Giessbach Funicular

giessbach

Die Geschichte der Giessbachbahn

This unique little train with its two wagons dates all the way back to that golden era at the turn of the previous century. At that time of change, of glitter, sparkle an of the awakening of pioneering achievements. This was when the Hauser brothers were given planning permission to improve the steep footpath which climbed up from the landing pier on the lakeside up to the Giessbach hotel, 100 meters above.

In many respects the opening of the Giessbach funicular in July 1879 caused a stir which led to the sustained development of funicular railway construction, not only because this was the first cable-driven funicular for tourists, but also because this was the first railway line which operated on a hydraulic system, and featured the ingenious «Abt» points developed by Roman Abt, the funicular pioneer, which enabled a railway connection to be built using only one railway line.

At the time, the discovery of this ingenious system for two cable-hauled railway wagons operating in a shuttle configuration was considered as revolutionary – and today it still finds applications. In Switzerland, before the turn of the last century, 15 other water-powered cable-hauled railways were built on the Giessbach model, and in the years to come suspension cable cars were developed, once again recalling those good old cable-hauled railways whose advantages today continue to be recognised, as can be witnessed in modern tourist developments where they are once again in vogue.

The Giessbach funicular was built at the Niklaus Riggenbach machine works in Aarau, and was later refurbished by the Bell Company based in Kriens. The line was electrified in 1948. Today it belongs to the «Giessbach to the Swiss People Foundation», created in 1983 by Swiss ecologist Franz Weber.

Further information is available in our Giessbach funicular brochure.

Current timetable & prices 2025

Purchase your tickets conveniently via our webshop.

Ticket machines and kiosk staff are also available at the valley and mountain stations.
Overnight guests travel free of charge on the railway. Simply present your booking confirmation to receive your “First Ride Ticket”. At check-in, you will receive your combination ticket for the entire stay (parking barrier and Giessbach funicular).

Information, prices, and timetable 2025

The summer season runs from April to October.
During winter, the Giessbach funicular and Lake Brienz boats operate with limited service.

Ticket validity
All train tickets are valid until October 31 of the current year. Refunds or extensions are not available.

Children & Adolescents (0–16 years)
Discounted tickets are available. Random checks may occur – misuse is not worth it.

Groups
For groups of 10 or more, advance registration is required at least 2 days in advance: +41 (0)33 952 25 98 or event@giessbach.ch

Strollers
Stroller transport is possible, but limited and not guaranteed.

Wheelchairs
The funicular is not wheelchair-accessible. We recommend taking a taxi from Brienz railway station.
For inquiries, please contact us: +41 (0)33 952 25 25.

Funicular at the Giessbach by Roman Abt

Technical bulletin of the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects

Read here