Grandhotel Giessbach

This hotel looks like it’s came straight from a movie! It sits way up on a mountain, with views of the lake that will leave you breathless. You feel important just staying here, as the whole staff works to make sure your needs are accommodated for. I was shocked by the size of our room, and how clean it was. The balcony views were 11/10, and we were able to see the waterfall and the lake! The breakfast was the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever seen, and you really can’t beat it. They had everything, and lots of it. Aside from the hotel itself, there are several trails on the hotel grounds you can to explore. Taking the ferry is a cool experience, and free for hotel guests. I will make note of a few things. During our stay, our shower head did break. It’s an old hotel with very old hardware, so it makes sense. If you don’t rent a car, you really won’t be able to get anywhere after the early evening. There are no taxi services in the area, and everything shuts super early. We had a car, and drove to Brienz at like 9:45 to find a place to eat, when literally nothing was open. The town was like a ghost town. Not that this is the hotels fault at all, but if you’re looking for a late night vibe, this wouldn’t be the place for you.

Grandhotel Giessbach overlooks Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland, near Brienz. You can take a boat across the lake and hop on the funicular that climbs from the hotel’s private dock up to the terrace. The views of turquoise water and Giessbach Falls crashing beside the hotel are worth the trip. We explored the forest paths and gardens before the crowds arrived, enjoying fresh mountain air and waterfall mist. Inside, halls feel elegant. An easy, rewarding stop if you want class.

One of the most beautiful places in Switzerland! Grandhotel Giessbach offers a unique atmosphere – a stunning historic building overlooking Lake Brienz, surrounded by forest, with the impressive Giessbach waterfall just behind the hotel. The area feels like a fairytale – perfect for walking, photography, or simply relaxing on the terrace with breathtaking views. There are several ways to reach the hotel – many visitors enjoy arriving by boat from Brienz and taking the historic funicular up to the hotel. However, most VIP clients and high-end travelers prefer the comfort and privacy of arriving directly by car – which is fully understandable, especially when using private drivers or transfer services. Since May 2025, however, a new access system for vehicles has been introduced, which can be quite frustrating. On the road leading to the hotel, there’s a sign with a QR code – drivers must scan it and purchase an online entry permit, otherwise the barrier won’t open. In practice, this means vehicles often stop in the middle of the narrow road while drivers figure out the process, causing traffic buildup and unnecessary stress – especially for tourists without Swiss internet or unfamiliar with the system. It's unclear why such a setup was introduced without better planning. Unfortunately, such a majestic location is sometimes let down by the quality of the staff. Not everyone you encounter here is friendly, experienced, or professionally trained – which is disappointing for a hotel of this standard. That being said, the setting remains unforgettable. The nature, tranquility, views, and historic charm of the place make it worth visiting – just be well-prepared in advance, and don’t expect everything to run perfectly.