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Iseltwald is a tiny fairy-tale village in Switzerland, and fewer than 500 lucky people get to call it home.
It’s full of pretty Swiss houses, with lakeside cafés and restaurants dotted around and views of the snow-capped mountains in every direction.
I spent a month in Switzerland and visited the village quite a few times. So I’ve ticked off pretty much everything there is to do and see in the area!
In this guide, I’ll give you all the key details: how to get there and get around, the best time of year to visit and what there is to do.
I’ll also share the best places to stay if you want a peaceful break in one of Switzerland’s most beautiful spots.
⏰ Tight on time? These are the ones to book:
🏨 Boutique Hotel Bellevue Iseltwald (my favourite)
Iseltwald At A Glance
| Getting there | Bus 103 from Interlaken Ost (about 20 minutes, around CHF 6), or the boat in season (about 40 minutes); a Swiss Half Fare Card halves both |
| Pier fee | CHF 5 to walk onto the Crash Landing on You pier |
| Best time | June to September for swimming, kayaking and the beach |
| Boats and funicular | Lake Brienz boats run spring to early December; the Giessbach funicular runs April to October |
| Top things to do | Kayak or canoe on the lake, hike to Giessbach Falls, swim at the Strandbad and watch the sunset |
| Where we’ve stayed | Lake Lodge (hostel) and Boutique Hotel Bellevue |
Map Of Iseltwald
All the key spots in this guide, from the pier and Seeburg Castle to Giessbach Falls along the lake. Tap a pin for a quick tip.
Where Is Iseltwald?
Iseltwald is a small fishing village on the edge of Lake Brienz, one of the most stunning turquoise lakes in Switzerland.
It’s part of the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland, and it’s not far from Interlaken, which keeps getting more popular.
Is Iseltwald Worth Visiting?
Iseltwald is one of the villages on the edge of Lake Brienz you really have to see.
It’s on most people’s Interlaken itinerary because it’s so close, and it’s a great escape from the busy town.
So if you love peaceful, fairy-tale villages with lots to do and see? Then Iseltwald is almost certainly worth a visit.
Check prices:
Things To Do In Iseltwald
Visit The Iseltwald Viewpoints
All along the edge of Lake Brienz, there are stunning viewpoints.
Sometimes it’s a pier and sometimes it’s a bench. But either way, one of the best things to do here is just sit down, relax and take in the view.
It’s a truly magical place. And you only really soak it in once you sit still for a minute and do nothing but look around.
My favourite spot is the two benches looking out onto the lake opposite Boutique Hotel Bellevue. It’s just 5 minutes’ walk from the village centre and SO peaceful.
Location: Boutique Hotel Bellevue Iseltwald
Or you can take in the views of the village and Lake Brienz from Axalp.
The best way to get to Axalp is by car, up a winding mountain road.
It takes about 30 minutes from Iseltwald, and once you’re up there, there are loads of walking trails and amazing views below.
It’s one of the few places this high up that you can drive to, rather than taking a train or hiking. So make the most of it if you want incredible views without paying for a train or doing a long hike.
Location: Axalp
Canoe On Lake Brienz
Canoeing on Lake Brienz is one of the most popular things to do in Iseltwald.
A few companies offer it in the village, but the most handily placed one is Outdoor & Wassersport BO.
They’re less than a 10-minute walk from the village centre, and you can rent a canoe for anything from 30 minutes to a whole day.
Prices range from 15 to 60 Swiss Francs. The owners are friendly and give you handy bits to keep your valuables safe and dry. You’ll also be offered a life jacket.
Check it’s still running before you go. Alternatively, Abegglen Werft in the village bay rents pedalos, rowing boats and motorboats (no licence needed) from around mid-May to mid-October.
Location: Outdoor & Wassersport BO
See The Crash Landing On You Pier
If you’ve watched the Netflix hit series ‘Crash Landing on You’, you’ll instantly recognise this spot from the scene where one of the main characters plays the piano on the pier.
And if you haven’t, it’s still a lovely spot for a photo with a stunning backdrop. In fact, it’s one of the best places to propose in Europe!
Good to know: since 2023 there’s been a turnstile on the pier, and it costs CHF 5 to walk onto it. If you eat at one of the village restaurants, ask for a token. It gets very busy, so go early in the morning or around sunset.
Take A Kayak Tour
Another way to see Iseltwald is from a kayak on Lake Brienz.
And tbh, it’s one of the most highly recommended things to do in the area. So I’d definitely book it in advance.
For the best guided tour, go with Hightide Kayak School.
You’ll be on the water for approximately 3 hours, passing loads of sights around the lake. It’s totally peaceful, and it’s one you definitely won’t forget from your trip to this part of Switzerland!
Check prices: Hightide Kayak School
Also, make sure your travel insurance covers activities like kayaking. I use SafetyWing, and you can read my honest SafetyWing review if you want to know more.
Enjoy Sweet Treats At Lake Lodge
Lake Lodge is a hostel (there’s more on it in the accommodation section of this guide).
But it’s also a great place to grab some food, including cakes, desserts and seriously good sweet treats.
Doughnuts, lemon meringue pie, crème brûlée… you name it, they’ve got it.
There’s a gorgeous little terrace with views over Lake Brienz where you can eat your pudding of choice!
Stroll Along The Lakeside Path
One of the best free things to do in Iseltwald is a stroll along the lakeside path.
You can walk almost 2 kilometres along a flat path before it starts to climb and eventually leads to Giessbach Falls.
The trail starts in the centre of the village and heads away from Interlaken along a country road, before you reach a gravel path.
Follow the gravel path, which is mostly flat.
Once it starts to climb, you can turn back towards the village if you don’t fancy the steep hike to Giessbach Falls.
It should take no longer than an hour, depending on how often you stop for pictures.
Route map: Iseltwald lakeside trail
Hike To Giessbach Falls
If you do want to hike up to Giessbach Falls, just keep going along this trail.
After the two-kilometre mark, you’ll hit your first steep climb.
Over the next two kilometres, you climb a few hundred meters. Then you drop back down almost the same height over half the distance.
After that there’s a flat section, before the final climb that zig-zags all the way up to Giessbach Falls.
Once you’ve admired the falls (for free!), the route loops round and takes a different way back to the village.
There are some steep descents on this bit. But it’s nice to come back a different way.
This 11.7-kilometre route is well-signposted and should take around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
It’s a really varied trail, challenging but SO rewarding, and most beginner hikers can do it with a few breaks here and there.
Route map: Giessbach Falls Trail
Worried about the climb to Giessbach Falls? You can take Europe’s oldest funicular railway from the Giessbach ferry port instead.
There’s still a short hike at the other end, but it’s a lot easier. The funicular and the boats to Giessbach See run from April to October.
Book tickets: Giessbach Bahn
Have A Meal At Grandhotel Giessbach
Grandhotel Giessbach is the castle-like hotel above the falls, which first opened in 1875. It’s on the Giessbach Waterfall Trail, so it’s the perfect lunch stop if you’re doing this route.
The location is arguably one of the best in the area, with views over Lake Brienz one way and Giessbach Falls the other.
The outside is white and red, with three spires sticking out of the roof, which is what makes it look so much like a castle.
And inside is just as spectacular.
The traditional decor feels super luxurious, and it’s the perfect place for a special meal.
You can eat in the restaurant or the bar, but double-check the opening times before your trip. The hotel is open in summer, and only from Wednesday to Sunday in winter.
Check opening times: Giessbach Restaurant
Admire Seeburg Castle
Seeburg Castle (Schloss Seeburg) is the castle on the village’s peninsula.
It gives the whole village a fairytale feel, and it looks absolutely magnificent against the sparkling lake and snow-capped mountains.
It’s privately owned and used as a conference and health centre, so you can’t go inside, but it’s a beautiful sight from the shore, the benches opposite, or from the water if you hire a boat.
Cycle Around Lake Brienz
Tight on time? Then exploring Iseltwald and the area around it by bike is a great option.
You’ll need to rent a bike in the nearby town of Interlaken, and then it’s just over half an hour’s cycle to Iseltwald.
Most of the way, the route is flat. But the last section into Iseltwald is steep.
You’ll need decent fitness levels to be able to tackle the hills, or else I’d recommend renting an e-bike instead.
If you’ve got a bit more time, I’d highly recommend following the cycling loop around Lake Brienz.
I did this on my road bike, since I’d taken it with me on this trip.
There are a few hills, but nothing outrageous. And it was a great way to see not just Iseltwald, but loads of the other cute towns and villages around Lake Brienz too.
The route is just under 40 kilometres, and you’ll need to allow about 3 hours if you want to stop and explore the towns and villages.
Bike rental: Flying Wheels Interlaken
Watch The Sunset Over Iseltwald
This little lakeside village looks gorgeous when the sun starts to set.
It’s a beautiful view from almost anywhere by the lake. But probably the two best spots are ones I’ve already mentioned: the ‘Crash Landing on You’ pier and the two benches opposite Boutique Hotel Bellevue.
Location: ‘Crash Landing on You’ Pier
Location: Boutique Hotel Bellevue
Paddleboard On Lake Brienz
Paddleboarding is another popular watersport you can do on Lake Brienz from Iseltwald.
You can rent boards from Outdoor & Wassersport BO, the same place you rent canoes from.
The pricing is the same too: 30 minutes to a whole day, from 15 to 60 Swiss Francs.
They also do SUP yoga classes. So if you’re staying nearby, pop down and ask them about their timetable.
Location: Outdoor & Wassersport BO
Walk To Mülibach Falls
Mülibach Falls are a bit of a secret in Iseltwald.
People talk about them way less than the famous Giessbach Falls. But this stunning waterfall is well worth the hike!
To get to Mülibach Falls, you’ll walk just over 2 kilometres from the centre of Iseltwald.
So it’s much easier to reach than Giessbach, which is almost triple the distance.
It’s a fairly steep climb, but it doesn’t last long, and most reasonably fit people can handle it.
The trail is mostly sheltered by woodland. When you get to Mülibach Falls, you can see it tumbling down from above, and then follow the trail that leads behind it.
Route map: Iseltwald to Mülibach Falls
Sunbathe Or Swim In Lake Brienz
The long stretch of road between Interlaken and Iseltwald has some of the best sunbathing and swimming spots on Lake Brienz.
There are dozens of little coves you can reach from the country road, and they’re totally private.
Sometimes it feels like you’ve got the whole lake to yourself when you grab one of these.
Whether you want an afternoon with your head in a book in the Swiss sunshine, or a dip to cool off, Lake Brienz is one of the most unbelievably beautiful places to do it.
Just remember that this is glacier water, so even in summer it can be pretty chilly.
I swam here in July, and it was a refreshing break from the sweltering heatwave. But it was definitely MUCH colder than I was expecting, lol.
Have A BBQ By Lake Brienz
One of the coolest things about Switzerland is that there are tonnes of BBQ spots and picnic areas dotted all over the place for anyone to use.
The one in Iseltwald is on the lakeside path to Giessbach Falls, just past the campsite.
Location: Unter Den Fluehen Bbq
Visit Iseltwald Beach (Strandbad)
Iseltwald beach isn’t your typical beach. It’s actually a big grassy patch overlooking the lake, with sunloungers, ladders into the water, a diving board and a man-made pool for children to play in. There are also showers, a bar and games tables.
It’s the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon if you want to relax or swim in Lake Brienz but still have facilities around you.
There’s also a campsite here if you’re after a pitch (more on that in the next section of this guide).
Location: Iseltwald Beach & Camping
One Day In Iseltwald Itinerary
- Morning: take bus 103 from Interlaken Ost, visit the pier early before the crowds, then join a kayak tour or hire a canoe.
- Lunch: grab a cake on the Lake Lodge terrace, or pack a picnic for the lakeside path.
- Afternoon: hike to Giessbach Falls (about 2 to 2.5 hours one way), have a drink at Grandhotel Giessbach, then ride the funicular down and catch the boat back (April to October).
- Evening: watch the sunset from the benches opposite Boutique Hotel Bellevue.
In summer, swap the afternoon hike for a lazy few hours at the Strandbad, and save Giessbach for a cooler morning.
How To Get To Iseltwald
If you’re heading to Iseltwald, you’ll almost definitely be coming from Interlaken.
And if you’re not, make sure you tick Interlaken off your list while you’re in the area. It’s a pretty cool town with loads of awesome things to do nearby.
The info below assumes you’re coming from Interlaken. If you’re not, a platform like Rome2Rio will show you the best and cheapest way to get from A to B.
Getting From Interlaken To Iseltwald
By Car
If you’re driving, Iseltwald is just 10 minutes from Interlaken.
When you arrive, there’s one car park in the centre of the village, called Parkplatz.
You can pay by cash, card or phone, and it’s fairly cheap.
For directions, use the link below.
Parking: Parkplatz
By Bus
There are regular buses from Interlaken to Iseltwald, leaving once every hour.
You’ll need to catch bus number 103 from any of the bus stops around town.
If you get stuck, head to the bus stop at Interlaken Ost Train Station, as they always stop there.
It’s about a 20-minute journey and costs around CHF 6 one way (it’s included in the Swiss Travel Pass).
By Boat
For a prettier journey to Iseltwald, you can hop on the boat from Interlaken Ost.
It takes around 40 minutes and costs more than the bus. But getting to the village this way is an experience in itself!
Boats run from spring until early December (until 6 December in 2026) and don’t run in winter. Early in the season they can start from Bönigen instead of Interlaken Ost, so always check the BLS timetable before you go.
This can sometimes change, so it’s always worth checking the Brienz timetable ahead of time.
Boat: timetable
How To Get Around Iseltwald
The village is really small, with lots of tiny country roads and little lanes. So the best way to explore is on foot.
If you’re doing a whistlestop tour, you could also think about cycling, as lots of the walking trails are fine for bikes too.
Best Time To Visit Iseltwald
Autumn
Autumn is full of stunning colours and crisp mornings.
The temperatures drop a lot, and by the end of the season you’ll see snow on the ground.
There are fewer tourists at this time of year, as lots of the nearby attractions start to close until it warms up again.
I’d recommend coming no later than the first week of October if you want to enjoy most of what’s on offer here.
Summer
Summer temperatures are usually in the low to mid 20s, with heatwaves pushing past 30 degrees.
It’s the busiest time for tourists. But the village never feels too crowded, maybe because it’s still a bit under the radar in the Jungfrau Region.
Winter
Winter in Iseltwald is a magical wonderland, with a dusting of snow over everything.
Most locals hunker down for the winter, and lots of the tourist hot spots are closed.
You can still explore on foot and admire the view, but you’ll have to swap most of the outdoor activities for things like skiing or snowshoeing.
The village will be pretty quiet, but nearby ski resorts like Grindelwald get loads of tourists.
Interlaken is probably a better base in winter, and you can read the complete guide here: Interlaken in winter.
Spring
In spring, temperatures almost double from the start to the end of the season.
You can expect it to reach 20 degrees by May, when the flowers are in full bloom.
Popular attractions start to open towards the end of the season, which brings people in. But this little village is still fairly quiet at this time of year.
Where To Stay In Iseltwald
When it comes to staying here, you’ve got just 3 hotels, 1 hostel and 2 campsites to choose from. They’re all great options, with beautiful lake and mountain views.
Check prices:
Hotels
Strandhotel
Strandhotel is handily placed right next to the dock for the boat to and from Interlaken.
It’s a 3-star hotel with traditional Swiss-style rooms that have everything you need for a short break.
Every room also has a balcony with views over Lake Brienz and the mountains.
The hotel has a popular restaurant with a great decking area overlooking the lake, which you can use even on a rainy day.
Previous guests have said the food is excellent, with loads of choice.
Check prices: Strandhotel
Hotel Chalet du Lac
Hotel Chalet du Lac is an absolutely stunning place to stay.
It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of the village, in a prime spot to see Seeburg Castle on the peninsula.
It’s traditional, but with a modern twist, which gives it a warm and cosy feel. Every room has a balcony with wonderful views all year round.
The food here is excellent and gets loads of praise from guests and locals alike. From the produce to the presentation, it’s a top-notch dining experience.
And the icing on the cake is the staff. They’re warm and wonderful, and keen to share their local knowledge about what to do in the area.
Check prices: Hotel Chalet du Lac
Boutique Hotel Bellevue Iseltwald
We’ve stayed here too. From the outside, Boutique Hotel Bellevue Iseltwald is your typical Swiss chalet, and inside it’s modern and welcoming.
Like most places around here, it sits on the edge of Lake Brienz, and most rooms have amazing views from a balcony.
There’s also a terrace with plenty of deckchairs and dining tables, so you can have your breakfast with a view.
Previous guests REALLY rate the breakfast, saying it’s not just great quality but has a variety of food you wouldn’t usually expect.
The friendly owners of this B&B go above and beyond to make sure you have a great stay, and nothing is too much trouble.
Check prices: Boutique Hotel Bellevue Iseltwald
Hostels
Lake Lodge Hostel
Lake Lodge Hostel is where I stayed on my first visit to Switzerland, many years ago. It’s one of the sweetest hostels I’ve been to, and it feels so homely.
The bunk beds are incredibly close together. But when you’re paying a fraction of hotel prices and still getting stunning lake and mountain views, you can’t complain too much!
There’s a big, well-equipped kitchen, a lounge area and plenty of bathrooms. There’s also a garden with a hammock, tables and chairs. It really is a home away from home.
Check prices: Lake Lodge Hostel
Campsites
Camping du Lac
Camping du Lac is a pretty little campsite on the edge of Lake Brienz.
The site is small, but the pitches are a decent size and the facilities are clean.
There’s also a playroom for children and a communal area to relax in when the weather isn’t great.
You can walk to most of what’s on offer in the area from this campsite, and the owners are incredibly helpful if you want to book a local tour or need advice on what to do and see.
Check prices: Camping Du Lac
Strandbad & Camping Iseltwald
The Strandbad & Camping Iseltwald site is fantastic. The campsite is open from mid-March to mid-September, and the lido and bistro from May to September.
The two friendly owners, Michele & Marius, offer big camping pitches, glamping-style barrels Marius made himself, a bistro with games tables and a lovely lounge area by the lake.
If you want to escape the bigger town of Interlaken for a slice of paradise, this site is an excellent choice.
You can get to everything in the area from here, and you’re right on the doorstep of the trail to Giessbach Falls.
Check prices: The Strandbad & Camping Iseltwald
Iseltwald FAQs
Do you have to pay to visit the Iseltwald pier?
Yes. Since 2023 there’s been a CHF 5 turnstile on the Crash Landing on You pier. The rest of the village and the lakeside are free.
How do you get from Interlaken to Iseltwald?
Take bus 103 from Interlaken Ost, which takes about 20 minutes, or the Lake Brienz boat in season, which takes about 40 minutes. By car it’s around 10 to 15 minutes.
Is Iseltwald worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the prettiest villages on Lake Brienz, with easy kayaking, swimming and the hike to Giessbach Falls right on the doorstep.
Can you go inside Seeburg Castle?
No. Seeburg Castle is privately owned and used as a conference and health centre, but you can see it from the shore, the benches opposite or from a boat.
How long should you spend in Iseltwald?
A day is enough to see the village, get on the water and hike to Giessbach Falls. Stay a night or two if you want quiet mornings and sunsets once the day-trippers have gone.
More Switzerland Guides
If you liked the sound of Iseltwald and want to explore other towns and villages nearby, I’d highly recommend Lauterbrunnen next.
Thinking of visiting at another time of year? Then Lauterbrunnen in winter is really great too, and my guide to Interlaken in winter covers the rest of the region in the colder months.
It’s one of the prettiest villages in all of Switzerland, and thousands of people visit every year.
Or if you want an itinerary that includes both Iseltwald and Lauterbrunnen, I’d recommend reading my Interlaken itinerary.
Check out more Switzerland guides here: Switzerland
Millie / Stay Wild Travels.
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Written by
Millie Austin
Hi, I'm Millie, a Brit who swapped a London desk job for life in Lima, Peru. Every guide on Stay Wild Travels comes from my own trips, from hiking the Cotswolds and the Peak District to the Swiss Alps and the Andes, with the honest bits included.