Arrival

giessbach

Arrival

Directions via Lake Brienz and the mountains

The path leading to a place is like the gateway to an inner feeling. This particular path hugs Lake Brienz and rises up to the Giessbach, the waterfall that spills out from the Giesse Stream. Like an artery leading to the heart, the steep, narrow mountain road takes us to the Grandhotel Giessbach. Upon arrival, we are plunged into another universe, another time. Coming to the Grandhotel Giessbach is a journey deep within yourself that will transform your thoughts.

Getting here

By train and Boat

Take the train to Interlaken Ost or Brienz, then continue by scheduled boat service to the “Giessbach See” stop. The final stretch from Giessbach See to the hotel is covered by our historic funicular railway.

Information, prices, and timetable 2025

Did you book your stay directly with us by phone, email, or through our hotel website? As an individual guest (no groups), enjoy free boat rides on the entire Lake Brienz network and many other regional highlights with the Giessbach Nostalgia Pass. You will receive the pass with your reservation confirmation.

Please note:
The summer season runs from April to October.
The Giessbach funicular and Lake Brienz boats do not operate in winter.
Wheelchair passengers: Please contact us before your arrival at +41 (0)33 952 25 25 or grandhotel@giessbach.ch.


By Train and Hotel Shuttle

Take the train to Brienz Station. Our shuttle will pick you up at the times listed below. Due to limited seating, please inform us at least 24 hours before your arrival which shuttle you would like to use. The shuttle runs only with prior reservations and strictly at the times mentioned below. This service is free for hotel guests. Reservations can be made at +41 (0)33 952 25 25 or grandhotel@giessbach.ch.

Shuttle Schedule: Brienz Station to Hotel
April to October 2025
Monday to Sunday; 9.40 a.m., 2.40 p.m., 4.40 p.m.
6.45 p.m. (operated by Alpenbus Taxi)

November 2025 to March 2026
Wednesday: 2.40 p.m. and 4.40 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 9.40 a.m., 11.40 p.m., 2.40 p.m. and 4.40 p.m.

Timetable from the hotel to Brienz railway station
April to October 2025
Monday to Sunday; 9.00 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.

November 2025 to March 2026
Wednesday: 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 9.00 a.m., 11.45 a.m., 2.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.


By Train and eBoat

Take the train to Brienz station and then the eBoat to the hotel. Book your ticket for the eBoat shuttle service on Lake Brienz in advance. The eBoat departs directly from the boat station at Brienz train station and reaches the "Giessbach See" stop in about 20 minutes. Timetables and prices can be found here. As the eBoat has only 12 seats, we recommend booking early.

The Giessbach funicular operates only until approximately 6:00 p.m. (please check the current timetable).

Exception: During the summer schedule, the funicular runs on Saturday evenings when the steamship operates. Please note that the «Giessbach See» boat station and the path to the hotel are not illuminated.


By PostBus

The PostBus toward Axalp stops at the “Abzweigung Giessbach” stop. From there, a 15-minute walk past the waterfalls leads to the hotel.

Airports:
Bern, Zürich, Basel, and Geneva.


By Car

Take the “Brienz – Giessbach” exit from the N8 motorway. Follow the signs for Giessbach/Axalp.

A limited number of paid day parking spaces are available in the Giessbach Nature Park.
This fee benefits the Giessbach Foundation for the People of Switzerland, which maintains and cares for the entire 22-hectare park, including its gardens, greenhouses, hiking trails, and the Giessbach Railway.

For overnight guests, the parking is available directly at the hotel for CHF 15.00 per vehicle per night.

For Electric Cars:
We offer five 11 kW charging stations, where you can pay for electricity via credit card or Twint. For detailed information on locations and availability, contact us at +41 (0)33 952 25 25.


Important Information

"On May 26, 2025, and from June 2 to June 6, 2025, the A8 between Interlaken East and Brienz will be closed from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Traffic will be diverted via the cantonal road on the right side of the lake."

Coaches

Weight limit: 18 tons. Vehicles over 18 tons may access the Axalp road only with permission from the Brienz municipality. No bus parking is available in the Giessbach Nature Park. For group bookings with hotel services (overnight stay, lunch, or dinner), please contact our events department at event@giessbach.ch or +41 (0)33 952 25 98.

«See the world. It's more fantastic than any dream.»

Experiences

Out and about with the Giessbach Nostalgia Pass 2024/2025

There is plenty to see and do around the Grandhotel Giessbach. In the footsteps of the 19th century guests of yesteryear, you may explore Lake Brienz and the Giessbach Falls, as well as the Belle Époque architecture and the area around the hotel. Many walking trails use the Grandhotel Giessbach as a starting point, end point, or intermediate stop. Thanks to the Giessbach Nostalgia Pass, individual guests who book an overnight stay with us directly are also entitled to the following unlimited advantages throughout their stay, including on arrival and departure days:

WINTER 2024/2025

SUMMER 2025

Brochure Nostalgia on Lake Brienz

Schule für Holzbildhauerei Brienz

Freilichtmuseum Ballenberg

Trauffer world of experience