Iseltwald, Giessbach and Brienz by road

A 4-hour guided tour by van from your Interlaken hotel to the Iseltwald jetty, Giessbach Falls by a short forest walk, and the woodcarving village of Brienz. Pick it if you want the Lake Brienz highlights in any season, including the months when the boats are not running.

Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls & Brienz Tour

About this experience

This is a road tour by minibus. There is no boat ride on it. Tourvana Adventures collects you from your hotel within 10 km of Interlaken and drives the shore of Lake Brienz: first Iseltwald, for a walk along the lake and photos at the wooden jetty from Crash Landing on You, then Giessbach Falls, reached on a short forest trail, then Brienz, the woodcarving village, for a stroll through the old centre. You are back in about 4 hours. The guide speaks English and German, and groups are small.

The van is the reason to pick it. The Lake Brienz boats stop from early December to early April and the Giessbach funicular runs only April to October, while the falls are reachable on foot all year. This tour runs all year, so in winter it is the easy way to see all three places in one go. It also suits people who would rather not stand on a pier reading timetables, and anyone short on time.

Want the boat instead? The guided boat day to Giessbach covers the falls and Iseltwald by scheduled boat and on foot, and the BLS day pass stops at Iseltwald, Giessbach and Brienz in season. Pass holders already ride those boats. Meals and gratuities are not included, and food and drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Hotel pickup and drop-off within 10 km of Interlaken
The Iseltwald jetty from Crash Landing on You, and a walk along Lake Brienz
Giessbach Falls by a short forest trail, open on foot all year
Brienz, the woodcarving village, and its historic centre
Runs all year, in English and German

How the day runs

StartHotel pickup
Pickup from your hotel in the Interlaken area, then the drive along Lake Brienz.
First stopIseltwald
A walk along the calm lakeshore and photos at the wooden jetty.
Second stopGiessbach Falls
A short walk through the forest to the falls as they drop into Lake Brienz.
Third stopBrienz
A stroll through the historic centre of the woodcarving village, with its chalets and craft workshops.
EndBack to your hotel
Drop-off in the Interlaken area, about 4 hours after pickup.

Aerial view of the Iseltwald peninsula on Lake Brienz

White steamer below a wooded headland with a waterfall

What's included

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the Interlaken area (10 km)
Visits to Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls and Brienz
Walk along Lake Brienz
Stroll through the Brienz historic centre
Entry tickets

Not included

Meals
Personal expenses
Gratuities
A boat ride (this tour is by road)

Who it suits

Book it if

You are in Interlaken between December and March, when the Lake Brienz boats stop
You want Iseltwald, Giessbach and Brienz in half a day without timetables
You prefer short walks to a long hike
Wet weather is forecast and you would rather be in a van than on deck

Skip it if

You want to be on the lake: the guided Giessbach boat day takes the scheduled boat to the same falls
You hold a Swiss Travel Pass and the boats are running: the BLS boats stop at all three places
You want the lake fast and wet: the jetboat runs past Iseltwald to Giessbach Falls
Castles appeal more than waterfalls: the Lake Thun castles tour is the sister trip

Tips before you book

Stepping onto the Iseltwald jetty costs CHF 5 through a turnstile (2024 figure). The listing counts entry tickets as included; ask your guide on the day.
Wear shoes with grip for the forest path to Giessbach, wet or icy in winter.
Pickup covers hotels within 10 km of Interlaken; check with the operator if you stay further out.
Brienz is known for woodcarving. Leave room in your bag if you like that sort of thing.
Pair it with a boat: back in Interlaken by midday, Lake Thun's boats from Interlaken West run all year.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Does the Iseltwald, Giessbach and Brienz tour include a boat ride?

No. It is a van tour with hotel pickup. You walk along the lake at Iseltwald and to Giessbach Falls, but there is no boat on it.

Can I see Giessbach Falls in winter?

Yes. The falls are reachable on foot all year, which is how this tour gets there. The Giessbach funicular and the Lake Brienz boats do not run in winter.

How long is the tour?

About 4 hours with pickup and drop-off at your hotel within 10 km of Interlaken. It runs all year, in English and German.

Is the Iseltwald jetty the one from Crash Landing on You?

Yes, the tour stops at the wooden jetty known from the Korean series. Stepping onto it costs CHF 5 at a turnstile (2024 figure).

Ready to book

Book Iseltwald, Giessbach & Brienz

Iseltwald's jetty, Giessbach Falls and Brienz in about 4 hours with hotel pickup, all year round.

Check availability on GetYourGuide Compare all tours

Compare with

Boat to Giessbach Falls & Walk to IseltwaldScheduled boat to Giessbach, the 1879 funicular, a walk behind the falls and a forest path to Iseltwald. Max 5 guests.★ 5.0 · 5 hours · from $183

Scenic Jetboat Ride on Lake BrienzPast Iseltwald to Giessbach Falls in under an hour, with 360° spins, a splash jacket and a free photo.★ 4.7 · 45 to 50 minutes · from $144

Lake Thun: 3 Castles Tour with EntryHotel pickup, Oberhofen, Thun and Spiez castles by minibus, a guide's stories and entry to one castle. No boat.★ 5.0 · 3.5 hours · from $253