The forest, with its enchanting hiking trails and the roaring waterfall, is like a fairy tale.
The Giessbach Falls and their surroundings have been protected as cantonal natural monuments since 1950. Thanks to the Giessbach Foundation, the Grandhotel Giessbach and its surrounding forest are a cultural asset of national importance. The forest above Lake Brienz, with its enchanting hiking trails, magnificent vegetation, and roaring waterfall, is an ecological jewel.
The forest, much like the hotel, exudes an aura of timelessness. It evokes a fairy-tale forest with majestic trees, unique vegetation, moss-covered rocks, and rare ferns. The energy of the forest merges with that of the water from the Giessbach Falls, plunging over 400 meters, and the turquoise-green Lake Brienz. The beauty, tranquility, and fresh air of the place are ideal for pausing and recharging.
No commercial logging takes place in the Giessbach forest. Harvesting machines have never been used, and there are no logging trails. Necessary interventions are limited to safety measures against rockfall and tree care along the paths, parking lots, and the funicular. The protected status allows the forest to develop naturally without human intervention. The healthy soil stores a lot of water, air, and carbon, which helps prevent it from drying out. The natural processes of germination, growth, aging, and decay provide a habitat for many animal, fungal, plant, and lichen species.
Although the nature on the 22-hectare area is wild, it requires intensive care. Park rangers like Thomas Herren ensure that the paths are well-maintained, safe, and clean. Trees are cared for, branches removed, rocks secured, and paths and areas renovated. Giessbach staff ensure that guests are well-informed and sensitized to nature and culture.
