Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls which includes a waterfall


Immortalized in a Sherlock Holmes novel, these falls in Bern are as dramatic and memorable as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ingenious detective.

The famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes faked his death at the top of Reichenbach Falls. Even if you’re not a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books, you’ll find these 394-foot-high (120-metre) falls a remarkable sight. Visit Reichenbach Falls, nestled in some of central Switzerland’s most beautiful scenery, in the canton of Bern.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a regular visitor to the area. He chose Reichenbach Falls as the setting for the climactic final scene in The Final Problem. Following a fight on a ledge overlooking the falls, Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis Professor Moriarty apparently both plummet to their deaths.

A great way to experience the falls is via the Reichenbachfall funicular. The cable car station is located about a 20-minute walk outside of Meiringen. From here, the funicular takes you up the valley to the lower part of the falls. Get out and make a short hike to the top of the falls.

Look for the ledge that Holmes and Moriarty fell from. From the funicular’s viewing platform, try to spot a star painted on the cliffs marking the ledge. To get closer, hike down the other side of the falls to the marked path. A plaque denotes the fatal spot.

The area is open from May through October. In spring the falls are the most dramatic with strong flow from melting snow from nearby mountains.

The funicular has a fee. Arrive early. Tickets are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and they tend to go quickly in summer.

Reichenbach Falls are 1.5 hours from Bern and 3.5 hours from Geneva by train. If you drive, use the car park at the foot of the falls. After your visit, explore Meiringen. Look for homages to Sherlock Holmes throughout the town, including a small museum and a statue of the detective. This town first became famous as the birthplace of meringues. Sample one of the airy desserts while you’re here.

Plan a trip to see Reichenbach Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Mulin by Amanthos
Hotel Walther
BelArosa Chalet

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen

SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen

2 out of 5
Allmendstrasse 3/24, Meiringen
SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen
Victoria - Alpine Boutique Hotel & Fine Dining

Victoria - Alpine Boutique Hotel & Fine Dining

4 out of 5
Bahnhofplatz 9, Meiringen, BE
Victoria - Alpine Boutique Hotel & Fine Dining
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes

Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes

3 out of 5
3 Alpbachallee, Meiringen, BE
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 6 persons with 2 bedrooms - Holiday apartment

Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 6 persons with 2 bedrooms - Holiday apartment

Schattenhalb, Oberhasli
Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 6 persons with 2 bedrooms - Holiday apartment
Hotel Dakota

Hotel Dakota

4 out of 5
Amthausgasse 2, Meiringen
Hotel Dakota
Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 5 persons with 1 bedroom - Farmhouse

Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 5 persons with 1 bedroom - Farmhouse

Schattenhalb
Holiday apartment Schattenhalb for 1 - 5 persons with 1 bedroom - Farmhouse
Parkhotel du Sauvage

Parkhotel du Sauvage

4 out of 5
30 Bahnhofstrasse, Meiringen, BE
Parkhotel du Sauvage
SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen by Interhome

SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen by Interhome

Meiringen, Canton of Bern
SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen by Interhome
Hotel Meiringen

Hotel Meiringen

3 out of 5
Bahnhofplatz 1, Meiringen
Hotel Meiringen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls offers a variety of exciting activities, including skiing, canoeing, and rock climbing. Visitors can enjoy the scenic journey on the Reichenbach Falls funicular, which provides access to stunning views. For those seeking adventure, nearby winter activities abound, and there are lovely picnic areas perfect for a relaxing day out. Accommodation options are available near the funicular for a convenient stay while exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, explore Hertensteinstrasse, a vibrant shopping area located 14.9km away from Reichenbach Falls. If you're up for a drive, you'll discover a mix of family-friendly shops and local businesses, perfect for finding gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience family-friendly fun at Sportzentrum Grindelwald, an aquatic centre 5.6km from Reichenbach Falls, perfect for swimming and relaxation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fluehli-Soerenberg Golf Club offers a scenic golf course 8.1km away. Alternatively, enjoy the outdoor pool at Aquacenter Obwalden, also 8.1km away, ideal for families.

Adventure

The Grindelwald Grund Gondola, situated 6.2km from Reichenbach Falls, offers thrilling ski experiences amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. The Gelmer Funicular, 5.6km away, provides family-friendly outdoor adventures. For a fun ride, the Pfingstegg Toboggan Run, also 5.6km distant, promises exhilarating tobogganing fun for all ages.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory, where you can marvel at the stars in a family-friendly atmosphere. For some adventure, visit Jungfrau Park's arcade zone. Alternatively, try your luck at Bowling-Interlaken, just a short drive away for a fun-filled evening.

Find the best attractions near Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls, located in the stunning Canton of Bern, offers a wealth of attractions for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore breathtaking lakes, majestic mountains, and awe-inspiring glaciers, perfect for outdoor adventures. Don't miss the famous Reichenbach Waterfall itself, and consider nearby hotels for a comfortable stay. Additionally, there are various attractions in the vicinity to discover, ensuring a memorable experience in this picturesque Swiss locale.

  • Lake Brienz: Nestled just 6.2km from Reichenbach Falls, Lake Brienz is a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by majestic mountains. Enjoy its serene beaches and picturesque scenery, perfect for a romantic picnic or leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
  • Ballenberg Open Air Museum: Located 3.1km away, this immersive museum showcases Swiss culture through historic buildings and traditional crafts. Explore the beautiful grounds while discovering the rich heritage of Switzerland in an engaging outdoor setting.
  • Wetterhorn: Just 3.7km from Reichenbach Falls, the Wetterhorn offers exhilarating outdoor adventures. Hike its scenic trails and soak in breathtaking views, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Best time to go to Reichenbach Falls

The best time to visit Reichenbach Falls is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.1°F (-2.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February28.2°F (-2.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
May47.7°F (8.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.8°F (13.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July60.3°F (15.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August59.9°F (15.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
November36.5°F (2.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December29.7°F (-1.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Reichenbach Falls

To save on your visit to Reichenbach Falls, consider travelling in the cheaper months of March to April or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to find deals, especially last-minute offers, and refine searches by budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Combining flights, hotels, and activities into a package can also yield significant savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Reichenbach Falls are March to April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Reichenbach Falls about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Reichenbach Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Reichenbach Falls is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay at Reichenbach Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.