Switzerland is full of fantastic waterfalls, both smaller and larger ones, but there is none that comes close to the incredibly beautiful appearance of the Giessbach Falls.
Giessbach Falls stands out as a marvel of nature, cascading down the verdant slopes into Lake Brienz.
This waterfall is not just a sight to behold but an experience to immerse yourself in.
In this article, I am going to talk about how to reach and what to see around there, including the historic Grandhotel Giessbach.
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How To Reach Giessbach?
The Giesbach Falls are quite easy to reach.
You may arrive by car and park a few hundred meters away from the Grandhotel Giessbach, which is s short walk from the falls.
From Interlaken, the journey takes about 30 minutes, and about 15 minutes from Brienz. You can also take a boat from Interlaken or Brienz.
When arriving by boat, you might even want to stop for an hour at Iseltwald, which is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland.
After that, disembark at the station Giessbach, which is just at the very bottom of the waterfalls.
From there, you have two options: either you hike up or take the funicular. Once you arrive at the Grandhotel Giessbach, consider hiking further up.
There will be more high drops and great photo spots.
Giessbach Funicular
Giessbach funicular is one of the oldest funicular railways in Europe, operating since 1879.
One interesting thing you may not know about Giessbach funicular: in the beginning, the funicular was not operating with electricity.
Instead, the upper train was filled with loads of water, and then the weight was pulled down the train, while the other train at the bottom was pulled up.
In the mid-20th century, this system was eventually replaced by an electric motor to provide a more reliable and efficient means of operation.
Currently, the funicular is operational seasonally, typically from spring to autumn. A round-trip ticket on the funicular up to the hotel will cost CHF 12.
Check out their website for times and more information
Behind The Waterfall Trail
When you arrive at the waterfall, you can see a trail pass behind it, which is very similar to the Bergli Stuber Waterfall.
What is different is that the passage here is man-made. The view from the trail is so phenomenal; you have the waterfall, the hotel, and the lake in the background.
Definitely, this place is one of the highlights at Giessbach Falls. The trail is well-maintained and marked, suitable for most hikers.
But some sections are slippery due to the mist of the falls, so be careful when you hike there. Also, the trail provides many photo spots, especially from behind the falls.
From there, the light filtering through the water creates a magical ambiance.
Grandhotel Giessbach
Once you arrive at the hotel, consider going for a coffee or lunch.
It’s a really great experience, particularly during summer when you can sit outside. They have some interesting dishes; I had my probably best-ever burger here.
I recommend staying overnight in the hotel. I can assure you, it’s going to be an incredible experience.
Romantic and nostalgic would be the best way to describe it.
It’s very magical to walk out of your room to the balcony during dusk, having the wonderful series of waterfalls in the background.
Even if you do not consider staying overnight at the hotel, you may at least want to think of having your dinner here.
In that case, make sure you book your table in advance. You can book it from their website which I provided earlier.
Speaking of the hotel, it’s not any less fascinating than Giessbach Falls. It is really worth seeing because the Grandhotel Giessbach is considered a historic building.
It’s a very classic hotel with wonderful 19th-century architecture. Each room is fascinating, as are the lobby, the bar, and the restaurant.
It will be very romantic if you dine in this restaurant from where you can enjoy a dreamy view over the Giessbach Falls.
At the restaurant Le Tapis Rouge, you can try seasonal dishes and taste the vegetables that are farmed in the hotel’s garden.
Price
You may think the prices to stay in this hotel would be out of this world, but surprisingly, they offer quite reasonable prices compared to others.
For CHF 200 to CHF 400, you may stay here for 1 night. The price depends on the orientation of your room and the season.
If you can afford it, try to book a room that has a balcony, which offers you a great view over the Giessbach Falls.
Waterfalls Hike
Whether you choose to hike down or up does not matter too much, but I would say if you are not tired, consider walking at least one way.
Personally, I would prefer to hike down and take the funicular up. On your way, you will see the various waterfalls.
The trail is well-marked and leads you from the falls to the Giessbach See station. The trail winds through lush green forest.
The forest is very green and it’s actually serene. There are not so many people around here, so it’s definitely going to be very relaxing.
When you hike, you’ll encounter several waterfalls and viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.
The last waterfall is really majestic and my favorite one. Also, standing on the bridge very close to the waterfall is a really interesting experience.
From there, you can see the village of Brienz.
Best Time to Visit Giessbach Falls
On sunny days during July and August, the Giessbach Falls can be quite crowded.
If you choose to come here during other months, for example in June or in October, then definitely there will be fewer people.
October is going to be particularly perfect because of all the colors.
However, if you still want to come here during peak season, then visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. I suggest visiting at dusk or night.
There is a chance, you will be all alone and enjoy the atmosphere all to yourself.
