Switzerland with kids: Visiting Giessbach Waterfalls, Brienz

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If you’re visiting Switzerland, Giessbach Waterfalls (next to Lake Brienz) absolutely needs to be on your family holiday itinerary – here’s my full review and guide. Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, and the views from Giessbach Falls are incredible. But, not only is this site beautiful, it’s also perfect for budget-conscious families looking for a memorable day out in nature because there’s no entry fee so you can visit for free. So, here’s everything that you need to know about Giessbach Waterfalls including photos, how to reach it and whether it’s worth visiting this gorgeous place in Brienz – let’s dive into my guide to make your trip to Switzerland with the kids magical.

Where is Giessbach Waterfalls?

Giessbach Waterfalls to Brienz, Switzerland, is just a 12 minute drive – and it was about 30 minutes by car from where we stayed at Manor Farm Campsite in Interlaken if you’re staying nearby (and totally worth the trip!). Here’s how to reach Giessbach Waterfalls:

By train and boat:

Public transport in Switzerland is famously efficient, and the journey to Giessbach is no exception. If you’re using a Swiss Travel Pass, kids under 16 travel free when accompanied by an adult, which is fantastic for families.

Train: Take a train from Interlaken Ost to Brienz. Swiss trains are super reliable, and the views along the way are just stunning.
Boat: From Brienz, hop on a traditional steamboat across Lake Brienz to the Giessbach See stop. The boat ride is itself an experience, as you glide across the turquoise lake surrounded by mountains. The Swiss Travel Pass also covers the boat fare, making it an even better option for budget travellers.

By car:

Alternatively, if you’re driving to Giessbach Waterfalls, you’ll find parking available at the entrance to the waterfall trails, but be prepared for a small parking fee. Though there’s no entrance fee for the waterfall itself, to use their carpark the charge was around £9/10 per car for the day. You probably could find somewhere to park nearby for free if you really wanted to, but we did use the carpark, and we were happy with the cost given that it was all we spent that day. It’s only a short walk from the car park to the waterfall, through lovely woodland, so it’s an easy place to visit with kids. Having said that, with the pathways and steps, avoid bringing a pushchair if you have young children.

What is Giessbach Falls like – is it worth visiting?

As you can probably tell, I think that Giessbach Waterfalls is absolutely worth visiting – in fact if you’re in the Brienz / Interlaken area (or even further afield in Switzerland!) it would be such a shame to miss out on it. Not only is the waterfall itself spectacular, but the views across Lake Brienz from Giessbach are incredible – it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. The kids thought walking under the waterfall was brilliant – it was a really magical experience. It’s great to be able to balance out the more expensive experiences and days out with places you can explore for free too. And, is there anything more therapeutic than being surrounded by woodland, nature and the sound of a rushing waterfall?!

Once you’ve completed the trail around the waterfall, you’ll come out by the historic Grandhotel Giessbach and restaurant overlooking the lake – perfect for some refreshments if you’ve haven’t brought any with you. This view was incredible – it looked so much like a postcard that it just didn’t seem real! (No filter needed – again!!) It was such a relaxing place to be, and yet another incredible place to add our list of amazing picnic spots!

From here, if you fancy it, you can hop on Giessbach’s Funicular Railway – it’s actually the oldest funicular in Europe still in operation. It’s a short ride but a fun one, and it’s pretty budget-friendly too – kids ride for free and adults are about £9 each for a return ticket. The Giessbach Funicular climbs down 93 metres along the 345m track from the hotel, towards to the lake. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, in an area of outstanding natural beauty, then this is the best picnic spot you’ll find near Interlaken. It’s the perfect low-cost family day out with jaw-dropping scenery – Giessbach Falls is an absolute must-see destination.

If you’re heading to Switzerland on a budget with the kids then you’ll absolutely want to check out my full guide for our trip – with affordable family accommodation, things to do in Interlaken and tips for keeping costs down: Our Eurocamp Interlaken Family Holiday Guide: How to visit Switzerland on a budget with kids.

And, for even more ideas on things to do with kids in and around the Interlaken area, head to my family itinerary guide: Interlaken family holiday itinerary – the best things to see and do with kids.