Giessbach Waterfall

Enjoy the impressive natural spectacle and watch the water masses of the Giessbach cascade down the 14 steps into the turquoise Lake Brienz. On the circular walk from the Grandhotel Giessbach, the impressive roar of the Giessbach Falls is omnipresent.

Whether you come by the historic funicular railway from the Giessbach See boat station, on foot on a leisurely hike or from the nearby car park, the mighty roar of the Giessbach Falls is unmistakable. After a short ascent, the 20-minute circular route takes you directly to the Giessbach Falls. The section behind one of the waterfalls is particularly fascinating. Your gaze wanders past the splashing masses of water to the fairytale Grandhotel Giessbach, the turquoise-coloured Lake Brienz and the Brienzergrat. After rainfall or during the snowmelt in spring, the Giessbach carries a particularly large amount of water. The thundering cascades then swirl up the water even more impressively and  the refreshing spray invigorates - the unique nature experience.

Strengthened by the power spot of the Giessbach Falls, you can start another circular hike motivated. In about 40 minutes you will reach the hotel's own lookout point, Gippi, located about 200 metres above the lake. A narrow trail leads windingly through the forest. Over stone steps and past the memorial plaque of the hotel founders, you reach your destination above Lake Brienz. The vantage point is enthroned on the almost vertical rocky slopes on the lake side and offers you a wonderful view of the picturesque village of Brienz on the opposite shore of the incomparably turquoise lake. Do you recognise the big rock heart?

Your highlights at a glance

• Round walk around and behind the Giessbach Falls

• Historic Grandhotel Giessbach from the time just before the Belle Époque

• Nostalgic Giessbach Railway (Europe's oldest funicular serving leisure tourism)

• Magical lighting of the Giessbach Falls in the evening

To note, to make your trip perfect

• Wear good shoes, certain parts of the circuit can be a little slippery

• In spring when the snow melts or after rainfall, the Giessbach Falls are at their most impressive

• allow plenty of time, the Giessbach Falls, the Grandhotel and the surrounding area invite you to linger

• Grandhotel with restaurant open from April to November

• Lake Brienz boat trip operates from April to October

Personal tip "From the terrace of the Grandhotel Giessbach I took beautiful photos of the sunset over Lake Brienz. When it got dark, the illumination of the Giessbach Falls enchanted me. The impressive landscape set the scene for them even more imposingly."