Iffigfall

Iffigfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the Bernese Oberland, set in the Iffigental valley above the village of Lenk in the Simmental (canton of Bern, Switzerland). The Iffigbach stream drops over a rock step of more than 100 metres, tumbling down in several stages. Access is free, and you need no climbing gear to reach it.

What will you see?

The first thing you notice is the sheer scale. Meltwater-fed Iffigbach breaks over successive ledges, and a cool spray drifts across the base. Published heights vary from about 70 m to over 100 m. Most sources, including the local tourist board, give a figure above 100 m. In winter the falls freeze into one of the region's favourite ice-climbing routes, roughly 140 m long.

How do you get to Iffigfall?

The simplest option is the PostBus from Lenk to the terminus at Iffigenalp, at the head of the valley. From there a trail leads downhill alongside the stream. It leaves the Iffigbach above the drop and swings in a wide curve to the foot of the falls, so you view them from below.

Continuing all the way to Lenk makes a walk of about 8.8 km and around 2.5 hours. It is easy and mostly downhill, passing through the hamlet of Pöschenried. Shortly before Lenk, the small Lenkersee lake makes a pleasant stop.

Can you start from Lenk instead?

Yes. Walk from Lenk station via the Rohresee beside the Iffigbach to the waterfall, then continue uphill to Iffigenalp. Expect about three hours and roughly 580 m of ascent, with the bus as the easy way back.

When should you go?

The valley is best walked from late spring to autumn. Water volume peaks during snowmelt and after heavy rain. In winter, conditions depend on snow and ice, and the falls are seen as a frozen curtain. Check the current bus timetable to Iffigenalp before you set out, since services change by season.

What else is nearby?

Trails from Iffigenalp lead on towards Iffigsee lake and the Wildstrubel massif, so the waterfall slots easily into a longer alpine day. Around Lenk you can also see the Simmenfälle and the Siebenbrünnen spring, where water fans out over a width of about 30 m. A loop from Lenk covering these sights is about 16 km.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. The waterfall stands beside a public trail and entry is free. You only pay for the bus if you use it.

How long does the walk take?

Iffigenalp to Lenk takes about 2.5 hours, and the stretch to the falls alone is much shorter. Starting from Lenk via the Rohresee takes about three hours one way, with a climb.

Is it suitable for children?

The bus-up, walk-down version is easy and works well for school-age children. The ascent from Lenk is tougher.

How tall is Iffigfall?

Most sources quote more than 100 m, in several stages. A few lists give about 70 m, which comes down to a different way of measuring.