From Camping Alpenblick to the Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz

Are you looking for a special excursion during your stay at Camping Alpenblick in Interlaken? Then we highly recommend a visit to the Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz. This natural wonder combines water, forest, and history in a truly unique setting.

Getting There Is Part of the Adventure

You can reach the Giessbach Falls from Camping Alpenblick in two different ways:

• By car, the journey takes around 30 minutes. Parking tickets must be purchased online in advance. The parking fee goes directly to the Giessbach Foundation and helps preserve this unique destination.

• An even more scenic option is travelling by public transport. Take the bus from Camping Alpenblick to Interlaken Ost and transfer to a boat there. The cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz is a highlight in itself. After approximately one hour, disembark at Giessbach See and either walk up to the Grandhotel Giessbach or ride the historic funicular railway. Tickets for the Giessbach Railway can be purchased online.

More information about getting there

About the Giessbach Foundation

The Giessbach Foundation was established in 1983 by the renowned Swiss environmentalist Franz Weber. Its mission was both clear and ambitious: to save the historic Grandhotel Giessbach from demolition and preserve it as part of Switzerland’s cultural heritage.

What appears today like something from a fairytale was, at the time, a rescue operation against the clock. The hotel had fallen into decline, and its future was uncertain. Thanks to a nationwide fundraising campaign and support from the Canton of Bern and the municipality of Brienz, the foundation was able to purchase the entire Giessbach estate.

This remarkable estate includes not only the Grandhotel but also Europe’s oldest funicular railway, a private boat landing stage, 22 hectares of parkland, hiking trails, historic bridges, and the impressive Giessbach Falls, which tumble down 14 cascades before reaching Lake Brienz.

To this day, the foundation remains committed to preserving the site as a living cultural and natural landmark. It maintains the buildings, gardens, and infrastructure, relying on the support of visitors and friends of Giessbach. Every visit, donation, and recommendation helps ensure that this extraordinary place can be enjoyed by future generations.

Hiking and Exploring Around the Waterfalls

The source area of the Giessbach Falls lies at approximately 2,500 metres above sea level in the Bernese Alps. From there, the water flows through the Sägistal valley, passing several natural terraces before plunging down a spectacular series of 14 cascades. Altogether, the falls descend around 400 to 500 metres.

The waterfalls are particularly impressive in spring, when melting snow swells the stream, or after heavy rainfall. At these times, the water rushes over the rocks with tremendous force, creating a refreshing mist.

On average, the Giessbach carries around 1.5 cubic metres of water per second, equivalent to 1,500 litres every second. After cascading down the falls, the water flows directly into Lake Brienz, where the crystal-clear mountain water merges with the lake’s famous turquoise waters. From there, it continues via the River Aare into the Rhine and eventually reaches the North Sea.

The Giessbach Falls are therefore not only a spectacular natural attraction but also part of a vast water system that connects Switzerland with the rest of Europe.

Around the falls, you will find two well-signposted circular walking routes:

• The shorter trail takes around 20 minutes and brings you right alongside the waterfalls.

• The longer blue circular trail begins at the lakeshore and takes approximately one hour. It leads through the forest, across bridges, and to several panoramic viewpoints.

Along the way, there are plenty of places to rest. Take a seat, watch the water flow by, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and fresh mountain air.

A Break with Views and History

One of the highlights of the visit is the terrace of the Grandhotel Giessbach. Here, you can take a break, enjoy a drink, or simply admire the stunning views. Opened more than 150 years ago, the hotel is a true Belle Époque gem. Designed by architect Horace Edouard Davinet, it quickly became a symbol of Alpine elegance.

Our Tip for Your Camping Holiday

Pack comfortable walking shoes, a water bottle, and perhaps a small picnic. A trip to the Giessbach Falls is perfect for a half-day excursion and offers a wonderful combination of nature, exercise, and relaxation. Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, or with your family, this is a place you will remember long after your holiday has ended.