Giessbach Waterfalls — Attraction in Brienz (BE)

I highly recommend taking a hike a long the beautiful Giessbach Waterfalls! We hit it as a perfect time of year with regard to the rain as I am sure it definitely added to the tremendous amount of water flowing here!

Trails: There is a few information points dotted along the trails and we decided hike a mixture of the red and blue trail routes! Both the red and blue trails are in and around 2 km in length respectively and the mixture that we took ended being a little shy of 3.5 km! The trails are simple dirt paths with stone steps and some metal railings in places. The paths can also be narrow in places as well however, none of the setions that we hikes were too steep so I would class both of them as easy to moderate! The topography of the area is steep mountainside with a roaring waterfall and dense deciduous forrest. So depending on which way you choose to ascend or descend the trails some sections can become more easy or moderate depending! There a number of log benches along the way so if you want to take a rest there are plenty of stops to take one! At the bottom of the blue trail you reach the ferry terminal and rail station. Its really picturesque here overlooking Lake Brienz! The blue trail continues behind the ferry terminal rather than the lake side of the terminal and you with go under a little tunner and continue your hike! The trails are worth hiking all the way down to the lake side as you will get to see different parts of the waterfall along the way to the bottom where it meets the lake as well as crossing under the Funicular Railway's metail structure!

Weather: It was the 31st of March when we hiked here so the weather probably wasn't at its best! However, in saying that it certainly added to the atmosphere and scenery surounding the waterfall! We watched a rain storm roll in over lake Brienz and listened to the wonderful sounds of thunder over the mountains! It was truely a beautiful moment to witness as a tourist.

Food/Water: We brought a 2 litre bottle of water and it was more than plenty for the two of us however, we did hike here in March and on a rainy day. During the summer you may need some more water especially if you hike longer trails that branch off of the red and blue trails here. Snacks are always a good idea on any trail and considering this hile is short some small snacks would be perfect but not really needed considering how short this hike it. Also there is a couple of grassy areas which are ideal for a picnic after you hike or you can eat at the Giessbach Hotel and maybe have a nice cold drink!

Funicular Railway: We had planned on using the Funicular Railway to return a back up to near the carpark however, because it was still the winter time the railway was closed! This isn't clear on all of the reviews so make sure you look up this exactly if you are relying on the railway being open at the bottom!

Carpark: The carpark is free and is quite large with plenty of parking the day we visited however, I can imagine it being busy during the Summer. There is another carpark further down the hill by the Giessbach Hotel however, they do charge to park there.

Overall: The Giessback Waterfalls are beautiful and it is a fun free activity that is only a 20 minute drive from Interlaken! They can be enjoyed by anyone of any age and there are plenty of paths to the different sections of the waterfall! There are some georgous views of the mountains and the lake from the trails and it really is worth...

Enjoy the impressive natural spectacle and watch the water masses of the Giessbach rush down a total of 14 steps into the turquoise Lake Brienz. The impressive roar of the Giessbach Falls is omnipresent on the circular hiking trail from the Grandhotel Giessbach.

Whether you come with the historic funicular from the Giessbach See boat station, on foot on a leisurely hike or from the nearby car park, the mighty roar of the Giessbach Falls is unmistakable. The 20-minute circular route takes you directly to the Giessbach Falls after a short climb. The section behind one of the waterfalls is particularly fascinating. Your gaze wanders past the splashing masses of water to the fairytale Grandhotel Giessbach, the turquoise Lake Brienz and the Brienzergrat. After rainfall or when the snow melts in spring, the Giessbach carries a particularly large amount of water. The roaring cascades then whirl up the water even more impressively and the refreshing spray invigorates - the unique nature experience.

Strengthened by the power place of the Giessbach Falls, you can start another circular hike. In about 40 minutes you can reach the hotel's own vantage point, Gippi, which is around 200 meters above the lake. A narrow trail winds its way through the forest. Via stone steps and past the commemorative plaque of the hotel founders you reach your destination above Lake Brienz. The vantage point is enthroned on the almost vertically sloping rock faces on the lake side and offers you a wonderful view of the picturesque village of Brienz on the opposite shore of the incomparably turquoise lake. Do you recognize the...

The Giessbach Waterfalls are a spectacular natural wonder located above Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland. Cascading down in 14 tiers from a height of over 500 meters, they are among the most impressive waterfalls in the Swiss Alps. The sight and sound of the roaring water, surrounded by lush forests and alpine scenery, make it a truly magical experience.

One of the most unique aspects of Giessbach is the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, which sits right beside the falls. Guests and visitors can enjoy panoramic views from its terrace, with the waterfalls as a dramatic backdrop. A walking path allows you to get up close to several levels of the cascade, even passing behind the water for a thrilling perspective.

The journey to Giessbach is part of the charm—you can reach it by boat across Lake Brienz and then ride the charming Giessbach funicular, one of the oldest in Europe, up to the hotel and falls.

Whether you visit in spring, when the snowmelt creates powerful torrents, or in autumn, when the surrounding forests glow with color, Giessbach offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and Swiss charm. It’s a place that captures the heart of...