Giessbach Funicular
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
Let yourself be driven up to the Grandhotel Giessbach in the historic carriage from 1879. The oldest purely tourist funicular in Europe takes you to thundering waterfalls and a grand hotel of the Belle Époque on Lake Brienz in the canton of Bern.
The Giessbach Funicular at a glance
Since 1879, the Giessbachbahn in the canton of Bern has connected the boat station on Lake Brienz with the Grandhotel Giessbach, which is about 100 metres higher. It is considered the oldest funicular railway built purely for tourism in Europe and the first single-track funicular with a switch in the middle. In winter, operations are restricted.
What to experience
Ride the nostalgic car (5 minutes)
Get into one of the two nostalgic carriages at Schiffländte station and let yourself be driven up the steep slope. Below you lies the turquoise Lake Brienz, above you the Grandhotel Giessbach. In the middle of the route, the cars cross: The Abt switch ensures that they glide past each other, without any moving parts.
- Good to know: There is limited space for strollers and no transport guarantee.
- Tip: Travel in style by scheduled boat from Interlaken or Brienz to the landing stage.
Enjoy the Belle Époque at the Grandhotel
Once at the top, a palace from 1875 with towers and bay windows awaits you.Sit on the terrace above the waterfalls, drink a coffee and watch the ships on Lake Brienz. In the hotel bar with its nostalgic grandeur, you will feel transported back to the time when nobility and celebrities spent their summers here.
- Good to know: A reservation is required for lunch at the Grandhotel.
- Tip: As an overnight guest, you can travel there and back by train free of charge.
General information
| Season |
April - October
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Not accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Giessbachbahn
3855
Brienz BE
Switzerland