Giessbachbahn Funicular
Ride Europe's oldest funicular to the breathtaking Giessbach Falls and historic Grand Hotel on Lake Brienz.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene experience
Giessbachbahn Funicular
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride Europe's oldest funicular to the breathtaking Giessbach Falls and historic Grand Hotel on Lake Brienz.
"A classic historic ride on a great spot, worth the journey!"
Walk Down for Views
Take the funicular up, but walk down to enjoy the Giessbach Falls up close. :athletic_shoe:
Ferry Connection
The funicular is right by the ferry dock on Lake Brienz. Check ferry schedules! :ferry:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giessbachbahn Funicular Ride
Lake Brienz to Grand Hotel Giessbach
Ride Europe's oldest funicular, a charming journey through history with breathtaking views.
Giessbach Falls
Above Grand Hotel Giessbach
Marvel at 14 cascading waterfalls, a spectacular natural wonder accessible from the funicular.
Grand Hotel Giessbach
Top of the funicular
An iconic historic hotel offering stunning lake views and a glimpse into Belle Époque elegance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Historic Ride, Scenic Views
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walk Down for Views
Take the funicular up, but walk down to enjoy the Giessbach Falls up close. :athletic_shoe:
Ferry Connection
The funicular is right by the ferry dock on Lake Brienz. Check ferry schedules! :ferry:
Hotel Guest Perk
Staying at the Grand Hotel Giessbach? The funicular ride is free for guests! :key:
Autumn Colors
Visit in autumn for stunning fall foliage surrounding the falls and funicular. :fallen_leaf:
Tips
from all over the internet
Walk Down for Views
Take the funicular up, but walk down to enjoy the Giessbach Falls up close. :athletic_shoe:
Ferry Connection
The funicular is right by the ferry dock on Lake Brienz. Check ferry schedules! :ferry:
Hotel Guest Perk
Staying at the Grand Hotel Giessbach? The funicular ride is free for guests! :key:
Autumn Colors
Visit in autumn for stunning fall foliage surrounding the falls and funicular. :fallen_leaf:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Giessbachbahn Funicular as a charming, historic ride offering stunning views of Lake Brienz and the magnificent Giessbach Falls. Many appreciate the unique experience of riding Europe's oldest funicular and the opportunity to explore the beautiful natural surroundings. Some note it can be a bit pricey for a short ride, but generally consider it a worthwhile classic Swiss experience.
"A historic railway that links a landing stage on Lake Brienz, served by shipping services on the lake, to the Grand Hotel Giessbach and Giessbach Falls above. Opened 144 years ago (!) and still operating! You can marvel at its beautiful track while hiking down from the hotel to the lake."
Karol Kamiński
"Not a very cheap ride.......but its a classic historic ride on a great spot. Would recommand to take the ride up and walk down again."
Olaf van der Hee
"Amazing and historical piece of engineering still kept alive. They charge 5 francs for one way and it can save you the uphill walk to the giessbach falls and hotel. While for hotel guests it's free. It's next to the ferry station so it gets quite busy when a ferry docks."
Deepak Singh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Giessbachbahn funicular is easily accessible via a ferry on Lake Brienz, docking right at its base. You can also reach it by car and park nearby, though the ferry offers a more scenic approach.
While it's a historic attraction, it functions as local transport connecting the lake to the hotel and falls. It's a unique way to experience Swiss public transport history.
Yes, you can take a scenic ferry ride from Interlaken Ost station across Lake Brienz directly to the Giessbachbahn landing stage.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A one-way ticket is around 5 Swiss Francs. It's a classic historic ride that's worth the small fee for the experience.
Guests staying at the Grand Hotel Giessbach receive complimentary rides on the funicular.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Giessbachbahn website or inquire locally, especially outside of peak summer months.
Generally, advance booking isn't required for the Giessbachbahn. Tickets can be purchased at the station. However, it can get busy when ferries arrive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Ride the historic funicular, explore the magnificent Giessbach Falls with its 14 cascades, and enjoy the views from the Grand Hotel Giessbach. You can also hike around the area.
The funicular itself is accessible, but the trails around the falls can be steep and uneven. Consider this if you have mobility concerns.
Yes, there are paths that allow you to walk behind some of the Giessbach Falls, offering a unique and immersive perspective.
Combining the funicular ride with a hike down from the hotel allows you to experience the falls from various viewpoints. The walk down offers stunning perspectives.
Absolutely! The historic funicular, the dramatic waterfalls, and the picturesque lake views make it a photographer's paradise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Grand Hotel Giessbach offers dining options with beautiful views. There are also cafes and restaurants near the hotel and falls.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you might find spots to enjoy a packed lunch with a view, especially if you venture onto some of the walking paths.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: Consider bringing a change of clothes or rain gear if your kids are keen to get close to the waterfalls, as it can get misty. The walk down from the hotel offers a more manageable pace for little legs than a strenuous hike. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options can be a bit more formal or pricey.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Best Light: Aim for late afternoon for the golden hour, which bathes the falls and the Grand Hotel in a warm, inviting glow. Early mornings can also be beautiful and less crowded. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique perspective from behind the falls or the panoramic views from the hotel terraces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Giessbachbahn Funicular
+1While the funicular has undergone technical modernizations to ensure its continued operation, it has retained its historic character. The wooden carriages and the gentle incline provide a serene ascent, allowing passengers to soak in the surrounding natural beauty. It's a testament to Swiss preservation efforts that this historic line continues to operate, offering a tangible connection to the past for all who ride it.
For those looking to fully appreciate the area, taking the funicular up and then hiking down is a highly recommended approach. This allows for a more intimate experience with the Giessbach Falls and the surrounding landscape, offering different perspectives and photo opportunities that might be missed on a quick ascent.
The Spectacle of Giessbach Falls
A unique and memorable experience offered here is the opportunity to walk behind the waterfall. This allows visitors to feel the mist on their faces and witness the power of the falls from an entirely different, immersive perspective. It's a thrilling encounter with nature that many travelers find unforgettable.
The area around the falls is also crisscrossed with walking paths, offering various vantage points for viewing and photography. Whether you're approaching by funicular, hiking down from the hotel, or exploring the trails, the Giessbach Falls provide a constant backdrop of natural grandeur. The combination of the historic funicular, the grand hotel, and the powerful waterfalls creates a truly magical destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit