Berschnerfall

Berschnerfall is a waterfall of roughly 46 metres tucked into a wooded ravine above the village of Berschis, part of the municipality of Walenstadt in the canton of St. Gallen. It belongs to the Heidiland region, a short distance from Lake Walen, and drops over a rock step along the Berschnerbach stream. The walk is short and undemanding, so you can see a proper waterfall without committing to a full day in the mountains.

What will you see?

The fall is a single tall ribbon of water dropping into a shaded cleft. A wooden bridge spans the stream in front of it, and that is the viewing point; you cannot get any closer, so photos are taken from there. On the way up, the path follows the Berschnerbach, and the surrounding forest keeps things cool even on hot days.

The return loop uses a natural path and passes two curiosities. The first is Ughürig Brunnä, a natural glacial pothole, a hollow in the rock ground out by ice and meltwater. The second is a Lourdes grotto, where benches under old trees make a good rest stop.

How do you walk to the waterfall?

The route starts in the centre of Berschis, where an information board explains the trail. The climb to the fall takes about 25 minutes and goes steadily uphill beside the stream until the ravine and fall appear after a bend. The full loop is about 3.6 km, takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and involves roughly 195 metres of ascent. It is rated medium difficulty, and the last stretch can be steep, so shoes with good grip help.

How do you get to Berschis?

By car it is about an hour from Zurich. By train, allow a little over 1 hour 20 minutes from Zurich. Take the train to Walenstadt, then a bus to the Berschis Unterdorf stop, which is close to the start of the trail. You do not need a car.

When is the best time to visit?

The fall looks best in spring during snowmelt and after heavy rain, when the stream carries plenty of water. In dry spells the flow can be noticeably thinner. Choose a day without rain, because wet roots and rock on the path get slippery. Check current trail conditions before setting out, since different sites list slightly different distances and walking times.

What can you combine it with?

Berschis is close to Lake Walen, so the walk fits easily with a lakeside visit or other Heidiland sights. The waterfall needs no more than half a day, which makes it a handy add-on to a longer stay in the region.

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the Berschnerfall? About 46 metres.

How long is the walk? The climb from the village takes around 25 minutes, and the full loop via the glacial pothole and grotto about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Can you reach the base of the fall? No. The trail ends at a wooden bridge with a view of the cascade, and there is no path beyond it.

When does the waterfall carry the most water? In spring during snowmelt and after heavy rainfall.

Can you get there by public transport? Yes. Take the train to Walenstadt, then a bus to Berschis Unterdorf.