Discover Iseltwald on Lake Brienz

Iseltwald is a traditional fishing village in a small bay on Lake Brienz. When planning a stay, there are various options to consider: a village walk, circular hikes, Mülibach Falls, cultural sites and lakeside activities. If you are looking for a hotel in Iseltwald, you can assess the destination based on the activities and travel arrangements that suit your plans.

Getting to Iseltwald

During the season, Iseltwald can be reached by boat from Interlaken Ost in approximately 40 minutes. Public buses run year-round from Interlaken West or Interlaken Ost to Iseltwald; the journey takes about 30 minutes. The boat trip on Lake Brienz runs from Brienz via the Giessbach Falls and Oberried to Iseltwald, and continues to Niederried, Ringgenberg, Bönigen and Interlaken Ost. The time of year therefore also matters when choosing your mode of transport: the boat runs seasonally, while the bus service operates year-round. Seasonal timetables may change; check the current connections before travelling.

Hiking trails and walks

The Iseltwald village walk is an easy circular route covering 3.10 kilometres and taking about an hour. It heads towards Mülibach Falls. At 11.51 kilometres, the Iseltwald Panorama Trail is the longer loop. It is classified as moderate and starts and ends at Iseltwald village square. This gives you a choice between a short, easy walk taking about an hour and a longer, moderate hike. Trail conditions on both routes may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

From the Isch section of the Panorama Trail, views extend from Lake Brienz across Interlaken to Lake Thun. The route also passes the Schwerzgaden barbecue area, right beside turquoise Lake Brienz. The Farnihubelweg is a circular route from the village square to the Farnihubel viewpoint and back. From there, you can see across Iseltwald Bay and towards Seeburg at the end of the peninsula. The Senggflueweg is a circular route from the village square via Sengg and Mühlibach Falls to Senggflue and back. Another route, the Three Waterfalls Trail, runs from Bönigen via Iseltwald and the Giessbach Falls to Brienz.

Waterfall and scenery

Mülibach Falls can be reached from Iseltwald via a short footpath. The water plunges over a rocky ledge several metres into a pool, then flows into Lake Brienz. A bench behind the waterfall invites you to linger and listen to the sound of the cascading water. The First–Faulhorn–Iseltwald route also passes through the alpine cultural landscape of Bättenalp. From there, an old cattle track, paved with large pebbles, descends through the forest to Iseltwald.

Culture and special places

A field oven dating from the 17th century stands on the lakeshore along Uferstrasse. Seeburg is privately owned and can only be viewed from the outside. Schnäggeninseli is the only island in Lake Brienz; it has a small chapel and is also privately owned.

Lakeside swimming area on Lake Brienz

At Iseltwald swimming area, you can swim in Lake Brienz, with a gentle entry into the water or a diving board. The swimming area also has lounges, barbecue facilities and a bistro. Amenities include a ship-shaped play tower with a slide, climbing wall and swings, as well as a sandbox and water play feature. Stand-up paddleboards and sit-on-top kayaks are also available.

Self-guided activities

“Treasures of Iseltwald” is a treasure hunt with activities focused on slowing down, gratitude and reflection. The tasks have no set order; participants set their own pace and can complete all or just some of them. KrimiSpass Iseltwald is a crime-solving adventure in which you follow clues through the Iseltwald landscape as an inspector. You will need a smartphone with internet access. KrimiSpass can be played year-round, around the clock; check the latest activity information before starting, as operating conditions may change.

Discover more destinations: Niederried near Interlaken, Unterseen, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, Grindelwald, Gsteigwiler, Ringgenberg, Saxeten.

Return to the main travel overview: Interlaken.