Giessbach Hotel Complex, Heritage hotel complex in Brienz, Switzerland
The Giessbach Hotel Complex is a five-story palace hotel standing 100 meters above Lake Brienz on a steep slope. The building displays grand Belle Époque architecture with numerous rooms, terraces, and decorative elements reflecting the luxury of its era.
The hotel was built in 1875 when such grand mountain establishments were at the peak of their popularity in Switzerland. A major fire in 1883 destroyed the upper floors, but swift reconstruction preserved the building's original character and design.
The place has long drawn wealthy visitors from across Europe seeking luxury and natural beauty together in one setting. This tradition continues to shape how people experience and value the site today.
You can reach the hotel using the historic Giessbachbahn funicular from the Lake Brienz boat dock or by driving from the town of Brienz. The journey takes only a few minutes, and the funicular offers scenic views during the ride.
The hotel features a natural swimming pool cleaned through gravel filtration systems that hosts hundreds of newts during spring. These creatures are a sign of the water's purity and ecological balance.
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