News and Highlights you shouldn’t miss

Construction work at the village square will begin on 1 September 2025. The main work will continue until Christmas 2025, with minor finishing work scheduled for spring 2026.

Important information for guests:

• Access: During construction, access to the village center will not be possible for tourists. Exceptions are guests with a confirmed parking space at their hotel, restaurant, or holiday apartment.

• Parking: Public parking in the village center will no longer be available from 1 September. Please use the parking area at Leacherboden.

• Tour buses: Coaches will drop off their guests at the Leacherboden parking lot. Afterwards, they can park at the Astra parking lot near the A8 (online reservation possible).

We thank you for your understanding and wish you a pleasant stay in Iseltwald.

Current information is always available at www.iseltwald.ch.

The Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) raises awareness of the rules in Switzerland with #FlyDronesSafely. Drones must be registered, insured, and flown correctly. Violations may result in fines. This ensures that the guest experience remains safe and enjoyable.

More information: Swiss Tourism Federation

This year’s 1 August celebration on the picturesque village square in Iseltwald was a great success! Despite mostly dry weather, numerous locals and guests from near and far gathered to celebrate Switzerland’s birthday together.

After the traditional village breakfast organized by the shooting club and a cheerful afternoon with children’s games, the evening’s festive program began. The Iseltwald Wind Band marched ceremoniously from the lakeside swimming area and opened the evening musically. Afterwards, Titia Weiland from the Bönigen-Iseltwald Tourism Association welcomed the guests. Musical highlights were provided by the Harzerfäger, the Alphorn group Harzis, the Iseltwald Yodel Club, and of course the Wind Band – all contributing to the festive atmosphere. The traditional costumes worn by local women added an especially ceremonial touch to the performances.

A special highlight was the inspiring speech by National Councillor Ueli Schmezer. As a member of parliament, committed consumer advocate, musician, and long-time moderator, he spoke with great passion and conviction about Switzerland, its values, and the importance of democracy.

National Councillor Ueli Schmezer (SP) spoke at the National Day celebrations in Hilterfingen and Iseltwald.

The celebrations continued with the singing of the Swiss Psalm, followed by the traditional lantern parade. The Wind Band, together with the drummers, led the procession to the bay, where a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Brienz marked the grand finale.

We sincerely thank all participants, helpers, and visitors for coming and celebrating with us – it was an unforgettable evening in Iseltwald!

Press Release, Giessbach, 15 May 2025

From 26 May 2025, a new barrier system will be put into operation at the entrance to Giessbach Nature Park in Brienz. This measure aims to improve visitor management, create a more relaxed and organized parking situation for all guests, and ensure the long-term protection of the sensitive natural surroundings around the popular Giessbach Waterfall, the historic Grand Hotel, and the Giessbachbahn. In addition, it provides a valuable opportunity for people seeking a conscious escape from everyday life in nature, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of the area in peace.

The new barrier is part of a comprehensive concept for sustainable visitor management. Controlled access will create a calm, safe, and orderly parking situation on site. At the same time, each visitor contributes directly to the preservation of the unique Giessbach Nature Park by purchasing an entrance ticket. Hotel guests with a room reservation automatically receive their entrance ticket and can park in the designated hotel parking areas. All other visitors – including guests with a table reservation – must book their ticket online in advance. The number of entrance tickets is limited, and without a valid ticket, entry will no longer be possible. The price is CHF 15 (evening ticket CHF 10).

The road to Giessbach is a narrow mountain road. There is very little space to turn around just before the barrier, making it essential to purchase the entrance ticket in advance. Parking along the road or in front of the barrier is strictly prohibited.

Entry for coaches and buses remains prohibited. Exceptions can be granted in coordination with the Events Department upon prior arrangement.

The recommended way to reach Giessbach is by boat and the historic Giessbachbahn. This not only provides a memorable experience but also avoids traffic congestion and is not subject to ticket limits.

With the new access system, Giessbach Nature Park sends a clear message for gentle tourism and responsible management of the beautiful landscape and sensitive forest. At the same time, it creates space for peace and relaxation – a valuable opportunity for those who want to escape the everyday and enjoy the surrounding beauty in tranquility.

Giessbach Foundation – for the Swiss people

FLYER Ticket Giessbach DEF

Whether the concert takes place at the Quai in Bönigen or at the open-air concerts in Iseltwald will be announced here by 17:00 on the day of the event in case of uncertain weather.

On Thursday, 3 April 2025, the 12th Annual General Meeting of Bönigen-Iseltwald Tourism took place. During the meeting, Franziska Tidy Imhof (auditor), Vreni Kaufmann (vice president), and Bettina Hutmacher (board member) were bid farewell after several years of dedicated service. President Rolf Schlunegger warmly thanked them for their valuable contributions to the tourism association. He also stepped down from his role as president, which he had held since 2017. Vreni Kaufmann praised his achievements over the past eight years. Rolf Schlunegger will continue to serve on the board as vice president.

Newly elected were Sascha Grossniklaus from Raiffeisenbank Jungfrau as auditor and two new board members. Eveline Coretti, managing director of the Lake Lodge in Iseltwald, will now represent hosts’ perspectives in tourism matters. Andrea Schneider from Interlaken took over the presidency at the AGM.

Andrea Schneider brings an extensive network in tourism and beyond. She has experience in leading teams and managing processes, and works as an independent consultant for sustainable development, tourism, and location management. Her consultancy allows her to integrate different perspectives and communicate effectively – participation is a key concern for her. She combines strategic thinking with pragmatic implementation.

In her new role as president of Bönigen-Iseltwald Tourism, Andrea Schneider has the following goals:

- Strengthening collaboration with tourism stakeholders and members: Successful tourism relies on strong networking and joint development. 
- Developing strategies that benefit both guests and locals: Tourism can be a win-win for everyone if a balanced approach is achieved.
- Targeted use of financial resources for suitable, innovative projects: Investments should be strategic and support both sustainable development and economic stability.

The board is pleased that the proposed candidates were elected by the general assembly and looks forward to working together in the new configuration:

- President: Andrea Schneider 
- Vice President: Rolf Schlunegger (Iseltwald) 
- Managing Director: Titia Weiland 
- Municipal Representatives: Simon Seiler (Bönigen) and Jeannette Unterberger (Iseltwald)
- Other Members: Biggi Kobler (TCS Camping, Bönigen), Sandra Budd (Seehotel, Bönigen), Eveline Coretti (Lake Lodge, Iseltwald), Jürg Vogel (Bönigen)

The new SmarTrail Historic Houses takes you to significant historical buildings that reflect Bönigen's architecture over the centuries. On this exciting circular trail, you can discover the stories behind these impressive structures and experience history up close. A worthwhile excursion for anyone interested in culture and history!