Giessbach Waterfalls Switzerland Attraction This attraction is really beautiful. There is also a hotel inside the attraction, and next time I come I definitely want to stay one night. The waterfall is beautiful from every angle. You can drive in, but after arriving you need to scan a QR code to purchase a ticket, then log in to the website to buy it. Remember to use a phone number that can receive SMS messages. My card could not receive the SMS this time, so I used my family member’s credit card instead. Soon after, cars started lining up, so the whole process needs to be done quickly. 15 Swiss francs. After entering, just follow the path and then enter the waterfalls. The overall hike is not too far. You can go outside the hotel to have a look — the entire view of Lake Brienz is very beautiful. I actually arrived quite late, around 6:00 pm, so picture 5 looks a bit foggy. However, there were still many people continuing to enter. The opening hours are until 24:00. This was the second place we drove to. We did a short hike up Giessbach Waterfalls Mountain, and seeing the autumn scenery across from the waterfall was visually stunning! On the other side there is actually a hotel restaurant, where we tasted seasonal food — sweets made from chestnuts. Giessbach Falls (Giessbach Falls) is located on the shores of Lake Brienz in the canton of Bern, Switzerland, and is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Switzerland. Its main highlights include: 14-tiered waterfall drop: The Giessbach River originates from the high mountain valleys of the Faulhorn area and cascades down in 14 levels, with a total drop of around 400 to 500 metres, eventually flowing into the emerald-green Lake Brienz. Unique hiking experience: Visitors can walk along well-maintained paths to go behind the waterfall and enjoy the view of the lake and mountains through the curtain of water. Some sections can be slippery, so sturdy shoes are recommended. There is a water curtain cave where you can touch the spring water. It is especially refreshing in summer! Route: Get off at Interlaken Ost station, then go to platform Kant A and take bus 103. You can also take the free public boat to the Giessbach final stop. The scenery and the mood are both beautiful! It is only a 15-minute drive from Brienz. Parking fee: 15 CHF 8am–10pm, valid for unlimited time during the day The whole route takes about one hour to complete.
Giessbach Falls





Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Giessbach Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Giessbach Falls famous?
Giessbach Falls is famous for its dramatic 14-tier cascade totaling 500 meters, the historic Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach (1874), and Switzerland's oldest funicular railway (1879). The falls and hotel were saved from development in 1983 by a citizen initiative led by Franz Weber, making it a landmark conservation success story.
Can you swim at Giessbach Falls?
No — Giessbach Falls is a steep cascade and not suitable for swimming. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Giessbach Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on trails and grounds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Giessbach Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Access to the falls area is free. The funicular railway has a small fee (discounts with Swiss Travel Pass). Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Giessbach Falls?
Limited parking available near the boat landing at Giessbach. Most visitors arrive by boat from Brienz; the funicular then carries passengers up to the falls and hotel. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Giessbach Falls?
The historic funicular railway (about 100 meters) connects the boat landing to the falls and Grandhotel Giessbach; walking trails also exist alongside the cascade. No long hike required. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Giessbach Falls hike difficulty
Easy — accessible via funicular or gentle walking paths with steps and viewing platforms alongside the falls. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Giessbach Falls?
May to September for best weather and full hotel/funicular operation; spring (May-June) offers highest water flow from snowmelt. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Giessbach Falls
Take the boat from Brienz to Giessbach landing. From there, either ride the historic funicular uphill or walk the path alongside the 14-cascade waterfall. Multiple viewing platforms offer different perspectives of the falls. The path leads to the Grandhotel Giessbach at the top, with gardens and panoramic lake views.
Giessbach Falls official website
Attractions near Giessbach Falls
- •Lake Brienz — stunning turquoise glacial lake with boat cruises and swimming beaches
- •Interlaken — popular resort town between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, 20 km away
- •Brienzer Rothorn Railway — historic cogwheel railway to 2,350m summit with panoramic views
- •Iseltwald — picturesque lakeside village on Lake Brienz, 3 km by boat
- •Ballenberg Open-Air Museum — Swiss heritage museum with traditional buildings, 10 km away
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
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