Giessbach Falls – A Short Hike & Great Day Out
Hike the Giessbach Waterfalls & Visit the Grandhotel Giessbach
If you’re looking for a great day trip from Zurich (or from anywhere in fact), the Giessbach Waterfalls makes for a fantastic destination. Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Brienz, this natural wonder offers stunning views and a chance to experience the power of nature up close. We are big fans of Lake Brienz and the surrounding area and you might remember we went kayaking here a while ago. The circular hiking trail around the falls is quite easy but enables you to take in the impressive sights and sounds of 14 cascading waterfalls from the Giessbach river. Whether you arrive by foot, car, or take the historic Giessbach Funicular (the oldest tourist funicular railway in Europe), getting to the falls is all part of the adventure.
An Easy Hike
The hike itself is gentle, taking about 20 minutes on a well signposted path that even leads behind one of the waterfalls. It offers a unique perspective and as you walk through the mist, you’ll see the fairytale-like Grandhotel Giessbach, the vibrant turquoise of Lake Brienz and the towering Brienz Ridge in the distance. During spring when the snow melts, or after a good rainfall, the falls are even more spectacular, with thundering cascades that fill the air with noise and energy!
Relax at the Grandhotel Giessbach
After the hike, treat yourself to a relaxing stop at the elegant dining room of the Grandhotel Giessbach. This historic hotel, built just before the Belle Époque era, has been a symbol of charm and luxury for over a century. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a delicious slice of cake while taking in views of the falls. The hotel’s classic décor with high ceiling and traditional decorations, makes it a great spot to relax after your outdoor adventure. And if you stay into the evening, the illuminated falls provide a magical background setting.
How to get there
- From Zurich to Giessbach Falls by car: It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to drive the 120 km to the falls, following the A8 motorway.
- By train: The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Take a train from Zurich to Interlaken Ost, then continue by boat to the Giessbach See landing stage, where the historic funicular railway will take you up to the hotel and falls.
Practical Tips:
- The best time to visit is during spring when the snow is melting or after rainfall, as this is when the falls are at their fullest.
- The Grandhotel Giessbach is open daily from April to October and from Wednesday to Sunday between November and March—be sure to check the opening hours before your visit.
- BLS Navigation Lake Brienz operates boat trips from April to October, providing a scenic route to reach the falls.
More Information
Take a look at this 15 second video by Alex Nikolsky of the Falls:
Grandhotel Giessbach
Address: Grandhotel Giessbach, Axalpstrasse, 3855 Brienz, Switzerland
Website: Grandhotel Giessbach
*** Articles You May Like ***
******************************
