Grandhotel Giessbach, Brienz (Bern)

The hotel sits on a 22-hectare park with a natural swimming pool cleaned by grasses and stones. An outdoor pool, sauna, and sun loungers are available for guests. The grounds include a garden, BBQ facilities, an outdoor fireplace, and a picnic area.

All guest rooms feature carefully restored original furniture from the 19th century. Room options include superior double rooms with lake view, waterfall view, or forest view. Some rooms offer balconies with direct views of both the lake and the falls.

The hotel is located at the foot of the Giessbach Waterfall and is directly connected to the Giessbach ship pier by Europe's oldest funicular. Guests can arrive by boat from towns on Lake Brienz and take the funicular up to the hotel. The property offers free parking and an electric vehicle charging station.

Two on-site restaurants serve modern and creative cuisine: Elisa on the terrace with locally sourced ingredients and an all-Swiss wine list, and Les Cascades. Half board includes a 4-course dinner. The breakfast buffet features homemade delicacies and local produce.

Live music performances, including a pianist, take place in the bar area during evenings and breakfast. The hotel offers billiards, board games, and temporary art galleries on site. Complimentary access to local hiking trails, the funicular, boat cruises on Lake Brienz, and the Ballenberg Museum is provided through a Nostalgia Pass.

Access: Europe's oldest funicular and private boat pier

Rooms: 19th-century restored furniture with lake or waterfall views

Dining: 2 restaurants including Michelin Green Star Elisa

Wellness: Natural swimming pool, sauna, outdoor pool

Activities: Live piano, billiards, complimentary hiking and boat cruises

Grounds: 22-hectare park with garden, BBQ, and picnic area

Packages: Nostalgia Pass with free funicular, boat rides and museum entry