Some say: “There is no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to its music”. And this is exactly what you can experience on a visit to the Giessbach waterfalls near Interlaken – a real highlight on Lake Brienz. This impressive waterfall, which plunges over 500 meters in 14 steps, is a popular excursion destination for tourists and locals alike.
We also like to visit this very special place time and again. Accessible by boat, on foot or by car, the Giessbach offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. A day trip here combines the beauty of Lake Brienz and the majestic power of the waterfall with a journey back in time, thanks to the fairytale Grand Hotel Giessbach.
In this article we will take you through this natural paradise. We will explore the history and secrets of this fascinating area and find out why the Giessbach Falls are a must-see for every nature lover and Belle Epoque fan.
The most important in a nutshell
- Varied travel options: Visitors can reach the falls in style by boat, car or on foot, with each mode of arrival having its own charm, from relaxing boat trips to scenic hikes.
- Spectacular views: The loop trail around the falls allows visitors to admire the waterfalls from different perspectives, including a section of trail behind the cascades for a unique experience.
- Culinary offer: The historic Grandhotel Giessbach, built around 1874, offers a selection of delicious dishes and snacks in its restaurants, surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the waterfalls and the lake.
- Hotel steeped in history: The Grandhotel Giessbach is characterized by an eventful history, ranging from a fire to the rescue and renovation of the hotel as a listed building.
How to get to the Giessbach Falls
Arrival by boat
The scheduled boat trip is certainly the most stylish way to reach the Giessbach Falls. A boat trip across Lake Brienz is not only a relaxing experience, but also offers spectacular views. Set off from Interlaken Ost and enjoy the one-hour trip that takes you directly to the foot of the waterfall.
Of course there are also connections from Brienz and other stops around the lake which can be explored.
Don’t forget to check the timetables, especially at weekends and on public holidays.
The landing stage where you have to leave the boat is called “Giessbach See”. From there you can walk up to the height of the Grandhotel Giessbach in about 15 minutes and explore the lower part of the waterfalls.
An alternative is the Giessbachbahn, the oldest funicular railroad in Europe. It has been transporting passengers up the mountain in comfort and with spectacular views during the high season since 1879.
Arrival by car
To reach the Grandhotel Giessbach by car, take the A8 highway and then exit 29/Brienz. Turn south on the Bächlischwendistrasse and drive up the narrow road into the forest until you reach the parking lot.
It is a 5-minute walk to the Hotel Giessbach or one of the magnificent viewpoints of the Giessbach Falls. There should be plenty of parking spaces, but remember that parking fees apply.
By bus
In the high season there are 5 connections from Brienz railroad station (B 155, direction Axalp, Sportbahn) to the bus stop “Brienz BE, Abzw. Giessbach”. The journey takes about 25 minutes and a one-way ticket costs CHF 2.20.
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On foot
From Iseltwald you can take a really beautiful hike along Lake Brienz to the Giessbach Falls.
A large part of the 6 km leads directly along the water. In general, it is an easy hike with only a few ascents – with the exception of the last section from the “Giessbach See” boat landing stage up to the Grand Hotel.
Depending on your pace and breaks, the hike takes between 2 and 4 hours. Remember to take provisions with you, as there are no refreshment stops along the way.
Discover the Giessbach waterfalls
The Giessbach Falls, which meander picturesquely over 14 steps and 500 meters into Lake Brienz, is undoubtedly one of the most impressive waterfalls in Switzerland. And of course THE highlight to discover here.
The terrace of the Grandhotel Giessbach certainly offers one of the most beautiful views. Nevertheless, it is worth taking the circular route (marked as a blue path), as every angle reveals a new, fascinating picture of this natural wonder.
After a short but rewarding ascent, this approximately 20-minute walk takes you right up close to the masses of water.
The section of the trail that runs behind one of the cascades is particularly popular. A small bridge takes you to a point where you can almost reach out and touch the splashing water. Surrounded by refreshing spray, you can watch the roaring water as it plunges into the depths – an impressive experience.
From here, the view opens up to the fabulous Grandhotel Giessbach, the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and the Brienzergrat ridge on the opposite side of the lake. This perspective is a very popular photo motif that captures the beauty of this place in all its splendor.
There are various narrow paths that meander through the area, providing ever-changing perspectives of the waterfalls. Please note, however, that good footwear is recommended as the paths can be a little slippery due to the water dust.
The Giessbach has its source in the Faulhorn-Sägis valley and is particularly impressive in spring when the snow melts and after rainfall thanks to the large volumes of water.
Dining at the Grandhotel Giessbach
After discovering and marveling at the majestic waterfalls, it is high time to indulge in culinary delights. The Grandhotel Giessbach, built around 1874, is not only a historical jewel, but also a gastronomic one. Delicious dishes await you in the hotel’s own restaurants Les Cascades and Le Tapis Rouge.
Imagine sitting on the hotel terrace, enjoying a delicious meal and looking directly at the imposing Giessbach Falls. This scenery provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal.
And for those who like things a little simpler, there are also smaller snacks such as sandwiches, hot dogs and ice lollies to choose from.
But the Grand Hotel offers even more: on the other side of the terrace, there is a breathtaking view of Lake Brienz. An ideal place to watch the sunset over a delicious dinner and end the day in peace.
For families with children or for those who simply want to enjoy nature, there is also a playground and various garden areas planted with a variety of plants and flowers. A stroll through these gardens is a great opportunity to take in the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings.
The eventful history of the Grandhotel Giessbach
The historic Grandhotel Giessbach, built in 1873/74 by Horace Edouard Davinet, the most renowned hotel builder of that era, is an architectural jewel at the foot of the Giessbach Falls.
The clients wanted a palace hotel with domed towers in the style of the Louvre in Paris. The hotel offered luxurious amenities for the time, such as modern lighting, bathing cabins, daily concerts and a wide range of leisure activities. Accordingly, the guests were high royalty from India, Africa and Europe, along with industrialists and landowners.
Despite its initial fame, the hotel suffered the consequences of the world wars and changes in tourism, which led to its closure in 1979. Fortunately, it was rescued by environmentalist Franz Weber in 1983, listed as a historical monument and extensively renovated over the years.
The magnificent entrance hall, the reception with bar and the large dining room have been restored to their former spacious form and stylish atmosphere by removing fixtures from the 1940s.
A visit to these rooms almost feels like a journey back in time. Halls and lounges with stucco, chandeliers, silk wallpaper, thick carpets, with pictures in heavy gold frames, all as if from another world.
Go on more hikes
Of course, the hike described under “On foot – Getting to the Giessbach Falls” can also be undertaken in the opposite direction along the lake to Iseltwald.
Other hikes in the area are the following two:
Visit the “Gippi” viewpoint
For those who want to continue exploring the surrounding area after visiting the Giessbach Falls, the “Gippi” viewpoint is an excellent option. The viewpoint is around 40 minutes’ walk from the Grandhotel Giessbach.
The path there leads through a densely overgrown, green forest and includes some stone steps that mark a gentle ascent.
Once you reach the summit, you are about 200 meters above Lake Brienz and can enjoy a spectacular view. This point offers a sweeping view over the lake, the idyllic village of Brienz and the surrounding mountains.
Schweibenalp circular hike
If you fancy a slightly longer hike, we can recommend a trip to the Schweibenalp. The tour starts from the Hotel Giessbach or the nearby parking lot. Look out for the red signposts that lead you up a picturesque zigzag path through the forest.
Although the route can be a little strenuous at around 350 meters in altitude, every step is rewarded with unique views of the waterfall and the Grand Hotel – views that you don’t get from the lower section. Allow around 45 minutes for the ascent to Schweibenalp.
A special highlight on the Schweibenalp is the permaculture center. Here you can visit a garden where vegetables, fruit and many medicinal plants are grown according to the principles of permaculture. This sustainable cultivation method promotes a high level of biodiversity and is an interesting example of organic farming.
After visiting the Schweibenalp, the hiking trail continues in the direction of “Bramsiegg”. From there you return to the parking lot at the Giessbach Falls.
Good to know
- Slippery paths: The circular path near the waterfalls can be slippery. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid slipping and tripping.
- Best time to visit: Spring is ideal for a visit. The waterfalls are particularly impressive when the snow in the mountains melts or it has rained.
- Clothing for cold days: A waterproof jacket is recommended when visiting on cool days as the weather can be chilly and damp.
- Time for exploring: Allow plenty of time to explore the viewpoints near the Giessbach Falls and the Grandhotel, especially if you want to walk the narrow paths.
- Opening hours of the hotel and restaurant: The Grandhotel Giessbach is open from April to November. The restaurant is also open in winter, but with limited opening hours – please consult the website.
- BLS boat service: The BLS operates on Lake Brienz from April to October.
