Switzerland is known for its picture-perfect natural wonders, home to snow-covered alpine peaks, lush valleys and pristine glaciers. You have your pick of stunning scenery in this gorgeous country, but one of the best things to do is tour its collection of cascading waterfalls. Visit Switzerland and its most treasured natural wonders for a chance to get up-close to one of the biggest waterfalls in Europe.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve compiled a list of the best waterfalls in Switzerland, along with tips on when to see them and top hotels nearby (some with in-room waterfall views!). While you might visit Switzerland to see its ski resorts and Swiss Alps, these beautiful waterfalls are a must on any itinerary.
Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen
With a height of nearly 300 metres, Staubbach Falls is one of the most majestic waterfalls in Switzerland. Dropping into the Lutschine River, it sits above the charming village of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. You can visit Switzerland to see any one of 72 picture-perfect waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen valley, but Staubbach Falls is well worth the short walk up the scenic path that leads to a viewpoint. In summer, the warm wind swirls the water around and makes a spectacle of mist everywhere.
Top Hotels Near Staubbach Falls
Hotel Staubbach
If you plan to visit Switzerland for its waterfall views, a stay at Hotel Staubbach is a must. Not only does it boast rooms with mountain, village and waterfall views, but it’s less than a five-minute walk from the falls. A breakfast buffet, Wi-Fi and parking are all complimentary.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 139 – USD 277
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Im Rohr, 3822 Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Oberland
Another top hotel for viewing waterfalls from the comfort of your room, Hotel Oberland is a friendly, family-run hotel. Only a five-minute walk from the Lauterbrunnen train station, it has an on-site restaurant serving fondue and rostis, while most rooms have balconies with waterfall views. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free and tea/coffee is available on the 1st floor.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 205 – USD 368
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Fuhren, Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Giessbach Waterfall, Brienz
Giessbach Waterfall tumbles in 14 stages, covering a length of 500 metres down to Lake Brienz near the town of Interlaken. Sitting in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, one of its best features of this natural spectacle is that it is surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains and alpine meadows, as well as its stunning postcard-perfect views of Lake Brienz. Take the funicular up to the top, then hike the loop behind the falls.
Top Hotels Near Giessbach Waterfall
Grandhotel Giessbach
A reason to visit Switzerland alone, Grandhotel Giessbach sits at the foot of Giessbach Waterfall. This legendary hotel overlooks the waterfall and features an elegant restaurant with waterfall views, an outdoor terrace and funicular to a private boat pier. Rest and recharge in one of the stylish double rooms with old-world charm and waterfalls views.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 191 – USD 667
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Axalpstrasse, 3855 Brienz, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Lindenhof
Dating back to 1910, Hotel Lindenhof overlooks Lake Brienz and the Swiss Alps. Accommodation ranges from cosy single rooms to spacious family rooms and luxe suites, with most featuring balconies and lake views. Enjoy seasonal cuisine on the lake-view terrace of Restaurant Lindenblute. Alternatively, opt for yoga, nature walks or cooking classes.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 155 – USD 388
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: Lindenhofweg 15, 3718 Brienz, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Rhine Falls, Schaffhausen
If you visit Switzerland and have time for only one waterfall – Rhine Falls should be it. Formed over 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age, it has been declared the largest waterfall in Europe. At 23 metres high and 150 metres long, it is just 45 minutes north of Zurich near Schaffhausen. Enjoy the natural wonder from the viewing platforms on both sides. Alternatively, opt for a boat ride around the falls and to the large rock in the middle.
Top Hotels Near Rhine Falls
Best Western Plus Hotel Bahnhof
Across the street from Schaffhausen train station, Best Western Plus Hotel Bahnhof boasts cosy rooms with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Start your day with a breakfast buffet in the dining room, then venture to the waterfalls or see the Munot Fortress in the city centre. For extra space, upgrade to a suite with a separate living room.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 207 – USD 351
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 46, Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Waldhotel Hohberg
Waldhotel Hohberg is a laid-back retreat just seven kilometres from Rhine Falls. It boasts multiple restaurants, including a bistro and pizzeria. Also, there’s a garden terrace with a children’s playground. If you stay on a Sunday, make sure to book the brunch buffet with local specialties and breakfast favourites.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 142 – USD 360
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: Schweizersbildstrasse 20, 8207 Schaffhausen, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Mürrenbach Falls, Stechelberg
Switzerland’s picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley is famous for its gorgeous waterfalls, and Murrenbach Falls is one of the best. Visit Switzerland to see this visually-stunning natural attraction at 417 metres high (the highest in Switzerland) and it’s five cascades that rush down the steep rock walls of the narrow valley. The best place to admire the falls is from the Schilthornbahn cable car station that takes you up-close to the waterfall and offers dazzling views.
Top Hotels Near Mürrenbach Falls
Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel
Eiger Mürren Swiss Quality Hotel is a family-run hotel, across from the Mürren BLM mountain railway. In addition to mountain views, this intimate hotel has multiple dining options, an indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Upgrade to a suite for a balcony with mountain vistas, fireplace and extra bedroom or sleep like 007 in the unique James Bond Suite.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 259 – USD 894
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Aegerten 1, 3825 Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Alpenruhe – Vintage Design Hotel
Hotel Alpenruhe – Vintage Design Hotel is a quaint, chalet-style hotel surrounded by the Bernese Alps. Enjoy splendid views of the Jungfrau and Lauterbrunnen Valley after a day of waterfall-chasing with a drink on the terrace. All rooms have a private balcony, with those at the front offering mountain views. Also, a complimentary buffet breakfast is available.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 178 – USD 241
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Galliweidli, 3823 Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Trümmelbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen
A waterfall itinerary in Switzerland is not complete without a trip to Trummelbach Falls, which are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls. Carrying meltwater from the glaciers of the Jungfrau mountains down to the Lauterbrunnen valley, its 10 tiered waterfalls carry up to 20,000 litres of water per second. Take a lift to the top and explore the series of stairs and tunnels to the viewing platforms, as well as the underground parts that are illuminated.
Top Hotels Near Trümmelbach Falls
Hotel Alpenblick
After you visit Switzerland and its gorgeous Trummelbach Falls, retreat to Hotel Alpenblick in Grindelwald. The budget-friendly accommodation offers a variety of room configurations, from dormitories to six-person rooms. Food lovers won’t want to miss the traditional Swiss dishes and seasonal delicacies at the (inexpensive) on-site restaurant.
Star Rating: 2*
Price: USD 118 – USD 332
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: Obere Gletscherstrasse 16, 3818 Grindelwald, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Bellevue
Set in the picture-perfect Jungfrau region, Hotel Bellevue offers charming rooms with mountain views. Along with an on-site restaurant serving Swiss cuisine, there’s an in-house sauna and large outdoor terrace. Also, if you book for at least three days, the hotel provides free transportation to all lifts in the Schilthorn-Murren area.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 201 – USD 318
Guest Rating: 9.5
Address: Obere Dorfstrasse, 3825 Lauterbrunnen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Reichenbach Falls, Meiringen
Reichenbach Falls is not just a famous natural attraction in Switzerland, but it’s also known as where Sherlock Holmes fell to his “death” in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s book. Located in the Bernese Oberland region near Meiringen, the series of waterfalls flow into the Reichenbach stream. With a total drop of 250 metres, there’s a walking trail leading up the falls as well as a funicular offering access to a beautiful viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy waterfall and Hasli valley views.
Top Hotels Near Reichenbach Falls
Hotel Victoria
Next to the Meiringen train station, Hotel Victoria is a laid-back hotel within walking distance to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Double rooms include free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, while Superior Comforts add a sitting area. After a long day, enjoy a glass of Riesling under the chestnut tree on the terrace.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 206 – USD 312
Guest Rating: 9.1
Address: Bahnhofplatz 9, 3860 Meiringen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Meiringen
Only 1.6 kilometres from Reichenbach Falls, Hotel Meiringen is a family-run hotel in the centre of Meiringen. Bright and airy rooms feature flat-screen TVs and sitting areas, while some add balconies with mountain views. Grab a slice of pizza at the on-site pizzeria, then take in the panoramic views from the terrace.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 205 – USD 365
Guest Rating: 8.5
Address: Bahnhofplatz 1, 3860 Meiringen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Foroglio Falls, Val Bavona (near Locarno)
Set in the Bavona Valley, Foroglio Falls is a striking natural wonder that tumbles down a 110-metre-high rock. Follow the information trail in the villages of Cavergno or Bignasco and explore the floor of the valley through several stages to the Terra di Foroglio to Pontido. You can venture through the Calneggia valley to reach beautiful alpine meadows at heights of over 2,000 metres. Travellers often take in the natural scenery via guided tours around the valley.
Top Hotels Near Foroglio Falls
Eco-Hotel Cristallina
Eco-Hotel Cristallina is a unique eco-friendly hotel in the Maggia Valley, just 15 kilometres from Locarno. The family-run hotel offers an organic breakfast buffet, while its restaurant and pizzeria use local and seasonal products. In addition, the mountain-view rooms with private balconies feature bio-switches that reduce electricity.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 132 – USD 196
Guest Rating: 7.9
Address: Via Del Paese, Coglio, 6678 Maggia, Ticino, Switzerland
Casa Berno Swiss Quality Hotel
Casa Berno Swiss Quality Hotel is in the middle of a subtropical park, high above the city of Ascona. Enjoy panoramic lake views at the on-site restaurant or take a dip in the pool. Luxe Junior Suites offer amazing views of Lake Maggiore and feature Nespresso machines and air conditioning.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 264 – USD 404
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Via Gottardo Madonna 15, 6612 Ascona, Ticino, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Seerenbach Falls, Amden
A must-see for nature lovers, Seerenbach Falls is the tallest freefall waterfall in Switzerland. Take a short ferry ride across Lake Walen, then stroll through the grassy fields past quaint farms to reach this gem. Follow the path to the outlook – from here, you can marvel at the cascading 585-metre waterfall that thunders in a series of stages down to the Rin Spring. Additionally, you can enjoy the rocky “beach” areas nearby and cool off in the gentle waters.
Top Hotels Near Seerenbach Falls
Seminar- & Erlebnishotel Römerturm
Overlooking Lake Walen, Seminar- & Erlebnishotel Römerturm boasts a range of luxe facilities. Popina restaurant pairs panoramic lake and mountain views and market-fresh cuisine, and features an alluring, sun-drenched terrace. Upgraded rooms boast lake or mountain-view rooms and spacious suites add whirlpool tubs. Additionally, massages are available.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 243 – USD 401
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: Vordemwald, 8757 Glarus Nord, Glarus, Switzerland
Hotel Arvenbüel
Set on a high plateau 1,256 metres above Walensee, Hotel Arvenbüel is immersed in Switzerland’s natural beauty. In addition to a complimentary breakfast buffet, the on-site restaurant offers a menu of traditional Swiss cuisine. Explore the nearby hiking and skiing trails, then unwind in one of the rustic rooms featuring balconies with mountain views.
Star Rating: 3*
Price: USD 180 – USD 254
Guest Rating: 8.4
Address: Arvenbuel 47, 8873 Amden, Sankt Gallen, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Engstligen Falls, Adelboden
The 600-metre-long Engstligen Falls is Switzerland’s second-largest waterfall, under preservation since 1948. Formed from the joining of several streams in Engstligenalp, the falls can be seen up-close via a rocky path or above by cable car near Adelboden. Offering a low level of difficulty, the flat walking route next to the waterfall is a popular way to experience the falls. Along the way, you’ll pass tranquil mountain streams, grazing cows and mountain huts.
Top Hotels Near Engstligen Falls
The Cambrian Adelboden
Set amid the pristine scenery of the Swiss Alps, The Cambrian Adelboden offers mountain views in every direction. It boasts high-end dining and an award-winning spa (with a Finnish sauna), as well as alpine-style rooms with flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi. For the best views, choose a room facing south. Also, Axe Bar is a hotspot for apres-ski cocktails and pre-dinner aperitifs.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 280 – USD 1,115
Guest Rating: 9
Address: Dorfstrasse 7, 3715 Adelboden, Bern, Switzerland
Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa
Just seven kilometres from Engstligen Falls, Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa offers an idyllic location and a charming mid-century design. Rooms boast a blend of modern decor and vintage design along with stunning mountain views, while family-friendly suites add extra space. Dine on French cuisine at the elegant on-site restaurant or take advantage of the day spa, sauna and indoor/outdoor pools.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 141 – USD 225
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Bellevuestrasse 15, 3715 Adelboden, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Rosenlaui Falls, Meiringen
Nestled near the tranquil hamlet of Schwarzwaldalp, not far from Meiringen, Rosenlaui Falls is a jewel amongst the natural attractions in Switzerland. Adventurous travellers can enter through Gletscherschlucht and see the mighty falls from a footpath that ascends through the narrow ravine. Flourished with the meltwaters of Rosenlaui Glacier, the waterfall features 80-metre-tall cliff walls. At the end of the beautiful gorge, a quiet forest trail leads back down to the entry point.
Top Hotel Near Rosenlaui Falls
Hotel Alpbach
A five-minute walk from the Meiringen cable car, Hotel Alpbach boasts cosy rooms, a bar and an upscale restaurant. Room rates include a complimentary breakfast, as well as the use of the Finnish sauna, Turkish steam bath and indoor pool. Alternatively, there’s access to an outdoor pool in summer. It’s also 4.5 kilometres from the Reichenbach Falls.
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 210 – USD 286
Guest Rating: 8.3
Address: Kirchgasse 17, 3860 Meiringen, Bern, Switzerland
Hotel Location
Take the Scenic Route & Visit Switzerland To See Its Top Waterfalls
Switzerland’s top waterfalls are some of the best in Europe, tucked in its picturesque mountains. Visit Switzerland to see its collection of powerful waterfalls and explore its hidden natural attractions, then take respite in one of the nearby hotels with waterfall views, on-site restaurants and peaceful mountain settings.
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Looking for more nature-based adventures? Check out our guides on the best mountain biking trails in the U.S., the world’s best secluded beaches and unique hotels for adventurous travellers.
