Traditionally, the local economy was based on fishing in the lake, farming the small alluvial fan of the Hirscherenbach river and seasonal alpine herding and farming. During the 19th century, many residents left the village for jobs in nearby cities. A road was built along the lake shore in 1864 which connected the village with the neighboring towns. During the 19th century some tourists visited the village and in 1877 a pier was built for the tourist steam ships. In 1916 the last leg of the Brünig railway line was completed, which passed through the narrow village.