Do you know what is above the famous Giessbach Falls situated at the Lake of Brienz? I don’t! This is why I would like to set off for a discovery hike to explore the area of the Bernese Oberland. The hike starts in the idyllic village Iseltwald, where we embark the boat to the Giessbach Falls. Then we walk up to the “Axalp” and continue on the so called “woodcarving path” to the lake “Hinterburg” where we have lunch. After we return to the Axalp to take the bus back to the Giessbach Falls. At the end of the day we stroll along the wonderful lakeshore of Brienz to get back to Iseltwald.

It is a long and challenging hike where we take public transport for some sections in order to do it in a one day. Therefore only sign up when you are fit and used to walking. Please be aware that we can’t wait for latecomers due to the boat and bus departure times.

Program:

09:30 Boat sation Iseltwald
09:50 – 10:10 Departure Iseltwald – Giessbach Falls by boat
10:10 – 14:00 Giessbach Falls – Axalp – Lake Hinterburg by foot
14:00 – 15:00 Lunchbreak
15:00 – 16:30 Lake Hinterburg to Axalp by foo
17:10 – 17:40 Axalp – Giessbach Falls (crossing) by bus
17:40 – 18:00 Visit of the Giessbach Falls
18:00 – 18:15 Giessbach Falls – Giessbach Lake by funicular
18:15 – 19:30 Giessbach Lake – Iseltwald by foot
19:30 End of the day!

Summary:

Length: 20 km
Hiking time: about 6h30 (without breaks)
Requirements: medium (mountain hiking trail)
Conditions: medium
Height difference: + 1400 m / - 500 m

What to bring:

CHF 20.00 to 30.00 in CASH for public transport
Good Hiking Shoes and poles (optional)
Suitable hiking clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses/ hat etc.
Water, lunch, snacks to share
And a HUGE SMILE

Links

For further information please check the following links:

In English
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/the-giessbach-falls-brienz.html
https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/axalp.html

In French
https://www.schweizmobil.ch/fr/wanderland/routen/route-0361.html

In German
https://www.srf.ch/meteo/lokalprognose?id=417287046

For car sharing:

Post a message on the board if you have a place in your car.
If you look for a place in a car (act promptly) contact someone for a lift.

Note: I am not a guide. You are responsible for your own safety in the mountains. In case of bad weather the hike will be cancelled.