Enjoying with Heritage

From recommended excursions to the origin of the ingredients used in our kitchen: The Grandhotel Giessbach is deeply rooted in the region and honors this heritage in many ways. Many local farmers and producers contribute their products for the benefit of our guests. This strong connection reflects the legacy of Franz Weber and represents one of the most subtle forms of environmental conservation.

The water we are made of

Water is life. Water is the pure elixir we yearn for. The life-affirming energy exuded by the Grandhotel Giessbach is fed by the power of water. The Giesse Stream, with its waterfall, cascading into the depths of Lake Brienz. The Grandhotel Giessbach is surrounded and sustained by the restorative power of water.

Welcome to Switzerland’s largest wellness complex!

Nature, flora, and fauna in a thousand facets. Culture. Travel back through 200 years of eventful tourism history at the historical Giessbach residential hotel.

Giessbach Suite

Elegance meets spectacular vistas: 25 square metres of private terrace belonging to the Giessbach Suite offers a breathtaking and unforgettable view of the Giessbach Falls and Lake Brienz. Invigorating mountain air, sunsets for romantics and existentialists alike. To the left, a waterfall, sometimes murmuring, sometimes roaring, a constant reminder of what Nature means.

Kehrli Suite

Up in the tower is the Kehrli Suite, our homage to Johann Kehrli. He single-handedly created a footpath winding up from the lake shore to the second tier of the falls and installed a bench there. The architectural evolution of the Giessbach is all thanks to Kehrli: the bench was followed by a simple shelter (1822), then a “Gaststube” (dining parlour), and finally by the “Gasthaus Giessbach” in.

Hauser Suite

The Hauser Suite earns its name from the well-known family of hoteliers, the Hausers, who bought the “Giessbach property” in 1870. Karl Hauser commissioned the most celebrated hotel builder of the time, Horace Edouard Davinet, to design a new building: a five-storey palace hotel. Davinet promptly set about building a five-storey construction with domed towers in the “Louvre” style, and a sweeping flight of steps. After two years of construction, the hotel opened in 1875.

Horace Edouard Suite

The light and airy Horace Edouard Suite offers a splendid view of Lake Brienz. It is named after the Swiss-French architect Horace Edouard Davinet (* 23 February 1839 in Pont-d’Ain; † 30 June 1922 in Bern). After the death of his mother, Davinet spent much of his time living in Bern. In 1856, he began an apprenticeship with his brother-in-law Jakob Friedrich Studer. Alongside Studer, he was involved in the design of the Bundeshaus (the parliament building) and the Bernerhof luxury hotel in Bern. He also worked on the new hotels in the Bernese Oberland, the Grandhôtel Giessbach on the shores of Lake Brienz, and the Jungfraublick in Interlaken.

Von Rappard Suite

Named in honour of artist Clara von Rappard. Since 1989, several of Clara von Rappard’s works have adorned the walls of the Davinet Suite at the Giessbach hotel. The artist lived in Villa Rappard in the Kleinen Rugen mountains in Matten. Her father Conrad had the first hotel and thermal establishment in Giessbach built (it is now the staff building). Our Davinet Suite is named after Swiss-French architect Horace Edouard Davinet (* 23 February 1839 in Pont-d’Ain; † 30 June 1922 in Bern). His blueprints were used for the construction of the historical Grandhotel Giessbach from 1873 to 1875, for the Hauser hotelier dynasty from Zurich. The extraordinary elegance of this boldly designed hotel complex and its splendid environment were quick to bring him worldwide renown.

Davinet Suite

Our Davinet Suite is named after Swiss-French architect Horace Edouard Davinet (* 23 February 1839 in Pont-d’Ain; † 30 June 1922 in Bern). His blueprints were used for the construction of the historical Grandhotel Giessbach from 1873 to 1875, for the Hauser hotelier dynasty from Zurich. The extraordinary elegance of this boldly designed hotel complex and its splendid environment were quick to bring him worldwide renown.

Franz Weber Suite

The suite with views of Lake Brienz is named after Franz Weber. From the 1980s, the internationally renowned Swiss environmentalist began working to protect the Grandhotel Giessbach, alongside his wife Judith, daughter Vera, and many other supporters, including the Canton of Bern and the municipality of Brienz. In 1982 Franz Weber launched a nationwide funding drive to save Giessbach from demolition. He then set up the foundation “Giessbach dem Schweizervolk” (Giessbach for the Swiss People) and was able to purchase the 22-hectare historical Giessbach estate, and progressively restore it back to Davinet’s original style, in several phases. And so, this precious Époque Grand Hotel was not replaced by a concrete building, continuing to delight us with its remarkable cultural and historical treasures.

Giron Suite

The Giron Suite and the Salon Giron on the Bel Etage of the Grandhotel Giessbach are named in honour of Swiss portraitist and landscape painter Charles Giron (* 2 April 1850 in Geneva; † 9 June 1914 in Genthod (Canton of Geneva)). Giron had begun an apprenticeship as an enameller, but decided not to pursue this and instead took up lessons with François Diday and Barthélemy Menn. In 1872, he moved to Paris, where he worked for the studio of Alexandre Cabanel, and studied at the École des Beaux-Arts. In 1876, he exhibited his works at the Paris Salon. Giron devoted much of his work to landscape and portrait painting. He lived in many places, including Cannes, England, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In 1887, he was awarded the Order of Leopold from the Kingdom of Belgium. A year later, he was awarded the French Legion of Honour. In 1896, Giron returned to Switzerland and went to live variously at several spots by Lake Geneva. His most famous work is his 1902 mural “Die Wiege der Eidgenossenschaft” (“The Cradle of the Confederation”), which is displayed in the National Council chamber of the Bundeshaus parliament building in Bern.

At the Grandhotel Giessbach, Giron’s large-scale “Schwingfest in den Alpen” (Wrestling Festival in the Alps) can be admired in the salon that bears his name. It is his largest canvas painting.

Guests staying in the Giron Suite will be struck by the large windows overlooking the forest, lake, and town of Brienz. The suite thus naturally highlights the awe-inspiring landscape of the Giessbach.

In the midst of nature

The longing for nature is becoming ever greater. Unspoilt experiences in the nature park of the Grandhotel Giessbach are possible at any time of year. The energy of the waterfall, the trees and the rock formations never ceases to amaze. In any light and at any time of year, the sight provides breathtaking moments that invigorate the mind and soul. The Giessbach Foundation takes great care of the entire complex and the surrounding forests in order to preserve this lifeline for future generations. Enjoy moments of closeness to nature, and enjoy the power that is created. It is a total work of art from the earth and the rock that is unparalleled.

Experience Giessbach in Winter

During the summer months, the question often arose about what the Grandhotel Giessbach would feel like in winter. Now is your chance to find out for yourself. Step away from conventional luxury and the hustle of everyday life, and immerse yourself in pristine nature and soothing tranquility.

From November to March, the Grandhotel Giessbach opens its doors for individual guests and various events from Wednesday to Sunday (Closed for holidays from 15.12.2024-23.01.2025). Celebrate your personal occasion in the "fairytale castle" and the winter-enchanted nature park. For exclusive events, the hotel and restaurant are closed to guests not attending the event.

After a refreshing walk in the park, read your favorite book by the fireplace while enjoying a hot cup of tea or a suitable glass of wine. In the evening, our restaurant team will pamper you with lovingly prepared creations and a variety of regional dishes from the famous Giessbach kitchen in the historical rooms.

Our Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades" is open for lunch and dinner for day visitors as well. Please make a reservation in advance and check the opening hours.

Arrive - Immerse – Relax

We look forward to seeing you and receiving your inquiry!

Directions via Lake Brienz and the mountains

The path leading to a place is like the gateway to an inner feeling. This particular path hugs Lake Brienz and rises up to the Giessbach, the waterfall that spills out from the Giesse Stream. Like an artery leading to the heart, the steep, narrow mountain road takes us to the Grandhotel Giessbach. Upon arrival, we are plunged into another universe, another time. Coming to the Grandhotel Giessbach is a journey deep within yourself that will transform your thoughts.

Sustainability has been the passionate topic at the Giessbach and on the grounds of our entire domain since the rescue in 1982-1984. So in 2019, work also began to restore the historic 1897 vegetable garden. In 2021, after two years of laboratory work and heartfelt commitment by our garden, kitchen and maintenance Team, the old garden was resurrected with over 80 ProSpecieRara and organic vegetable varieties. Our restaurants were first supplied with our own vegetables, herbs, honey and veal from our park as far as possible from this year onwards. We are now able to present this moving work and the commitment of our team for the first time in the resulting film "From the domain to the plate".

Kehrli Terrace

Enjoy a relaxing lunch on our spacious terrace with breathtaking views of the Giessbach Waterfall and Lake Brienz. Let our Giessbach kitchen pamper you with summer delicacies and traditional dishes, all prepared with great attention to detail.

Order and pay for your food and drinks conveniently at our counter with our service team. Refreshing drinks, homemade cakes, and delicious ice cream can be taken directly to your table, while we serve all other dishes comfortably – for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Reservations are not required, and there is usually plenty of space for spontaneous visits. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere and culinary offerings of the "Kehrli Terrace" – we look forward to your visit!

Opening hours
Starting in Spring 2025, we will welcome our guests daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (meals served from 11:30 a.m.).

The terrace is closed only in case of heavy rainfall. In this case, the offerings will be served from 1:45 p.m. in the Parkrestaurant "Les Cascades." Feel free to call us, and we will be happy to provide information.

Would you like to enjoy an extensive lunch and prefer to reserve a table? We are happy to accept reservations for the "Elisa Bistro & Terrace."

Ranger Tour

Today, as it was a hundred years ago, the Giessbach Domain is a world of its own: nature, plants, animals and culture in a thousand facets. On his one-hour tour of the nature park, our ranger will guide you through the eventful history of this place and show you the gems of this unique conservation area. Follow him along winding paths to enchanted spots.
Marvel and enjoy.

Number of people: 5 to max. 15 people can take part in a guided tour
Dates: All year round on request
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: CHF 150 all-inclusive per guided tour (max. 15 people)

Clothing suitable for the weather and good footwear are highly recommended.

For dates and possible times of the hotel tour, please contact our event team. Would you like to have lunch before or after the tour? Our event team will also be happy to advise you at event@giessbach.ch or by telephone on +41 (0) 33 952 25 05.

Historical hotel tour

You will not only discover the beautiful historic rooms, but also take a look behind the scenes and learn all about the moving history of the Giessbach.

Tours from 5 persons to max. 15 persons

Duration: approx. 1 hour

Price per tour: CHF 150.00

For dates and possible times of the hotel tour, please contact our event team. Would you like to have lunch before or after the tour? Our event team will also be happy to advise you at event@giessbach.ch or by telephone on +41 (0) 33 952 25 05.

In the winter months from November 2024 to March 2025, a hotel tour takes place every Thursday from 1.30 to 2.30 p.m. Bookings can be made at grandhotel@giessbach.ch or by telephone on +41 (0) 33 952 25 25. The tour will take place as soon as 5 people have registered. Language: GERMAN