SmaylaRoad & trail journals

On foot · Brienz, Bern · August 2024

From the Giessbach Falls to Axalp

A long 1 August weekend, and a hike that only goes up: from the Giessbach on the shore of Lake Brienz to Axalp. 6.5 kilometres for 1,200 metres of climbing, as those in the know will understand.

Date
August 2024
Distance
6.5 km
Elevation gain
1,200 m
Route
Giessbach → Axalp
Turquoise Lake Brienz below the falls

The route · indicative

The Giessbach

Up along the falls

By bus and boat to the Giessbach and its magnificent hotel, saved by Franz Weber. At night the chain of falls is lit up; we promise ourselves we'll come back.

We climb along the water, even passing behind the curtain of a waterfall. It's straight up in a steam-room atmosphere, but the place is impressive, with the turquoise of Lake Brienz always below.

The Giessbach Falls in tiers
The hotel above the falls
Behind the curtain of water

Up to Axalp

Straight up

First stage done, and a fleeting feeling of ease in an elfin forest, all moss. Then the climb resumes, still straight up, in muggy heat.

As always, the reward that keeps you going: the view over turquoise Lake Brienz. A well-earned drink at Axalp while waiting for the bus back.

Turquoise Lake Brienz below the falls
Moss-covered forest
Lake Brienz from Axalp