Time required: 1 hr 35 min – 2 hr 20 min
In the high valleys of the Faulhorn–Sägistal area, the Giessbach rises, later feeding the world-famous Giessbach Falls before finally flowing into Lake Brienz.
The Giessbach Falls plunge down 14 cascades over 400 metres. From Iseltwald, the Giessbach Falls are the perfect destination for a day trip on foot.
Our starting point for this easy hike is Chalet Du Lac. From here, the trail leads through Schoren along the lakeside path on the shore of Lake Brienz.
After you pass the lido, Schnäggeninsel awaits on the left—definitely a great photo spot. Around 40 minutes later, there’s a barbecue area along the route with firewood provided, so nothing stands in the way of a lunch break on site.
The origin of the name “Schnäggeninsel” has not been conclusively clarified. According to tradition, the Augustinian monks of Interlaken Monastery are said to have bred Roman snails on the island. Or it may have been named after its shape and location. Today, Schnäggeninsel is privately owned and belongs to Seeburg Castle.
Another 40–50 minutes later, you’ll reach the valley station of the oldest funicular railway in Europe that is still in operation. If you want to get up to the Giessbach Falls as quickly as possible, take the funicular. If you prefer to walk, take the path uphill in front of the valley station. If you’d like a slightly more scenic route, continue from the valley station to the boat landing stage and follow the signposts from there.
Once you reach the top, the Grandhotel Giessbach not only offers its regular restaurant service, but also space to enjoy your picnic at your leisure. If you’d rather head straight on to the spectacular waterfall, it’s best to follow the signposts here too.
Up here, you can not only admire the breathtaking Giessbach Falls—looking back over Lake Brienz, you can also take in the Bernese Alps.
The way back – Back to Iseltwald
For the return journey, you can take the funicular down and then go straight back to Iseltwald by boat, or continue on to Brienz. Right next to the Iseltwald boat station is the famous jetty from the Netflix series “Crash Landing on You”.
The funicular timetable is coordinated with the boat service, so you won’t have to wait long at the bottom.
In the winter months, neither the boat nor the funicular operates.
If you still have some energy in your legs, you can of course walk back along the hiking trail and enjoy the beautiful lake once more. Back at Hotel Chalet Du Lac, we’ll be waiting for you with a refreshing drink.
