There’s something magnetic about the sound of falling water — it calls you forward, step by step, until the mist touches your face.
For me, chasing waterfalls became a way to slow down while exploring Switzerland.
Here are three of my favorite hikes that end in breathtaking cascades — each one different, each one unforgettable.
1. Staubbach Falls – Lauterbrunnen Valley
Region: Bernese Oberland
Duration: 1–2 hours (easy walk)
How to get there: take the train to Lauterbrunnen, then follow the signs from the village center.
Lauterbrunnen is one of those places that look like they were painted by hand — 72 waterfalls drop into a deep green valley surrounded by cliffs. The easiest and most iconic one is Staubbach Falls, where a short trail leads to a viewpoint behind the misty curtain of water.
Why it’s special: the mix of raw nature and peaceful silence feels unreal, especially at sunset when the light turns golden.
My tip: bring a rain jacket — the mist is stronger than it looks!
2. Giessbach Falls – Lake Brienz
Region: Interlaken area
Duration: 1 hour loop
How to get there: train to Brienz, then a short boat ride or bus to Giessbach See.
Hidden on the shore of turquoise Lake Brienz, the Giessbach Falls drop in 14 elegant tiers, right next to the historic Grandhotel Giessbach. You can walk behind one of the cascades, feel the cool air, and then continue on a peaceful forest path that loops back to the lake.
Why it’s special: it’s wild but still easy to reach — the perfect half-day escape.
Pro tip: go early morning or late afternoon for soft light and fewer people.
3. Foroglio Waterfall – Val Bavona, Ticino
Region: Italian-speaking Switzerland
Duration: 1.5–2 hours (easy loop)
How to get there: bus from Locarno to Foroglio (Val Bavona).
The Foroglio waterfall feels different — wilder, more intimate. The trail starts in a small stone village, winds through chestnut trees, and opens onto a dramatic 100-meter waterfall surrounded by moss and granite. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in Ticino and a perfect mix of mountain and Mediterranean atmosphere.
Why it’s special: it combines authentic alpine life with pure, untouched nature.
My tip: Grab lunch at Grotto La Froda — everything is homemade, from the local cheese to the merlot wine. Sit on the terrace and listen to the waterfall while you eat.
Each of these waterfalls carries its own rhythm — powerful, soft, eternal.
Maybe that’s why I love them: they remind me that movement doesn’t always mean rushing.
Save this list for your next Swiss adventure — and tag me on Instagram @heloysabarros @heloysa_barros when you find your favorite one 💧🌿




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