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.

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Things to do near Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls offers a plethora of activities for adventure enthusiasts, including skiing, canoeing, and rock climbing. The area is also home to scenic cycling paths, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. For those interested in culture, art exhibitions are available in the vicinity. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or leisurely pursuits, Reichenbach Falls has something to delight every visitor.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Hertensteinstrasse, located 38.6km away from Reichenbach Falls, offers a vibrant shopping area with a mix of family-friendly businesses and urban vibes, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.

Recreation

Experience family-friendly fun at Sportzentrum Grindelwald's aquatic centre, where you can enjoy various water activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, Fluehli-Soerenberg Golf Club offers a delightful golfing experience amidst beautiful scenery. Alternatively, relax at Aquacenter Obwalden, a pool perfect for families and outdoor enjoyment.

Adventure

Near Reichenbach Falls, the Meiringen-Hasliberg Cable Car, located 1.6km away, offers breathtaking views and a thrilling ride. The Gelmer Funicular, 14.5km away, provides an exhilarating ascent with stunning scenery. For skiing enthusiasts, the Grindelwald Grund Gondola, 16.1km away, promises adventure on the slopes.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory, where you can marvel at the stars. For an adventurous vibe, visit Jungfrau Park's arcade. Alternatively, enjoy a captivating performance at Tell-Spiele theatre, perfect for culture and romance on a memorable evening in Reichenbach Falls.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls offers a splendid array of attractions for nature enthusiasts, with its stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and breathtaking glaciers. Ideal for outdoor adventurers, visitors can immerse themselves in the picturesque scenery while engaging in various activities that promise both excitement and tranquillity. Whether you seek thrilling experiences or serene moments in nature, this captivating destination caters to all your desires.

  • Lake Brienz: A picturesque lake located 16.1km from Reichenbach Falls, Lake Brienz offers stunning scenery and a romantic atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the beach or partake in various outdoor activities, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.
  • Aare Gorge: Just 1.6km away, Aare Gorge presents a breathtaking canyon experience. The dramatic cliffs and rushing waters create an adventurous vibe, ideal for those who enjoy outdoor exploration and stunning natural landscapes.
  • First Station: Located 11.3km from Reichenbach Falls, First Station is a majestic mountain that invites outdoor enthusiasts to hike and enjoy its scenic beauty. The area offers thrilling adventures and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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 moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Reichenbach Falls

To save money on your visit to Reichenbach Falls, plan your trip during the off-peak months of March to April or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel about a month in advance can yield better deals, and searching for last-minute offers on platforms like Expedia can also be beneficial. Aim to stay on a Tuesday for the best prices. Consider using Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and explore package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Reichenbach Falls is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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 tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, 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 available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your hotel reservation for Reichenbach Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.