Top 20 Waterfalls around Verwaltungskreis Interlaken-Oberhasli

The region is home to many spectacular waterfalls. Among the most popular are Staubbach Falls, one of Europe's highest free-falling waterfalls, and Giessbach Falls, which cascade dramatically into Lake Brienz. Another must-see is Trümmelbach Falls, Europe's largest subterranean waterfalls, accessible from within the mountain.

Yes, several waterfalls are suitable for families. Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible, and in summer, you can walk behind it. Giessbach Falls also offers a walkway behind the water and can be combined with a funicular ride, making it an enjoyable outing for all ages. The St. Beatus Caves area also features a waterfall and is family-friendly.

The best time to visit is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During spring, snowmelt significantly increases the water volume, making waterfalls like Mürrenbach and Giessbach particularly powerful. Summer offers pleasant weather for exploring and allows access to features like walking behind Staubbach Falls. Some waterfalls, like Staubbach and Giessbach, are also illuminated at night during peak season.

Many waterfalls are well-connected by public transport. Lauterbrunnen, home to Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls, is easily reachable by train. For Giessbach Falls, you can take a ferry across Lake Brienz and then a historic funicular directly to the falls and the Grandhotel Giessbach. The Mürrenbach Waterfall is best viewed from the cable car route via Stechelberg.

Yes, the Trümmelbach Falls are a unique highlight. These are Europe's largest subterranean waterfalls and the only glacier-fed waterfalls in the world accessible from inside the mountain. They consist of ten cascades carrying meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers, offering a powerful and immersive experience.

The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous waterfall hikes, such as the Iseltwald - Giessbach Lakeside Trail or the Staubbach Falls – Lauterbrunnen Cliffs loop. There are also extensive road cycling routes and running trails that pass by or offer views of the waterfalls and the stunning alpine scenery.

The Reichenbach Falls near Meiringen are famously known as the site where Sherlock Holmes and his arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty had their final struggle. This literary connection is celebrated with a memorial plaque nearby and a Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen, making it a unique stop for fans.

Switzerland's highest waterfall is the Mürrenbach Waterfall, which thunders 417 meters down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley in five cascades. It is most spectacular after snowmelt or heavy rain. The best views can be enjoyed from the cable car route via Stechelberg, Gimmelwald, Mürren, and Schilthorn.

Yes, both Staubbach Falls and Giessbach Falls offer the unique experience of walking behind the cascading water. At Staubbach Falls, a specially designed viewing gallery allows you to go behind the spray during summer. At Giessbach Falls, a walkway midway down the cascade provides a similar immersive perspective.

The waterfalls are set amidst diverse natural features. You'll find them plunging over vertical cliff faces, like Staubbach Falls, or cascading into pristine lakes, such as Giessbach Falls into Lake Brienz. Many are glacier-fed, like Trümmelbach Falls and Schmadribach Waterfall, showcasing the immense power of glacial meltwater within mountain gorges and valleys.

Visitors frequently praise the sheer impressiveness and natural beauty of the waterfalls. They enjoy the unique experiences, such as walking behind the water at Staubbach Falls and Giessbach Falls, or exploring the subterranean Trümmelbach Falls. The picturesque settings, often combined with historic hotels or charming villages, also contribute to a memorable experience, despite some areas being crowded with tourists.

While Grindelwald doesn't have a single famous named waterfall like Lauterbrunnen, the area is rich with numerous glacier-fed waterfalls. Many become more prominent after snowmelt or heavy rain, forming a beautiful backdrop to the alpine scenery. You can spot notable cascades beneath the Kalligletscher and Grindelwald-Fiescherfirn, and near Grindelwald First, such as the Milibach Waterfall at Bachläger.