Giessbach

Giessbach Falls (Giessbachfälle) plunge into Lake Brienz in the municipality of Brienz, canton of Bern, Switzerland. The Giessbach stream drops through fourteen cascades and ends almost at the waterline. The site sits on the lake's northern shore near Brienz, not in Axalp, which some databases list.

What will you see at Giessbach?

The cascades are the draw: water tumbles down rocky steps through forest, and the trail runs close enough that spray settles on your jacket. One path even passes behind a fall, so you view the water from the back. Above it all stands the Grandhotel Giessbach, a historic hotel palace with a terrace overlooking the lake and mountains.

How do you get to the falls?

The easiest way is by boat on Lake Brienz from Brienz or Interlaken. The landing stage is at the foot of the slope, and the Giessbachbahn funicular climbs from there to the hotel in about 4 minutes. You can also walk up beside the cascades; guides put the full climb from lake to hotel at 60 to 90 minutes. Road and bus access from Brienz exists too, and a popular hiking route arrives from Iseltwald.

What is the story behind the funicular and the hotel?

The Giessbachbahn opened in 1879 and is billed as Europe's oldest funicular built for leisure tourism, still largely in its original form. Teacher Johannes Kehrli cut the first footpath to the falls in 1818 and opened an inn in 1822. A steamboat stop on the lake followed in 1839. Conrad von Rappard began expanding the hotel in 1854, and the Hauser family built the present palace in 1874-75, rebuilding after a fire in 1883. A nationwide collection started by Franz Weber, raising around CHF 2 million, saved the property from being lost.

When should you visit?

The season runs roughly from late March to late October, when boats and the funicular operate. Water volume peaks in spring and early summer as snow melts in the mountains. A quick visit takes an hour; for a relaxed walk, lunch on the terrace and a boat ride back, plan half a day.

Frequently asked questions

How many cascades does Giessbach have?

Fourteen steps, ending in Lake Brienz.

Can you ride up to the falls?

Yes. The Giessbachbahn links the landing stage and the Grandhotel in about 4 minutes, and trails to the cascades start there.

How long is the walk?

A short loop from the hotel takes about 20 minutes; the whole climb from the lake takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Are the falls open all year?

Boats and the funicular run seasonally, from spring to October. Access is limited outside the season.