Lakeside path Iseltwald-Giessbach
Walk along the idyllic lakeside trail from Iseltwald to the impressive Giessbach Falls. In combination with a boat ride on the shimmering blue-green Lake Brienz, this promises to be a perfect day out.
Availability
12 April to 19 October 2025
daily
Subject to changes
Excursion tip lakeside path Iseltwald-Giessbach
Hiking & boating on the wildly romantic Lake Brienz
Start your excursion with a leisurely boat ride from Interlaken to Iseltwald, letting yourself be enchanted by the magical atmosphere along the way. Experience the Bernese Oberland in a calm, enjoyable and relaxed manner. Let your heart be gladdened by the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, framed by imposing mountain peaks to create an incomparable natural backdrop.
The trail between Iseltwald and Giessbach is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful shoreline walks. The vast majority of it lies directly along the shores of the sparkling blue-green Lake Brienz, taking you through gnarled mountain forests to cosy swimming spots before finally bringing you to the world-famous Giessbach Falls and the legendary Art Nouveau Hotel Giessbach.
At the end of your walk, you can re-board the boat and let yourself be carried to Brienz or back to Interlaken.
Detailed description of the hike
Shoreline trail
The starting point of your walk is the former fishing village of Iseltwald. The lakeside promenade begins where the lido ends, and this is also the start of the gravel path that leads you directly along the shore to Giessbach. The trail takes you through woodland and meadows, with many wonderful views of the lake along the way. About halfway along the trail there is a spacious barbecue area in the forest, which is ideal for a rest. After a good two hours, you will reach the lower section of the Giessbach Falls
From Giessbach, the boat will carry you to Brienz or back to Interlaken Ost.
| Route | Iseltwald ‒ Giessbach |
| Distance | 5.3 km |
| Walking time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Difficulty level | easy |
Swimming
If you have your swimming outfit with you, you will find several idyllic bathing spots along the way. However, Lake Brienz only reaches pleasant swimming temperatures during the high summer on days with no breeze
Giessbach Falls
You should definitely take the time for a detour to the impressive Giessbach Falls and a break on the splendid terrace of the Grandhotel Giessbach.
Timetable
During the season you will find daily connections to Iseltwald and from Giessbach in the online timetable.
Rates
Boat trip Interlaken Ost - Iseltwald
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults, 1st class | CHF 31.00 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 1st class | CHF 15.50 |
| Adults, 2nd class | CHF 19.00 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 2nd class | CHF 9.50 |
GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Junior Card, children's travel pass valid.
Prices in CHF, incl. VAT / Prices are subject to change without notice.
Boat trip Giessbach - Brienz | Giessbach - Interlaken Ost
| Category | Giessbach - Brienz | Giessbach - Interlaken Ost |
|---|---|---|
| Adults, 1st class | CHF 20.00 | CHF 46.00 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 1st class | CHF 10.00 | CHF 23.00 |
| Adults, 2nd class | CHF 12.00 | CHF 28.00 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 2nd class | CHF 6.00 | CHF 14.00 |
GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Junior Card, children's travel pass valid.
Prices in CHF, incl. VAT / Prices are subject to change without notice.
Round trip tickets
Boat trip Interlaken Ost - Iseltwald and from Giessbach - Interlaken Ost
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults, 1st class | CHF 68.40 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 1st class | CHF 34.20 |
| Adults, 2nd class | CHF 41.60 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 2nd class | CHF 20.80 |
GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Junior Card, children's travel pass valid.
Prices in CHF, incl. VAT / Prices are subject to change without notice.
Boat trip Brienz - Iseltwald and from Giessbach - Brienz
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults, 1st class | CHF 49.00 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 1st class | CHF 24.50 |
| Adults, 2nd class | CHF 29.60 |
| Half-Fare travelcard, 2nd class | CHF 14.80 |
GA travelcard, Half-Fare travelcard, Junior Card, children's travel pass valid.
Prices in CHF, incl. VAT / Prices are subject to change without notice.
Location
Schiffstation Interlaken Ost
Lanzenen 1
3800 Interlaken
Travel relaxed by train to Interlaken Ost. From Interlaken Ost railway station it is a 4-minute walk to the Interlaken Ost boat station. The boat station is opposite the station.
46.691598617931, 7.8691077232361
Frequently asked questions
Are Half-Fare travelcards, GA travelcards, Junior travelcards, municipality day tickets and the Swiss Travel Pass valid?
The following season tickets are valid on scheduled cruises:
100% discount, free travel in the purchased class with
- GA travelcard
- Staff rate – general season ticket
- "Seepass" annual season ticket for Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
- Staff rate – day tickets
- 1-day travelpass for the Half-Fare travelcard
- Municipality day tickets
- Saver Day Pass SBB
- 1-day travelpass for children
- Dog day ticket/1-day travelpass for dogs
- Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex with date entered, and Swiss Transfer Ticket
- Eurail Pass and Eurail Youth Pass with date entered
- Interrail with date entered
- Berner Oberland Pass
- Junior travelcard: children up to the age of 15.99 accompanied by a parent
- Children’s Co-travelcard: children up to the age of 15.99 accompanied by the cardholder
50% discount with
- Half-Fare travelcard
- Swiss Half Fare Card
- Children (aged 6 to 15 years)
Important notes
- Validity always applies to the purchased class. For example, if you have a GA, a day ticket, or a Swiss Travel Pass for 2nd class, you need a class upgrade (surcharge) to travel in 1st class.
- The above-mentioned passes entitle you to travel but do not guarantee a seat. On our scheduled boats, free seating applies and reservations are not possible. An exception is table reservations in the onboard restaurant (consumption required).
Are Fairtiq and EasyRide valid?
Yes, Fairtiq and EasyRide tickets are valid on BLS Lake Cruise.
Are special day tickets available?
With the BLS Navigation day ticket, you can travel as much as you want on any of our scheduled cruises on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Can I bring my bike aboard the boat with me?
Subject to space, we are happy to transport your bike. Cost per bike: 1/2 price, and no more than CHF 15.00 (bike day ticket) Please note: we cannot guarantee to transport your bike. The national SBB 1-day bike passes and annual passes are valid for BLS Navigation.
Do the boats operate all year?
Our boats travel all year on Lake Thun. We do not operate our cruises on Lake Brienz during the winter months.
Contact
Do you have any questions about our offers? Contact us, we will be happy to help you.
You might also be interested in
Thun shipyard tour for groups
Public shipyard tour in Thun
Combined ticket Giessbach «Time travel»
Thun shipyard tour for groups
Niederhorn combined ticket
Unterseen shoreline trail
St. Beatus Caves combined ticket
St. Beatus Caves combined ticket
Combined ticket Giessbach «Time travel»
Thun shipyard tour for groups
Combined ticket Mt. Brienzer Rothorn «Steam Chain»
Niederhorn combined ticket
Unterseen shoreline trail
Niederhorn combined ticket
Unterseen shoreline trail
St. Beatus Caves combined ticket
Food Tour Lake Brienz
Combined ticket Giessbach «Time travel»
Thun shipyard tour for groups
Combined ticket Mt. Brienzer Rothorn «Steam Chain»
