Reichenbach Falls
Waterfall Dramatic Swiss waterfall famed in Sherlock Holmes stories
Near Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland, Reichenbach Falls combines a powerful waterfall, hiking trails and a funicular to viewpoints - and a literary association as the site of Sherlock Holmes’ famous confrontation.
Reichenbach Falls are a series of waterfalls and cascades on a mountain stream in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland, near the town of Meiringen. The falls form a steep, rocky gorge with multiple drops and have long attracted visitors for their dramatic scenery.
The site is internationally known for its association with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes story ‘The Final Problem’ (1893), in which the falls are the setting for Holmes’ fatal struggle with Professor Moriarty. This literary connection has made the falls a popular stop for fans and general tourists alike.
Visitor infrastructure includes paths and viewpoints that allow access to the upper and lower sections of the falls, and a short mountain railway/funicular service links the town area with the falls’ viewing points. The falls have been a local attraction since the 19th century and remain one of the better-known natural sites in the Bernese Alps region.
Geographically the falls sit above Meiringen in the Haslital valley of the Canton of Bern and are accessible by short local transport links and on-foot trails from the town.
- Literary link: The falls became a popular visitor destination after being used as the setting for Sherlock Holmes' confrontation with Professor Moriarty in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's story published in 1893.
- Access: Paths and viewing platforms provide access to different cascades; the site is reachable from the town of Meiringen by short walk or public lift and funicular services.
What to See #
- Reichenbach Funicular: A short mountain railway that carries visitors from the town area to a viewing point near the falls, making the upper reaches accessible without long climbs.
How to Get to Reichenbach Falls #
Reichenbach Falls is accessed from the village of Meiringen in the Bernese Oberland. Take the Zentralbahn (Brünig line) or InterCity trains to Meiringen from Interlaken or Lucerne; from Meiringen the falls are a walk of roughly 20-30 minutes uphill, or you can take the short Reichenbachfallbahn funicular that runs from Meiringen up to the falls (seasonal service may apply).
Tips for Visiting Reichenbach Falls #
- Plan your visit from Meiringen and take the short funicular or the marked hiking path up to the viewing platforms-these give the best vantage points over the falls and are how most visitors access the site.
- Visit outside the busiest summer hours if you want less crowded viewpoints; the walk down to the lower platforms is steep and the spray makes for dramatic photos in the morning light.
- Combine the falls with Meiringen's Sherlock Holmes attractions (museum and plaques) and the nearby Aare Gorge for a full-day outing that most travelers overlook.
Best Time to Visit Reichenbach Falls #
Best visited late spring through summer for maximum flow and reliable access; winter offers dramatic ice formations but can limit access.
Weather & Climate near Reichenbach Falls #
Reichenbach Falls's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1334 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (154 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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