Grand Berner Oberland Full Day
Boat on Brienz, Giessbach hike, Aare swim, fondue — the full day
The Grand Oberland day is Konrad's full-day showpiece: boat across Lake Brienz at dawn, the Giessbach waterfall hike, an Aare river swim in the afternoon, and fondue in the evening. Ten hours. Four completely different experiences. The full sweep of the Berner Oberland in a single day.
This is the day to do if you have one free day in the region and want to see everything. Konrad has run this route dozens of times and has the logistics timed to the minute.
Itinerary
Ferry from Brienz
Lake Brienz in the early morning light — glacier-green and usually dead calm before 10:00. The Giessbach falls visible from the water as you approach.
Giessbach waterfall hike
2-hour ascent through beech forest via all 14 cascade levels. Coffee at the Grand Hotel Giessbach terrace above the main falls.
Return ferry to Brienz
Back across the lake. Drive from Brienz to the Aare entry point above Thun.
Aare river swim
Wetsuits on. Into the Aare for a 90-minute float. Konrad swims the whole section with the group.
Dry off and rest
Back to Thun or Interlaken. Coffee and pastry. The evening starts later.
Fondue moitié-moitié
Konrad or Anoli hosts the fondue — Gruyère and Vacherin, proper fuel, good wine. The best ending to the fullest day.
The region
Lake Brienz
Glacier-fed — the most intensely coloured lake in the Oberland. Calmer than Thun and far less developed on the south shore.
Giessbach Falls
300 m, 14 cascades, directly to the lake shore. The Grand Hotel watches over it from above.
Aare — Uttigen Bend
The day's most physical element — cold, fast and genuinely beautiful.
What’s included
- Lake Brienz ferry (both crossings)
- Konrad as guide throughout
- Coffee at the Grand Hotel Giessbach
- Wetsuit and dry bag for the Aare
- Fondue moitié-moitié with wine
More in Hiking
Your guide
Konrad Federico
Water · Sports · Latin