Week of the 150th Anniversary of the Grandhotel Giessbach

Week of the 150th Anniversary of the Grandhotel Giessbach

From April 12 to 17, Giessbach will don its festive attire. In 1875—150 years ago—the Grandhotel Giessbach, designed by architect Horace Edouard Davinet, opened its doors. A major event, to be celebrated in grand style!

In the lower parking area, a charming garden restaurant will be set up, reminiscent of the historic beer hall that once existed. On the former tennis court, the Brienz School of Woodcarving will host live carving demonstrations. Traditional games such as bowling, pétanque, croquet, and ring tossing will invite visitors to enjoy themselves on the lawn in front of the Giessbach chalet, while a beautiful carousel will delight children. Historical objects from Giessbach, along with writings and photographs, will be exhibited in the hotel. Our historians, staff, and friends of Giessbach will offer fascinating guided tours. There will be dancing, music, storytelling, and plenty of wonder!

During the anniversary week, guests will arrive comfortably by boat or train or can park their cars in the forest parking lot, from where a shuttle will take them to the hotel. During this period, the area around the hotel Giessbach will be closed to cars.

We are thrilled to share and experience this long-awaited dream with you for an entire week!

Book your room now

Experience a unique journey back in time!

Like 150 years ago with Elisabeta Grossmann, enjoy a spectacular arrival and departure – today in the company of the singing "boatwoman" Katharina Michel from Brienz.
For CHF 75.00 per person (including a one-time funicular ride), a memorable 30-minute journey on the covered steam boat awaits you. Seats are limited to 4 people per trip.

Daily, regardless of weather conditions – except in case of storm warnings. Secure your exclusive experience!
Trips: Saturday, 12th April, Sunday, 13th April, and Wednesday, 16th April 2025

Schedule from Brienz "Pirate Bay Boat Rental": 1:15 PM | 2:45 PM | 4:15 PM

Schedule from Giessbach "Alte Ländte": 2:00 PM | 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM (Wednesday's 5:00 PM trip without boatwoman)

Choose your desired trip in the daily overview

Anniversary Pin

By purchasing a pin for CHF 20.00 each, you gain access to the concerts in the Salon Davinet as well as the guided tours. As the number of places for the tours is limited, early registration is highly recommended. Furthermore, your contribution supports the Giessbach Foundation and the unique Giessbach estate.

The pin can be purchased on-site at the reception of the Grandhotel Giessbach or at the information stand of the Giessbach Foundation of Swiss Folk.

Please note that the pin does not guarantee participation. The guided tours are conducted in German only.

Program for the Anniversary Week

All days
Exhibition "Giessbach Archive" at the hotel
All day: Outdoor games – Croquet, Pétanque, Bowling, Stacking Tower Game, and more
08:30 AM - 06:00 PM: Live wood carving by the Brienz School of Wood Sculpture (former tennis court & waterfall)
09:30 AM - 04:00 PM: Children's carousel
11:00 AM - 05:30 PM: Giessbach garden restaurant


Saturday, 12th April 2025
01:15 – 7:00 PM: Arrivals & departures by steamship with the singing boatwoman "Katharina Michel"
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM: Historical tour with Dr. Jürg Schweizer (sold out)
From 05:00 PM: Patrons & Shareholders’ Ball (exclusive event)


Sunday, 13th April 2025
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Historical tour with Dr. Jürg Schweizer (sold out)
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Concert with Alphorn player Adolf Zobrist
01:15 – 7:00 PM: Arrivals & departures by steamship with the singing boatwoman "Katharina Michel"
01:30 PM - 03:00 PM: Nature park tour (german) with Ranger Thomas Herren (limited spots)
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Coffee & cake at the hotel bar (CHF 15.00 per person, flat rate)
04:00 PM - 05:00 PM: Concert with Trio Artemis in Salon Davinet (Entry only for guests with a anniversary PIN & Donations for the artists)

From 06:30 PM: Dinner at Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades" – Book a table


Monday, 14th April 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Nature park tour (german) with Ranger Thomas Herren (limited spots)
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM: "Introduction to the World of Giessbach" (german) with Brienzer Bernhard Mathyer (limited spots)
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Coffee & cake with the hotel's pianist in Salon Davinet (CHF 15.00 per person, flat rate)

From 06:30 PM: Dinner at Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades" – Book a table


Tuesday, 15th April 2025

All day: Exhibition "Giessbach Archive" at the hotel
All day: Outdoor games – Croquet, Pétanque, Bowling, Stacking Tower Game, and more

08:30 AM - 12:00 PM & 01:30 PM - 06:00 PM: Live wood carving by the Brienz School of Wood Sculpture (former tennis court & waterfall)
09:30 AM - 04:00 PM: Children's carousel
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Nature park tour (german) with Ranger Thomas Herren (limited spots)
11:00 AM - 05:30 PM: Giessbach garden restaurant
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Concert with Alphorn player Adolf Zobrist
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM: Historical tour (german) with Giessbach archivist Thomas Krebs (limited spots)
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Coffee & cake with the hotel's pianist in Salon Davinet (CHF 15.00 per person, flat rate)

From 06:30 PM: Dinner at Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades" – Book a table


Wednesday, 16th April 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Garden tour with landscape gardener (german) Birgit Siemens (limited spots)
01:00 PM - 03:00 PM: Concert with Alphorn player Adolf Zobrist
01:15 – 7:00 PM: Arrivals & departures by steamship with the singing boatwoman "Katharina Michel"
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM: Exclusive nature park tour for patrons (german&french) with Ranger Thomas Herren
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM: "Introduction to the World of Giessbach" (german) with Brienzer Bernhard Mathyer (limited spots)
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Coffee & cake with the hotel's pianist in Salon Davinet (CHF 15.00 per person, flat rate)
06:00 PM - 07:00 PM: Concert with "Katharina Michel & Josua Romano" in Salon Davinet (Entry only for guests with a anniversary PIN & Donations for the artists)

From 06:30 PM: Dinner at Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades" – Book a table


Thursday, 17th April 2025
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Garden tour with landscape gardener (german) Birgit Siemens (limited spots)
11:00 AM - 03:00 PM: Giessbach garden restaurant
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM: Tour with Vera Weber: "Giessbach – My Memories" (german) (limited spots)
02:30 PM - 04:30 PM: Coffee & cake with the hotel's pianist in Salon Davinet (CHF 15.00 per person, flat rate)


Important Notice:
From 10th April 12:00 PM until 17th April 06:00 PM, all vehicles must be parked exclusively at the forest parking lot. A shuttle service will transport hotel guests with the luggage directly to the hotel. On 10th & 11th April setup for the anniversary week will take place.

Anniversary Menu

Tours

Whether exploring the nature park outdoors or uncovering history indoors, our tours offer fascinating insights into Giessbach’s nature, culture, and past. Let our experts guide you and experience Giessbach from new perspectives.

Book your guided tour via the link in the program above. Participation is only valid with a anniversary pin.
All tours are conducted in German, and spaces are limited.

For the daily overview with all guided tours.

Trio Artemis

Sunday, 13th April 2025 4 PM to 5 PM
in the Salon Davinet

The famous Trio Artemis invites you on a musical journey through time – from baroque splendor and classical finesse to the heartfelt emotion of the Romantic era.
Works by Pachelbel, Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Clara Schumann, Brahms, Chopin, Dvořák, Ravel, Offenbach, Mel Bonis, and Fritz Kreisler promise a diverse program full of emotion, virtuosity, and charm.
Two traditional Swiss songs provide a tender and charming finale.


Access for guests with the purchase of an anniversary pin and a donation.

Katharina Michel & Josua Romano

Wednesday, 16th April 2025 6 PM to 7 PM
in the Salon Davinet

Josua Romano and Katharina Michel bring a wide range of emotions to the stage with charm and passion. There's no doubt: this musical connection is simply meant to be.

Romano, former frontman of "RED Shoes," has made a name for himself as a solo artist with high-energy performances. Now, he is joined by Katharina Michel, known from the graphic musical "Copyright Girl" and as the voice of "Mercury 7" and "Whole Lotta DC."

Together, they venture into the Americana genre, blending powerful sounds with delicate nuances. A musical duo that harmonizes perfectly – on and off stage.


Access for guests with the purchase of an anniversary pin and a donation.