Reichenbach Falls Tours and Activities

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-meter) 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.
Moxy Rapperswil
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Hotel Chalet Swiss

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Reichenbach Falls

SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen

SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen

2 out of 5
Allmendstrasse 3/24, Meiringen
SWISSPEAK Resorts Meiringen
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes

Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes

3 out of 5
3 Alpbachallee, Meiringen, BE
Das Hotel Sherlock Holmes
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
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
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
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

Experience the stunning beauty of Reichenbach Falls with thrilling activities like ridge hikes and exploring lookout points. Enjoy downhill skiing and various sports opportunities in the area, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you're canoeing or rock climbing, the natural landscape offers countless ways to immerse yourself in the Swiss outdoors.

Shopping

In Reichenbach Falls, enjoy the charming local shops along Hertensteinstrasse, a vibrant area filled with unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Hertensteinstrasse is located 38.6km away, offering a delightful mix of family-friendly and business vibes for your shopping experience.

Recreation

At Sportzentrum Grindelwald, enjoy a family-friendly aquatic centre with pools and fun water activities, located 14.5km from Reichenbach Falls. For outdoor sports, Fluehli-Soerenberg Golf Club offers a beautiful golf course 20.9km away. Relax at Kneippanlage Schwandalp, a wellness area 22.5km away, ideal for rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the First Cable Car, located 14.5km from Reichenbach Falls, offering family-friendly outdoor adventures. Enjoy skiing at the Grindel Ski Lift, located 11.3km away, or take a scenic ride on the Melchsee-Frutt Cable Car, situated 9.7km from the falls, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Reichenbach Falls offers unique experiences. Visit the Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory for family-friendly stargazing, or try your luck at the romantic Interlaken Casino. For some adventure, check out Jungfrau Park, an arcade and adventure zone perfect for families seeking fun.

Find the best attractions near Reichenbach Falls

Reichenbach Falls offers breathtaking scenery with its stunning lakes, majestic mountains, and impressive glaciers. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and romantic getaways, visitors can explore various attractions in the area. Don't miss the funicular ride to the falls, and be sure to check out local hotel reviews for a comfortable stay. For more information on the falls and nearby activities, plenty of resources are available to enhance your visit.

  • Lake Brienz: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Brienz, renowned for its romantic scenery and outdoor activities. The turquoise waters and picturesque beaches make it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure, just 16.1km from Reichenbach Falls.
  • First Station: For thrill-seekers, First Station offers exhilarating outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. Located 11.3km away, this mountain destination is ideal for hiking and exploring the majestic Swiss landscape.
  • Sherlock Holmes Museum: Immerse yourself in the culture at the Sherlock Holmes Museum, situated only 1.4km from Reichenbach Falls. This charming museum celebrates the iconic detective, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that bring his stories to life.

Best time to go to Reichenbach Falls

The best time to visit Reichenbach Falls can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Reichenbach Falls falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Reichenbach Falls falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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, consider travelling during the cheaper months of March to April or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Look for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Tuesdays, which are the least expensive days to stay. Take advantage of free attractions nearby, such as Lake Brienz and Giessbach Falls. For added savings, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package on Expedia, while keeping an eye out for free cancellations and great value deals.

  • 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 Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Reichenbach Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.