A Swiss pilgrimage site for Sherlock Holmes fans! As a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, I had always wanted to visit the iconic final scene created by Arthur Conan Doyle — the place where the legendary confrontation between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty took place, and where both supposedly fell to their deaths at Reichenbach Falls. Reichenbach Falls is located in the small Swiss town of Meiringen. Thanks to Sherlock Holmes fans from all over the world visiting this place, the town has become known as the “Sherlock Holmes town”. Although it is only a fictional story, when I actually stepped into Meiringen, I was surprised by how much emotion and history seemed to fill the place. Every corner felt as if Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson had truly existed here, making the experience incredibly moving. The little funicular slowly climbs up towards the waterfall viewpoint. Standing there, watching the powerful water rushing down with its thunderous roar, I could almost imagine Sherlock Holmes disappearing into the mist. Hidden near the waterfall is even a stone plaque marking the spot — the rock where Holmes and Professor Moriarty were said to have stood before their final fall. For a moment, I found myself wondering: is this just fiction, or did it somehow become reality? The town itself has an incredible sense of stepping back in time. Outside Parkhotel Du Sauvage, there is a commemorative plaque stating that “Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson stayed at this hotel from 3–4 May 1891 and travelled from here to Reichenbach Falls.” To reach Reichenbach Falls, take the Reichenbach Funicular up to the viewpoint. The funicular climbs around 700 metres and takes about 7 minutes, offering beautiful views of the waterfall along the way. P.S. The funicular itself was built in 1899, making it feel perfectly connected to the Victorian era in which the Sherlock Holmes stories were set.
Reichenbach Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Reichenbach Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Reichenbach Falls famous?
Reichenbach Falls is world-famous as the location where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle staged the apparent death of Sherlock Holmes in 'The Final Problem' (1893), where Holmes and Professor Moriarty plunged over the falls. A star marks the fictional spot on the upper platform, making it a pilgrimage site for Sherlock Holmes fans worldwide.
Can you swim at Reichenbach Falls?
No. Not suitable for swimming due to powerful cascading water and mist spray. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Reichenbach Falls?
Dogs allowed on-leash on the funicular and viewing platforms. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Reichenbach Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Funicular railway ticket required for easiest access (fee applies, approximately CHF 10-12 return as of recent years). Trail access is free. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Reichenbach Falls?
Free parking available at the lower funicular station (Reichenbachfall-Bahn valley station) in Meiringen, short walk from the station. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Reichenbach Falls?
No hiking required if using the funicular railway. Walking trail from lower station to upper viewpoint is approximately 1.5 km one-way on steep paths. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Reichenbach Falls hike difficulty
Moderate if hiking the trail (steep incline, uneven terrain). Easy if using the historic funicular railway to reach upper viewing platforms. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Reichenbach Falls?
May to September for best access via the historic funicular railway and clearest viewing conditions. Snowmelt in late spring increases flow dramatically. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Reichenbach Falls
From the lower funicular station, either take the historic funicular railway up or follow the marked hiking trail that climbs steeply alongside the falls. The funicular stops at an upper platform with excellent views of the upper cascade. Several viewing platforms are positioned at different heights along the 250-meter cascade to observe the seven-tiered waterfall.
Reichenbach Falls official website
Attractions near Reichenbach Falls
- •Aareschlucht Gorge – dramatic limestone canyon with walkways, 15 min drive from Meiringen
- •Sherlock Holmes Museum – located in Meiringen, dedicated to the famous detective's final case
- •Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge – stunning ice-carved gorge about 20 km from Meiringen
- •Meiringen town centre – charming Swiss village with meringue pastry heritage
- •Grosse Scheidegg mountain pass – scenic alpine road with hiking trails
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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