Ascent of Giessbachfälle valley to Schweibenalp
Summary: This section of the hike takes us from the bottom of the Giesbachfälle, up beside the falls themselves, to the top of them and then further up to the “Zentrum der Einheit Schweibenalp”.
The signpost directs us to turn right and up a path that is initially formed from a series of steps created from wooden logs, before changing to a gravel path that is steep in places, but zig-zags up the side of the waterfall.
There are a number of places where the path opens out beside the waterfall, giving good photo opportunities of the water cascading over the numerous drops (as seen below).
Eventually, the path splits, with the right-hand track leading under the waterfall and back down the other side to the hotel. We will take the left-hand path that leads on, up the side of the waterfalls, but first a small detour under the waterfall and back to get some photos from underneath it.
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After returning to the point where the paths split and carrying on up the left-hand path, we carry on much the same as before, a gravel path with frequent gaps overlooking the waterfall and view down to the hotel below.
A short distance up the path from the bridge, another gap at the edge of the waterfall provided a suitable area to sit on the rocks and enjoy lunch.
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For lunch, I paired a Butterweggli, Swiss cheese, and a selection of cold meats with a glass of Dead Pony Club from Scottish craft brewer Brewdog. There’s nothing to beat a refreshing glass of beer and a light lunch, while sitting beside a cascading Alpine waterfall, with the refreshing mist of water it creates . |
LunchAfter the break for lunch, we continue up the side of the waterfall, with the gravel path still zig-zagging as it ascends, often steeply in places. The path is good quality, but the length of the ascent can take its toll on your legs as you go on. Fortunately, as seen below, there are numerous opportunities to stop and admire the view of the waterfall, the hotel now far below us and the lake and mountains beyond it.
After a lengthy walk up one side of the waterfall, the path flattens out and we reach a small metal bridge that crosses the cascading water.
As we cross the small bridge, looking back down the waterfall, we can see the hotel now far below us and the turquoise water of the lake in the distance, with the imposing mountains beyond it.
From this point on, the path continues upwards, but is rougher and less well maintained than it was lower down. The going is still relatively easy though, with just the odd area of damaged trail to pass.
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Eventually, we arrive at the top of our ascent and the buildings of Zentrum der Einheit Schweibenalp, which mark the end of this section of the hike.
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