On a clear day in season take the (last remaining in Switzerland) steam rack railway to the Rothorn - trains depart from the station across the road from the Zentralbahn station. Hotel at the top, sun terraces, and superb views both South over the Bernese Oberland and North as far as Germany. Can get very busy, so go early if you can.
Nearby is also the Ballenberg [http://www.ballenberg.ch/] "swiss open-air museum", showing traditional swiss living.
There are 3 main Woodcarving Shops- Schild, Jobin, and Huggler.
Schild is near the train station and so is easy to find. It has a large amount of woodcarvings which can be purchased.
Jobin [http://www.jobin.ch] is still the biggest woodcarving shop in Brienz. It has been completely refurbished since the floods in Brienz in 2005. This business has a living museum which you can have a tour of and see the woodcarvers at work. Jobin has a big souvenir shop which sells woodcarvings and typical swiss souvenirs. Jobin is open daily in summer.
Huggler [http://www.huggler-woodcarvings.ch] is another woodcarving business. The shop stocks woodcarvings. Like Jobin, Huggler has been in business for over 100 years.
The woodcarvings in Brienz may be collectors items in the future as you will find they are one off pieces of work. They are high quality carvings.
Try the youth hostel for good value, albeit basic, accommodation. Near the lake-side and only ten minutes walk from the railway station and five minutes from the bus stop. Watch the sun set over the lake in the evening!