moments before, quickly collected our drying swim wear and towels hanging around! It seemed to come from nowhere and nobody was prepared. The campsite was a flurry of activity as everyone did the same.

Once packed up and secured we huddled inside the motorhome, watching the rain lash the windows and listening to the thunder roll across the mountains. We had a reservation at the site restaurant but actually debated whether it was wise to leave the motorhome at all to walk the 20 metres or so in this storm! However, I had my heart set on a cheese fondue and nothing was going stop me getting to that! So we waded through ankle deep water to get there… and yes it was worth it!

Had we been aware of the level of destruction happening in the village nearby, perhaps my fondue would not have tasted so good.

Brienz village on the opposite shore was soon out of sight behind sheets of rain. We later learned that the storm caused landslides and mudflows there, damaging cars and blocking roads and railway lines. The full impact was not clear until morning, when the sun rose on a changed landscape. The calm lake had turned into a scene of destruction.

Aftermath and Community Effort

The next day, the storm had passed, but the damage was visible everywhere. Trees had fallen, and a mass of debris floated on the lake’s surface. The village opposite was still recovering from the mudflows. We felt a strong urge to help, even in a small way.

A group of us from the campsite grabbed our paddle-boards and headed out onto the lake. Our goal was to clear some of the debris before it caused further problems. It was hard work. The debris kept coming, pushed by the wind and currents. It felt futile at times, but we kept going. The sense of community and shared purpose was powerful.

Around 1.5 kilometres of Brienz’s railway infrastructure was completely destroyed

Lessons from the Storm

This experience reminded me how quickly nature can change from beautiful to dangerous. Travelling to the mountains means always being prepared for the unexpected. We keep emergency supplies in the motorhome and stay informed about weather conditions.

The storm also showed the value of community. Even though we were strangers, we came together to help protect the lake and support each other. It was a reminder that motorhome life and road trips are not just about freedom and adventure but also about responsibility.

Finding New Paddle board Spots and Hiking Trails

A beautiful still morning on Lake Brienz before the storm. Our paddleboards were used as debris clearing craft after the storm.

After the storm, some of the hiking trails near Brienz were closed due to landslides. It was quite scary to walk our dog on paths we'd hiked that previous week, that were now unrecognisable. If we had been up in the woods when that storm hit, we would have been in serious trouble. One of the wooden bridges crossing a river was completely destroyed!

We had to adjust our plans, but that led us to discover new paths and hidden paddle-board spots along the lake. Exploring these quieter areas gave us a fresh perspective on the region’s natural beauty and resilience.

Embracing the Power of Nature

The storm in Brienz was a powerful reminder of nature’s strength and unpredictability. It also showed how moments of calm can quickly shift to moments of challenge. For those of us exploring the world on road trips, it’s a lesson in respect and readiness.

We left Brienz with a deeper appreciation for the lake and mountains and a stronger connection to the people we met. The storm changed the landscape, but it also brought us closer to the heart of this beautiful place.

If you’re planning to visit Brienz or similar mountain lake destinations, keep an eye on the weather, pack for all conditions, and be ready to adapt your plans. And when you can, take a paddle-board out on the water. It’s a unique way to connect with nature, even after a storm.

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