Photo by FelixMittermeier
GIESSBACH FALLS HIKE: A HALF-DAY ADVENTURE FROM ISELTWALD
Looking for a relaxed, scenic hike near Interlaken? The Giessbach Falls trail is a great choice. Just a 20-minute bus ride from Interlaken Ost, you’ll arrive in Iseltwald, a charming Swiss village nestled on the shore of Lake Brienz. This easy trail follows the shoreline to the stunning Giessbach Falls- perfect for anyone craving a laid-back adventure.
DISCOVERING GIESSBACH FALLS: NATURE, HISTORY, AND A BIT OF DRAMA
Giessbach Falls is no ordinary waterfall! With its 14 falls tumbling down in stages. There’s even a path that lets you walk behind the falls, giving you a unique view of the cascade framed by the historic Grandhotel Giessbach and Lake Brienz in the background.
And for a fun fact—Iseltwald has become a popular spot for Korean tourists thanks to its appearance in a Netflix famous series called “Crash Landing on You” which has some of its key scenes filmed in the village.
THE JOURNEY TO GIESSBACH FALLS
Your journey starts at Interlaken Ost, where you can catch Bus 103 to Iseltwald. With your Interlaken Guest Card, the ride is free! During the Summer season, you have the option to take the express double-decker bus that goes straight to Iseltwald without any stops.
From Iseltwald, it’s a straightforward, 6 km hike (about 1.5 hours each way) to Giessbach Falls. The path is well-marked, so just follow the signs for Giessbach, and you’re on your way! The shoreline trail is mostly flat, offering easy-going terrain and constant views of Lake Brienz.
If you’re feeling tired after exploring the falls, there’s a relaxing option to take a boat back from the Giessbach Hotel, skipping the walk back.
ENJOY NATURE, RAIN OR SHINE
The trail is mostly shaded by trees, which makes it a good option for a rainy day in Interlaken as well. The falls are even more impressive after rain, with higher water flow. If you’re hiking on a sunny day, you’ll find several spots along the way to relax by the lake, with especially good places for a swim in Iseltwald. So, pack a swimsuit and take a dip in the crystal-clear, refreshing waters of Lake Brienz to cool off!
PICNIC SPOTS AND PERFECT VIEWS
Want to make the most of your day out? Along the trail, you’ll find an excellent picnic spot right by the lake, surrounded by trees and a nice view of the lake. There’s even a little wood house stocked with free firewood, so you can set up a BBQ and enjoy the moment.
If you’d prefer a more low-key break, the terrace at Grandhotel Giessbach is a fantastic place to unwind with a drink while taking in the sweeping views of Lake Brienz.
What are you waiting for...Book a stunning gateway in the Swiss Alps
FEELING ADVENTUROUS? EXTEND YOUR HIKE TO AXALP!
If the falls just aren’t enough, you can keep the adventure going! Continue up from Giessbach Falls to Axalp for a more challenging hike, adding about 3.5 hours (9 km) to your journey. If you decide to go all-in, consider a detour to Hinterburg Lake—a beautiful lake out of the crowds.
