Jonathan Muñoz · Coop, Interlaken Ost
A guided small-group morning on Lake Brienz: the scheduled boat from Interlaken Ost to Giessbach, the historic funicular to the Grandhotel, the path behind the falls and a forest walk along the shore to the Iseltwald jetty. Pick it if you want the classic Lake Brienz stops in one easy day with a guide doing the timetable and the talking.
Jonathan Muñoz, a guide who speaks German, Spanish and English, meets you in front of the Coop supermarket at Interlaken Ost and takes you onto the scheduled BLS boat across Lake Brienz. At Giessbach you ride the funicular up to the Grandhotel, walk behind the falls, then follow a forest path along the shore to Iseltwald and its famous jetty. Groups are five people at most, and the tour runs in the morning, with other times on request.
The boat is the regular BLS service, and the listing is clear that transport tickets are not in the price: you need a valid ticket for the boat on the day. That is good news for pass holders. The scheduled BLS boats on both lakes are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, the GA, the Berner Oberland Pass and Eurail or Interrail with the date entered; the Half Fare card gives 50% off. The Saver Day Pass from SBB counts too. Without a pass, buy a ticket for the day; the guide offers advice on point-to-point or day tickets if you get in touch before. What you pay for here is the guide, the plan and the walk.
The funicular costs an extra fee on the day. MySwitzerland lists it as running from April to October, and the Lake Brienz boats run from early April to early December, so this is a spring-to-autumn trip. The walk to Iseltwald takes about an hour and a half on a forest trail, which the guide pitches as nature without an exhausting hike. Wear proper shoes. From Iseltwald you take the boat back to Interlaken Ost, or the bus if you want to be back sooner.
Meet the guide in front of the Coop supermarket at Untere Bönigstrasse 10, by Interlaken Ost station.
The scheduled boat out along the turquoise lake, past the shore villages, to the Giessbach landing.
The funicular up to the Grandhotel Giessbach (extra fee), the terrace views and the path behind the roaring falls.
A path along the shore of Lake Brienz with viewpoints over the water. Steady walking, not a mountain hike.
Photo stop at the jetty and free time in the village. A small grilled raclette is sometimes offered, depending on the group.
Take the boat back to Interlaken Ost, or the bus for a quicker return.
★★★★★Jonathan was a wonderful guide. We enjoyed the day immensely. Similar to spending the day with a good friend from the area!
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No. The live listing says boat, train and bus tickets are not included and a valid ticket is required. Swiss Travel Pass, Berner Oberland Pass, GA and Saver Day Pass holders are already covered on the BLS boat.
About an hour and a half on a forest path along Lake Brienz, with viewpoints on the way. The guide pitches it as a walk, not a hard hike.
While the boats and the funicular run: the Giessbach funicular runs from April to October, and the Lake Brienz boats from early April to early December. The tour starts in the morning, other times on request.
By the scheduled boat back to Interlaken Ost, or by bus, which is quicker. The listing notes that with a Swiss Travel Pass you need no extra ticket for the day.
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The boat to Giessbach Falls, the old funicular and a lakeside walk to the Iseltwald jetty, with a guide, max 5.
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