Visiting The Amazing Grand Hotel Giessbach In Switzerland!

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The Grand Hotel Giessbach Switzerland could be, in my opinion, one of the best historic hotels in Europe, if not THE best.

Located in a beautiful setting above the turquoise glacial lake of Brienzersee, surrounded by mountains and boasting a powerful but picturesque waterfall – it really is majestic.

Sadly, I didn’t check in here for the night but I did stop off on my Brienz boat trip to take a look around and enjoy this magnificent hotel for the afternoon.

I would highly recommend a visit here if you ever find yourself in the Berner Oberland region of Switzerland!

How to travel to the Grand Hotel Giessbach

If you’re taking a boat trip across the beautiful blue Brienz lake, you can stop off here on the way to your destination.

When you arrive on the Ferry you will see the impressive Giessbach station and the bottom of their waterfall.

The hotel is just peeking out of the trees on top of the hill.

Alternatively, you can arrive by car and park up here, as you wind up you will see amazing views of the mountains!

grandhotel giessbach falls over lake brienz switzerland

The Grandhotel Giessbach Funicular

As you approach the Giessbach’s exclusive dock, you will see the tail end of its pretty waterfall pour into the lake.

From here, you have two options for making your ascent;

You can walk up the path and get some great views of the forest and lake.
You can take a ride on its famous Giessbach funicular!

At 10 Swiss Francs return, it isn’t the cheapest or longest ride for your money but in my opinion, it’s quality over quantity!

As you sit in its carriages, you will get some great views of Brienz lake and the Giessbachfalls.

It first opened in 1879 to chauffeur the hotel guests – you can only imagine the splendour.

grand hotel giessbach funicular view of lake brienz

La Terrasse

With the hotel placed perfectly on the hilltop overlooking Brienz lake, you have amazing panoramic views all around you.

Mountains, the lake, the waterfall – it’s all here for you to take in!

What’s even better, is you can enjoy a drink or two next to the lake, in the most picturesque setting in the Grand Hotel Giessbach’s La Terrasse.

You can sit below in the courtyard, or outside on their balcony by the bar.

If you would prefer a view of the waterfall, that is also an option – you really can’t lose out wherever you choose to take your tea!

la terrasse restaurant grand hotel giessbach switzerland

Grand Hotel Giessbach menu

There is plenty to order on the menu at the Grand Hotel Geissbach La Terrasse.

Bier, Champagne, Spirits, Tea, Coffee, Eistee are all on the menu.

What I personally loved was their own Giessbach drinks which they had for you to enjoy sourced from their very own mountain spring.

I absolutely loved their bottle designs – but you couldn’t keep them! If you did want to bring one home with you they were 15 Francs.

grand hotel giessbach bergwasser from giessbach falls 3

Around the Grounds of the Grand Hotel Geissbach

The grounds of the Grand Hotel Geissbach hotel are seriously on another level.

The courtyards are decorated with Ivy and all sorts of colourful flowers.

You can also take a stroll up to their magnificent waterfall and stand on the balcony to get a closer look!

the gardens at the grand hotel giessbach view of lake brienz

the view of lake brienz from grand hotel giessbach

Inside the Grand Hotel Giessbach Hotel

Just when you think that there is nothing grander than the hotel grounds, wait until you step inside the building!

The crystal chandeliers light up the historic decor. The whole hotel is wall-to-wall extravagance and you can take your time to explore the lobby and bar at your leisure.

My favourite part was their spiral staircase and the funky carpet!! I was in absolute tapestry heaven.