Iseltwald is a small, pretty village on a little peninsula on the south shore of Lake Brienz, about twenty minutes by bus or car from Interlaken. Its old wooden houses, fishing boats and a tiny wooded island with a castle-like villa sit on startlingly turquoise water, with the mountains rising steeply behind. In recent years a small wooden jetty in the village became world-famous after appearing in the South Korean television drama Crash Landing on You, and fans travel from far away to photograph it. Beyond the jetty, Iseltwald is a peaceful place to stroll, swim, have lunch by the water and start the lakeside walk to the Giessbach Falls. The village is free to visit.
What to do
Wander the lakeside promenade and the old village, take photographs of the jetty and the island, and find a waterside restaurant for fish from the lake. In summer, the water is clear enough for swimming from the shore, and you can rent pedal boats or kayaks in season. The lakeside path to Giessbach starts nearby and follows the shore through woods for about five kilometres, around an hour and a half to two hours, ending at the falls and the grand hotel.
Visiting responsibly
Because the jetty became so popular, the village introduced a small fee and a turnstile for photographs there, and asks visitors to respect residents' privacy, keep noise down and use the marked car parks. Iseltwald is very small, so arriving early in the day or in the evening avoids the busiest periods, especially at weekends in summer.
Getting there
Buses run from Interlaken Ost to Iseltwald in about twenty minutes, and in the warmer months Lake Brienz boats call at the village landing stage, which makes a lovely way to arrive. By car, there is limited paid parking at the edge of the village. Combine a visit with the walk to Giessbach and a boat back to Interlaken, or continue along the lake to Brienz and Ballenberg.
What to expect
The experience
A free visit to a small lakeside village with a famous jetty, swimming spots, restaurants and the start of the lakeside path to Giessbach.
Best time
Early morning or evening, especially on summer weekends, to avoid the crowds.
How long
One to three hours, more with the walk to Giessbach.
Tips
Respect residents and the jetty rules, use the marked car parks or arrive by bus or boat, and combine with the Giessbach walk.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Lake views, photographs and a gentle walk.
- Families
- Good, with lakeside space and swimming in summer; supervise children by the water.
- Couples
- Arrive by boat, lunch by the water and walk to Giessbach.
- Pair with
- Giessbach Falls, a Lake Brienz cruise and Brienz.
- Time needed
- A half day with the walk.
Good questions
How do I get to Iseltwald from Interlaken?+
By bus in about twenty minutes, or by Lake Brienz boat in the warmer months.
Why is the jetty famous?+
It appeared in the South Korean drama Crash Landing on You and became a popular photo spot.
Is there a fee for the jetty?+
The village has introduced a small fee and turnstile for photographs on the jetty.
Can I swim at Iseltwald?+
Yes, in summer, from the shore; the water is cold but clear.
Is Iseltwald free to visit?+
Yes. The village is free; you pay only for parking, the jetty photo spot and activities.
