- 2:50 h
- 8.63 km
- 370 m
- 470 m
- 565 m
- 795 m
- 230 m
- Start: Giessbach
- Destination: Iseltwald
The lakeside path from Iseltwald to Giessbach attracts crowds of walkers and hikers in summer. In its shadow lies the forest path, slightly higher up the slope. Yet this route also offers hikers magnificent scenic views. The hiking trail is suitable for an outdoor stroller.
The starting point is the Grandhotel Giessbach, which stands like a fairy-tale castle in a magical location above Lake Brienz. The palace hotel owes its name to the Giessbach, which just a stone's throw away crashes down in a majestic waterfall.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
From Giessbach, a wide gravel track leads through the forest without any noteworthy altitude difference to the Unterholz junction and further to the two agriculturally used clearings Kusterboden and Hohflue. Then it goes back into the forest. At the next hiking trail junction marked "700 m," two different hiking routes are available, both signposted towards Iseltwald. The shorter of the two gently descends after a few hundred meters to the next junction, where Farnihubel is also marked.
A narrow path winds through an increasingly rocky and wilder landscape. Along vertical, sometimes overhanging cliffs, you immerse yourself in a fascinating world. Different types of ferns grow among the trees, giving the area its name. Although the terrain is heavily rugged, the path can be safely walked if you stay strictly on the trail. Two benches at the end of the side path invite you to enjoy the deep view towards Iseltwald and the Schnäggeninsel.
You leave the Farnihubel maze by the same route as the outward journey. Then follows the only significant ascent of the tour. It leads from the mentioned "700 m" junction upward towards Isch. The hike then mostly runs over open terrain and offers views of wonderfully maintained, diverse structured cultural landscapes. One of these is the Louberli farm. A final gem on the way is the Mülibachfall. Its water cascades over a vertical rock face into a rounded basin. Past the waterfall, you descend through the forest to the motorway and reach the village of Iseltwald.
Directions & Parking facilities
Arrival: By boat and funicular railway to Giessbach/Hotel
Return: From Iseltwald by boat or postal bus
Additional information
The Louberli, a farm on a steep slope, is home to goats, woolly pigs, peacocks, and other farm animals. Herbs and spices as well as various fruit varieties are also cultivated. The area has a high biodiversity and was awarded the Cultural Landscape Prize of the Oberland-East region in 2016.
Every year, particularly beautiful and valuable cultural landscapes are awarded the "Cultural Landscape Prize" in the Oberland East region. Through support and image promotion by tourism, the award is intended to provide farmers with a small incentive to continue sustainable farming and thus contributes to the preservation of our beautiful nature.
Are you looking for more hikes?
Find more inspiration about hiking opportunities in the Bernese Oberland here.
Interlaken Tourism
Marktgasse 1
CH-3800 Interlaken
Tel.: +41 33 826 53 00
mail@interlakentourism.ch
www.interlaken.ch/wandern
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Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
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