📷 Photo by Peter Borter on UnsplashGiessbach Falls
Brienz, Switzerland
Fourteen cascades tumble through the forest to Lake Brienz beside a grand old hotel, and a path leads behind one of them. The road from Brienz is narrow; the lake boat is the easy alternative.
The Giessbach Falls tumble in 14 steps through the fir forest down to Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Sources differ on the total height; figures of around 400 to 500 metres are given. Beside the falls stands the historic Grandhotel Giessbach, from which you get a fine frontal view of the cascades.
A path leads behind one of the tiers and across a bridge between the middle falls, so you stand right in the spray. According to Lonely Planet it is about a 15-minute walk from the top of the funicular to the most striking section. Sturdy footwear is advisable in wet weather.
The Giessbachbahn links the boat landing with the hotel and dates from 1879; Lonely Planet calls it Europe's oldest funicular, while others say the oldest in Switzerland. You can reach the falls from Brienz by boat or on bus 152 (22 minutes according to Lonely Planet). Please check operating times and season for the funicular and boats in advance.
- Nearest town
- Brienz, Switzerland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.7344, 8.0258
- Editor's pick
- ★
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–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (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.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping au lac, RinggenbergCampsite9 km from Giessbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping GletscherdorfCampsite13 km from Giessbach Falls · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Hofstatt-DerfliCampsite13 km from Giessbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- JungfrauCampCampsite16 km from Giessbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- GrimselblickCampsite16 km from Giessbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Manor FarmCampsite17 km from Giessbach FallsTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Giessbach Falls?
Giessbach Falls is in Brienz, Switzerland, at GPS 46.7344, 8.0258. It is about 10 km from Sörenberg.
Can you camp near Giessbach Falls?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aaregg, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Giessbach Falls?
Giessbach Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lakes Thun and Brienz to the Grimsel Pass.
What is there to see near Giessbach Falls?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (4 km), Iseltwald (5 km), Reichenbach Falls (12 km) and Aare Gorge (13 km).
When is the best time to visit Giessbach Falls?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)