INTERLAKEN SIGHTSEEING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Lake-bright chalets, curtain waterfalls and a valley that inspired Tolkien — a day across Brienz, Giessbach, Lauterbrunnen
A guided day tour from Interlaken that visits Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, the Giessbach falls and Brienz village before exploring the cliff-ringed Lauterbrunnen valley.
Lake-bright chalets, curtain waterfalls and a valley that inspired Tolkien — a day across Brienz, Giessbach, Lauterbrunnen.
We leave Interlaken in the morning and thread east into the Brienz basin: a sequence of lakeside villages, historic waterfalls and a valley of sheer cliffs. The route moves from the stillness of Iseltwald on Lake Brienz to the stacked cascades at Giessbach, the woodcarver-lined streets of Brienz, and finally into Lauterbrunnen — the valley of 72 waterfalls — before a return through Interlaken’s old town; the day is guided by a local Swiss guide who can tailor the stops to your interests.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Iseltwald and the Lake Brienz panorama
Begin in Iseltwald, a traditional village where the world slows on the shores of Lake Brienz. Stroll the lakeside, make pictures of the great view and absorb the quieter side of the region.
Giessbach — a stair of 14 waterfalls and a historic grandhotel
Above Lake Brienz, Giessbach’s set of 14 waterfalls offers park walks, a chance to walk ‘under the waterfall’ (with reduced flow in winter) and views from the Grandhotel terrace over the falls and lake.
Lauterbrunnen — cliffs, frozen falls and Tolkien atmospherics
In the afternoon the tour reaches Lauterbrunnen, a valley lined with towering cliffs and some 72 waterfalls; stroll the village, feel the valley’s magical ambiance, glimpse the Staubbach waterfall (frozen in winter), and, season permitting, explore the Trümmelbachfalls from April to October.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The tour unfolds as a series of short drives punctuated by strolls: a peaceful lakeside walk in Iseltwald, a park and waterfall promenade at Giessbach, a wandering of Brienz’s streets and lakeside promenade with woodcarving shops, and an afternoon in the cliff-ringed Lauterbrunnen valley before returning to Interlaken and a look through the old town. Your local guide shapes the pace and can accommodate specific interests.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour departs Interlaken in the morning and includes seasonal notes: Trümmelbachfalls can be explored from April to October, Giessbach’s ‘under the waterfall’ experience has little water in winter, and some features such as local wood manufacturers close in winter on Sundays.
The standard departure is from Interlaken; pickup for this tour can also be arranged from Bern, Lucerne or Zürich for a different rate.
The tour is guided by a local personal Swiss guide who is happy to include your wishes in the itinerary to create a unique experience.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can we see the Trümmelbachfalls on this tour?
Trümmelbachfalls can be explored on this tour from April to October; outside that period they are not accessible as part of the itinerary.
How many waterfalls are at Giessbach and Lauterbrunnen?
Giessbach features a series of 14 waterfalls above Lake Brienz; Lauterbrunnen valley is noted for some 72 waterfalls.
Is the Staubbach waterfall visible year-round?
Staubbach waterfall is part of the Lauterbrunnen visit; it can freeze in winter, changing its appearance compared with warmer months.
Can the guide customize the itinerary?
Yes — the tour is guided by a local personal Swiss guide who is happy to include your wishes in the itinerary to create a unique experience.
Are the Brienz woodcarving shops always open?
Local wood manufacturers in Brienz are part of the visit; note that some are closed in winter on Sundays.
Where does the tour start and are other pickup locations possible?
The tour leaves from Interlaken in the morning; pickup can also be arranged from Bern, Lucerne or Zürich for a different rate.