Top 19 Waterfalls around St. Stephan
Waterfalls around St. Stephan offer a variety of natural attractions for outdoor enthusiasts. The region features a landscape where water flows create notable natural monuments and scenic viewpoints. Visitors can explore a range of waterfall trails near St. Stephan, from accessible paths to more challenging routes. The area provides opportunities to experience diverse natural features, including gorges and river systems.
Best waterfalls around St. Stephan
- The most popular waterfalls is Upper Engstligen Falls, a waterfall that is located directly on the hiking trail from the valley station to the mountain station of the Engstligenalp cable car. It is known for its impressive plunge and cool, humid surroundings.
- Another must-see spot is Simmen Falls, a waterfall and natural monument. This location offers a scenic experience, with a further ascent to the seven-browns recommended for those with good footwear.
- Visitors also love Lower Engstligen Falls, a family-friendly waterfall. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland, plunging hundreds of meters in two stages, and features a viewing platform.
- St. Stephan is known for its diverse waterfalls, including multi-stage cascades and those integrated into gorges. The region offers a variety of waterfalls to see and explore, catering to different hiking preferences.
- The waterfalls around St. Stephan are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 470 upvotes and over 140 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
Simmen Falls
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Simmen Falls
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Cholera Gorge
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Lower Engstligen Falls
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🚶♂️ Hike: A well-marked hiking trail leads from the car park to the Lower Engstligen Falls. The hike is easy and takes about 30 minutes. The trail is suitable for all ages.
🌳 Nature experience: The Lower Engstligen Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland and plunges a total of 600 meters into the depths in two stages.
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Upper Engstligen Falls
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Tips from the Community
A beautiful via ferrata leads up from the ground.
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Rather deep, possible with large backpacks but a bit cumbersome.
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The waterfalls consist of two mighty cascades: Engstligenfall I (~97m) and Fall II (~165m), totaling a drop of approximately 370–600m, depending on the source. The ensemble is one of Switzerland's most visited natural attractions – with over 250,000 visitors annually, it is one of the most visited waterfalls in the country. --- 🥾 Accessibility & Trails Hiking Trail: The trail leads from the lower parking lot or valley station along the falls up to Engstligenalp in about 1.5 hours – easy hike (T2). Gondola: Easily accessible by gondola from Adelboden directly to Engstligenalp – ideal for combining visits with a circular hike. --- 🧗♂️ "Chäligang" Via Ferrata The Chäligang Via Ferrata (K2/A-B) was built right next to the roaring waterfall – an impressive, family- and beginner-friendly route up the spectacular face of the falls. Distance & Time: Approximately 600 meters long, with approximately 300 meters of elevation gain. Approach time: approximately 20–30 minutes, climbing time: approximately 1–1.5 hours, total duration: approximately 2–2.5 hours
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The drive to the official parking lot in Holzachsegga is an adventure in itself. The road is so narrow on the steep slope that even an oncoming bicycle wouldn't be able to pass. If there's oncoming traffic, you have to reverse for long stretches. From the parking lot, it's only a few minutes' walk to the gorge, which is truly breathtaking. Those with a bit more time can skip the parking lot and climb from the valley floor.
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A beautiful waterfall. You can reach it via a via ferrata or a hiking trail. There's a very good barbecue area at the bottom.
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Down below you can build dams and even swim 🏊
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🚗 The starting point is the Engstligenbahn car park in Adelboden. The car park is free and offers enough space for cars. Alternatively, you can take the bus to the "Adelboden, Unter dem Birg" stop.🚶♂️The hike to the upper waterfall of the Engstligen Falls is moderately difficult and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours each way. Start the hike directly at the Engstligenbahn car park. Follow the signs towards the Engstligen Falls. The path leads you along the Engstligenbach stream and offers impressive views even in the first few kilometers. 🥾First you reach the lower waterfall, which already offers a spectacular natural spectacle. You can take a short break here before tackling the climb to the upper waterfall. 🏔 The path to the upper waterfall is steep, but doable. It leads you through rocks until you finally reach the upper waterfall. Here the water plunges impressively into the depths 📸
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🚗 Getting there: The Lower Engstligen Falls is easy to reach from Adelboden. You can get there by car or public transport. There are plenty of parking spaces at the valley station of the Engstligenalpbahn. 🚶♂️ Hike: A well-marked hiking trail leads from the car park to the Lower Engstligen Falls. The hike is easy and takes about 30 minutes. The trail is suitable for all ages. 🌳 Nature experience: The Lower Engstligen Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland and plunges a total of 600 meters into the depths in two stages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly waterfalls around St. Stephan?
Yes, the region offers several family-friendly options. Lower Engstligen Falls is a great choice, known for its easy hike and viewing platform. Simmen Falls also has family-friendly sections with viewpoints.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see near the waterfalls?
Beyond the waterfalls themselves, you can explore diverse natural features such as gorges, rivers, and forests. For instance, the Cholera Gorge offers a unique experience with its river and trail. Many waterfalls also feature impressive viewpoints.
What are some of the more challenging waterfall hikes in the St. Stephan area?
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the ascent to the seven-browns from Simmen Falls is steep and requires good footwear. The path to the upper section of Upper Engstligen Falls is also moderately difficult and involves a climb through rocks.
What outdoor activities can I do near these waterfalls?
The area around St. Stephan offers various outdoor activities. You can find running trails, such as the "Lenk – Simmen Falls loop from Boden," or explore road cycling routes like the "Simme Falls – Gravel Section loop from Zweisimmen." Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like "Around the Wistätthorn on a gravel bike." You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around St. Stephan, Road Cycling Routes around St. Stephan, and Gravel biking around St. Stephan guides.
Is there parking available near the Engstligen Falls?
Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces available at the valley station of the Engstligenalpbahn, which is convenient for accessing both the Lower Engstligen Falls and Upper Engstligen Falls. The car park at Adelboden, Unter dem Birg is also a good starting point.
Can I swim near any of the waterfalls?
At the Cholera Gorge, there is a small swimming area at the beginning of the gorge, suitable for building dams and swimming. However, it is not recommended for small children.
What is the best time to visit the waterfalls around St. Stephan?
Many of the waterfall trails, especially those with higher elevations or requiring good footwear, are best experienced during summer or autumn. Visiting in winter might present different conditions, and some routes may be less accessible.
Are there any viewpoints for the waterfalls?
Yes, several waterfalls offer excellent viewpoints. Lower Engstligen Falls has a dedicated viewing platform. The bridge near Simmen Falls also serves as a scenic viewpoint, offering impressive views.
How can I reach the Engstligen Falls by public transport?
You can reach the Engstligen Falls by public transport. Take the bus to the "Adelboden, Unter dem Birg" stop, which is a convenient starting point for hikes to both the Lower Engstligen Falls and Upper Engstligen Falls.
What makes the Engstligen Falls unique?
The Engstligen Falls are notable for being among the highest waterfalls in Switzerland, plunging hundreds of meters in two stages. The Upper Engstligen Falls, in particular, is known for its impressive plunge and cool, humid surroundings directly on the hiking trail.
Are there any specific tips for hiking to Simmen Falls?
When visiting Simmen Falls, consider the further ascent to the seven-browns, which is worthwhile but steep and requires good footwear. There's also a bridge that serves as an impressive scenic viewpoint for the waterfall.
What do visitors enjoy most about the waterfalls around St. Stephan?
Visitors frequently appreciate the impressive natural spectacle and the diverse hiking experiences. The cool, humid atmosphere near the falls, the scenic viewpoints, and the opportunity to explore gorges and rivers are often highlighted as favorite aspects.
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