Giessbach Waterfall Hike
Through beech forest to Switzerland's most beautiful falls
The Giessbach falls drop 300 metres in 14 cascades directly to the shore of Lake Brienz — the most dramatically situated waterfall in Switzerland. The approach trail runs through old-growth beech forest and gives you every level of the falls from below before the path climbs to the source above.
Konrad combines the waterfall hike with a boat crossing from Brienz and a coffee stop at the Grand Hotel Giessbach — one of the last Victorian mountain hotels in the Alps, clinging to the cliff above the lake.
Itinerary
Ferry from Brienz
The lake boat crosses to Giessbach pier in 15 minutes. The falls are visible from the ferry as you approach.
Lower falls trail
The path enters beech forest immediately and follows the cascades upward. Swimming hole at the base in summer.
Grand Hotel Giessbach
Coffee and cake on the terrace with the falls in view. One of the great café stops in the Berner Oberland.
Upper trail and source viewpoint
Konrad leads to the upper viewpoint above the main falls. The lake is far below — the full scale becomes clear.
Return boat to Brienz
Descent to the pier. Return boat to Brienz or optional walk to Iseltwald along the lake shore.
The region
Giessbach Falls
300 m of cascades in 14 steps, dropping directly to the glacial-green shore of Lake Brienz.
Grand Hotel Giessbach
Victorian cliff-side hotel above the falls. One of the last of its kind in the Alps — coffee here is a genuine experience.
Lake Brienz
Glacier-fed and intensely green — the most vividly coloured lake in the Oberland. The boat crossing alone is worth the trip.
What’s included
- Konrad as guide throughout
- Ferry crossing from Brienz
- Trail navigation and local natural history
More in Hiking
Your guide
Konrad Federico
Water · Sports · Latin