Since opening its doors in 1875, the Grandhotel Giessbach has welcomed guests amid a remarkable natural setting. As in the Belle Époque, its gardens are adorned with historic ornamental plants. Hydrangeas, dahlias and astilbes from the collections of the ProSpecieRara Foundation bring back the floral splendour of a bygone era. ProSpecieRara is dedicated to preserving endangered ornamental and cultivated plant varieties.

On the viewing terrace, our shady spots offer the ideal habitat for the 39 varieties of hydrangeas and for the 16 varieties of astilbes planted beneath the hydrangeas. Some of the varieties found here are very old, such as the Thomas Hogg hydrangea from 1876 (dating back to the Belle Époque, like the Grand Hotel itself). There are also well-known Swiss varieties that are very hard to come by now.

The dahlias bloom from July to October, enjoying our sunniest positions. 30 varieties, including the oldest variety still available, the White Aster (1879), can be admired here in all their glory. These collections are indeed a window into a bygone age, but they are also extremely important for safeguarding the future of these varieties. ProSpecieRara regularly checks the plants, documents their development, and thus ensures their conservation.

One important aspect of the Grandhotel Giessbach is its close connection with the surrounding region. From the excursion destinations we recommend, to the places we procure our kitchen ingredients, the Grandhotel Giessbach has always been shaped by the local region and honours this heritage with great respect. Many farmers and local producers contribute to the well-being of hotel guests with their produce. This deeply rooted connection with the land bears the hallmark of Franz Weber and constitutes one of the most subtle forms of environmental protection there is—the produce comes directly from the region and is not sourced from far-flung countries.