Giessbach Falls on way to Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls?
A traveler is planning a packed day trip from Wengen, looking to explore Giessbach Falls, Aare Gorge, and Reichenbach Falls but is unsure if they can manage it all. They're seeking advice on whether to include Giessbach in their itinerary or stick with the original plan, given their time constraints and the boat schedule.
- Consider skipping Giessbach Falls this trip to avoid rushing and enjoy a more relaxed pace.
- The Aare Gorge walk takes about 45-60 minutes, so plan accordingly.
- You can buy a combination ticket for Aare Gorge and Reichenbach Falls to save money.
- Check the boat schedule carefully, as it only runs once per hour.
- Wengen is a lovely base but not ideal for longer excursions beyond Interlaken.
AI-generated summary-
Hello
I had a quick question about the feasibility and worthiness of the visiting the Giessbach Falls (and walking behind the falls after taking the funicular to the hotel, etc) vs skipping it. We prefer to do less things in a day vs rapid touchpoints to many destinations; so the plan for this day is already not ideal for our liking.We are going to be based in Wengen, so the plan for the day is to start early (maybe 8:00 AM) take the train from Wengen to Interlaken Ost, then boat to Brienz (to enjoy the boat ride, and the town) and lunch at Brienz. Then take the train to Meiringen Aare Gorge West (start of trail), walk the gorge to the Ost end, and then take the local train back to Meiringen Alpbach. Then walk to Riechenbach falls, take the funicular and enjoy the falls. Then back to Meiringen and fast train to Interlaken Ost. Then dinner in Interlaken, and back to Wengen. This seems already a packed day.
Given time constraints, is it possible at all to take an earlier stop on the boat ride and get down at Giessbach and take the funicular to the hotel and walk behind the falls, come back and then head to Meiringen (via bus) ? Is there even a bus route and how often do they run ? Or will we need to wait for the next boat to take us to Brienz ? The boat schedule is available, but they are once per hour, so if we don’t time ourselves, we could be in a big pickle.
Or do you recommend skipping the Reichenbach falls, and instead do Giessbach and Aare Gorge only to save on time ? Or is it better to do the original plan and skip Giessbach entirely ?
Thanks
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Hello VK123
Welcome to MySwissAlps
Thank you for sharing your very interesting plan for a day excursion from Wengen.
May I suggest the following.
08 12 train to Lauterbrunnen.
08 31 train Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost
09 07 boat to to Giessbach arrive 10 09
12 09 boat to Brienz, arrive 12 20, just the right time for lunch.Then carry on as planned.
But as you say, you already have a packed day.
I am particularly struck by the fact that after dinner in Interlaken you will then have the treck back (two more trains) to your accommodation in Wengen.
Do not get me wrong. Wengen is a fantastic place to stay in. But it does have one drawback. It is not a good base for longer distance excursions – by which I mean anything beyond Interlaken.
KInd regards
Roger
Roger
Thanks for the reply and train recommendations.Yes, we debated whether we should stay in Interlaken. This is our second trip to Switzerland. The first one was in 2016 and we stayed in Lucerne (for Pilatus, Rigi), Interlaken (for Jungfraujoch, Bern) and Geneva (for Montreux, Yvorie). It was a short trip and we wanted to cover as much as possible. That trip we were in awe of Lauterbrunnen valley and regretted not spending more time in the area.
So, this time around, that is all we are doing. Murren, Gimmelwald, Mannechilen, Grindelwald, local waterfalls in the area, North Face trail, paragliding, etc. Couldn’t get accommodation in Murren or Lauterbrunnen for our family of 4. This one trip above is the only one that is outside the area, and hence the questions.
Last year we took the train to Meiringen and then walked to the funicular for Reichebach Falls, maybe 20 to 30 minute walk. Then we had lunch at the base of the funicular and then walked to Aare gorge entrance. This was a good 30+ minute walk. At the far end of the gorge we caught the train back to Meiringen and then on to Interlaken. Meiringen is a small town and the busses and trains don’t run as frequently so walking was the best option. It was a full day without the extra waterfall.
Thanks COKim
Very helpful. I think based on your and Roger’s comments, I feel that even doing both Reichenbach and Aare Gorge might be too much to do. Perhaps we will do the Brienz lunch, then Aare walk, then see if we get time (and have the energy) to do the Reichenbach.
Safe to say, Giessbach might be left for another trip a few years later.Thanks all
Hi VK123,
I agree, it maybe best to save the visit to Giessbach Falls for another trip. Rather than rush from one to another, you can enjoy the day out at a more leisurely pace.
Just fyi, the Aare Gorge walk takes around 45-60 minutes. Travelers often also visit Riechenbach Falls too, as it is nearby. (You can purchase a combination ticket for the gorge and the funicular ticket to the Falls which will be cheaper than buying them individually).Have fun!
Kind regards,
Yolanda
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