Grandhotel Giessbach - Brienz (Bern)

Historic 1874 hotel at the foot of Giessbach Waterfall on Lake Brienz

Location & Access

Grandhotel Giessbach sits on a hill above Lake Brienz within a 22-hectare park. The hotel is located at the foot of the Giessbach Waterfall and is directly connected to the Giessbach ship pier by Europe's oldest funicular, built in 1879 with original wooden cars. Guests can also arrive by car via a private road with electric vehicle charging stations available.

Rooms

All guest rooms feature carefully restored original furniture from the 19th century. Room categories include Superior Double Rooms with Lake View, Superior Double Rooms with Waterfall View, and Classic Double Rooms with Waterfall View. Some rooms offer balconies overlooking both the lake and the illuminated waterfall at night.

Dining

The hotel operates two on-site restaurants: Les Cascades and Elisa. Elisa has a summer terrace with a view of the waterfall and holds a Michelin Green Star for sustainability. Half board includes a 4-course dinner, and breakfast offers homemade delicacies with Swiss sparkling wine included.

Amenities & Activities

The outdoor pool is a chemical-free natural swimming pool cleaned by grasses and stones. Guests can play billiards, join board games, or listen to live piano music in the bar each evening. Hiking trails start directly on the property, and the hotel provides complimentary access to the Giessbach funicular and Lake Brienz boats via the Nostalgia Pass.

Pet-Friendly & Practical Details

Pets are allowed, and the hotel provides pet baskets and pet bowls upon request. The 24-hour front desk offers currency exchange, concierge service, and luggage storage. Free WiFi and private parking with an electric vehicle charging station are available throughout the property.

• Location: At the foot of Giessbach Waterfall on Lake Brienz
• Access: Europe's oldest funicular from the lake pier
• Room: Restored 19th-century furniture with waterfall or lake view
• Dining: Two restaurants - Elisa (Michelin Green Star) and Les Cascades
• Wellness: Chemical-free natural swimming pool
• Activities: Hiking trails, live piano, billiards, board games
• Pet-friendly: Pet baskets and bowls provided