Giessbach Falls

6 Highlights of the Giessbach Falls

  • The mighty water masses of the Giessbach Falls flow over 14 rock steps and 400 meters into the depth. The roar is audible from afar, especially when the water is high.
  • A circular path winds its way past the various steps of the falls for 20 minutes. At one point it passes behind one of the waterfalls, offering a unique view behind the scenes.
  • The modern lighting of the Giessbach Falls at night transforms the natural spectacle into a unique play of light.
  • Right next to the waterfalls is the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. It towers over the glittering Lake Brienz with its beautiful architecture.
  • Optionally, at the end of the circular route, you can continue your walk up to the Gippi lookout point. There you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of Lake Brienz and the surrounding area.
  • From the boat station "Giessbach See" a historic funicular, the Giessbachbahn, goes up to the waterfalls. This mountain railroad is the oldest funicular in Europe serving leisure tourism.
Hotel Giessbach BrienzerseeHotel Giessbach am Brienzersee
Blick GiessbachfälleBlick auf die Giessbachfälle

What awaits you at Giessbach Falls

Switzerland is known as the water castle of Europe. Due to its large water reserves, the countryside offers a variety of water-related natural attractions. These include the Giessbach Falls near Lake Brienz. At the falls, the mighty masses of water flow over 14 rocky steps 400 meters into the depths. Visitors can easily explore this spectacle on a leisurely footpath.

The 20-minute circular walk takes visitors past the various steps of the falls. At one point, the path even goes behind one of the waterfalls. There you can feel the mighty power of the water firsthand. The falls are especially impressive in spring when the snow melts or after rainfall. In the evening in the dark, the water masses are illuminated by a modern light system and enchant the spectacle in a beautiful play of light.

The surroundings of the Giessbach Falls invite you to linger. If you follow the path further up at the end of the circular route, you will reach the viewpoint Gippi after about 40 minutes. There, a great panorama opens up with glittering Lake Brienz and surrounding hills. Right next to the Giessbach Falls is the Grandhotel Giessbach. This historic building towers over the surroundings and fits perfectly into the idyllic landscape.

Journey to the Giessbach Falls

The Giessbach Falls are located above the southern shore of Lake Brienz. They are easily accessible by car as well as by public transport. The Grand Hotel Giessbach is also located directly next to the falls.

By car

The Giessbach Falls are easily accessible by car from Brienz. Just follow the Axalpstrasse to the crossroads and take the turnoff in the direction of the Giessbach Falls. Next to the attraction is a small parking lot for visitors. The road is quite narrow and small and therefore not suitable for large vans or campers. From the parking lot it is then a 5-10 min walk to the first viewpoint of the Giessbach Falls.

Public transport

By public transport you first take the boat across Lake Brienz to the station Giessbach See. The ride across the lake is beautiful and offers great views of the lake panorama. At the station Giessbach See you get off and walk to the valley station of the Giessbachbahn. This historic funicular is the oldest funicular serving leisure tourism in Europe. It takes you directly up to the Giessbach Falls, where you can start your circular walk.

For whom are the Giessbach Falls suitable?

The visit to the Giessbach Falls is suitable for all people and groups. The circular route is not particularly demanding and therefore also suitable for seniors. A visit is also worthwhile for smaller team events and school classes. In addition, the dog may be taken everywhere.

The Giessbach Falls are worthwhile in any weather. They are especially special in spring after the snow melts or after heavy rainfalls. The water masses at these times are much larger and so even more impressive.

GiessbachfälleGiessbachfälle (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)
GiessbachfälleGiessbachfälle (Foto: Seraina Zellweger)