Reichenbach Falls
Meiringen, Switzerland
The waterfall where Sherlock Holmes fell with Moriarty, reached by a wooden funicular from Willigen near Meiringen in summer. A viewing platform looks straight into the upper fall.
The Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland drop about 250 metres in total in several stages; the upper fall alone is around 110 metres high. They lie about 1.5 kilometres south of Meiringen. They became world-famous through Arthur Conan Doyle: in the story “The Final Problem”, Sherlock Holmes fights Professor Moriarty here, and a plaque at the spot commemorates 4 May 1891.
The Reichenbach Falls funicular has run since 1899 from the Willigen valley station. The 714-metre funicular has gradients of up to 61 per cent, the ride takes about 7.5 minutes, and each car holds 24 people. It operates only in the summer half of the year; in 2026 it runs from 2 May to 4 October (as of October 2026). On foot it is about 20 minutes from Meiringen station to the valley station. There is parking at the valley station and at the Alpbach car park. The Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen makes a good addition.
- Nearest town
- Meiringen, Switzerland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.7140, 8.1845
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Hofstatt-DerfliCampsite3 km from Reichenbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- GrimselblickCampsite3 km from Reichenbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping GadmenCampsite14 km from Reichenbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWi-Fi
- Camping GletscherdorfCampsite15 km from Reichenbach Falls · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping International GiswilCampsite16 km from Reichenbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping SeefeldCampsite19 km from Reichenbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Reichenbach Falls?
Reichenbach Falls is in Meiringen, Switzerland, at GPS 46.7140, 8.1845. It is about 12 km from Brienz.
Can you camp near Reichenbach Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Balmweid, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Reichenbach Falls?
Reichenbach Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Gotthard and Susten: the Tremola and the Devil’s Bridge.
What is there to see near Reichenbach Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Aare Gorge (1 km), Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (9 km), Giessbach Falls (12 km) and Iseltwald (17 km).
When is the best time to visit Reichenbach Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)