This short trail hikes up the Giessbach Falls, east of Interlaken on the shores of Lake Brienz. The falls cascade down the mountain in 14 stages, dropping a total of 400 meters.

You reach the main falls viewpoint near the Giessbach hotel with a funicular train. But for a closer look, you can do a short hike up the falls and even walk behind the falling water. You'll also get a fantastic view of the hotel far below, lake and mountains.

Trail: moderate • 1h up & back • 2.2 km round trip • 220m up & down • see trail map.

Open: usually April thru late October

It's a dirt path with uneven terrain, best done with shoes with some tread. It's steep at times and often slippery, but not dangerous. With our 3 year old, we made it as far as the walkway behind the falls, with only a little complaining.

You don't have to hike the full distance. It's only about 5 mins up to the first bridge that crosses the falls. From there, about another 15 mins up to the point where you can walk behind the water.

➡️ More details on SwissFamilyFun.com

Extra: Hike down to lake

We usually ride the funicular up to the falls. But after our visit, we walk back down to the boat dock instead of riding the funicular. It's a pretty walk, with a couple nice views of the lower falls. Plus it saves a bit of money.

Lower trail: easy • 15 mins • 860m one way • 70m down • see trail map

If you want more fitness, you can also walk up that path and skip the funicular all together.

How to get there

By boat: You can ride a boat on Lake Brienz to boats to the Giessbach (See) stop. From the boat dock, ride the funicular train up to the hotel and falls viewpoint.

You can catch the boat at Interlaken Ost (west side of lake) or Brienz village (east side of lake). See BLS boat schedule.

By car: You can reach the falls by car, but you must drive on a winding mountain road, not my favorite. See parking on Google Maps. About 20 mins from Interlaken.

More info: www.giessbach.ch • webcam