Switzerland · Bernese Oberland
Reichenbach Falls
Reichenbachfall
Arthur Conan Doyle sent Sherlock Holmes to his apparent death over these falls in The Final Problem, and a funicular railway still carries visitors up to a viewing platform blasted into the rock beside the thundering drop. A small memorial plaque marks the fictional site of the detective battle with Moriarty.
Arthur Conan Doyle sent Sherlock Holmes to his apparent death over these falls in The Final Problem, and a funicular railway still carries visitors up to a viewing platform blasted into the rock beside the thundering drop. A small memorial plaque marks the fictional site of the detective battle with Moriarty.
Reichenbach Falls drops 120 metres (394 ft) on the Rychenbach. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Meiringen, with BRN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Summer glacial melt gives the fullest, most dramatic flow through the gorge.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Summer glacial melt gives the fullest, most dramatic flow through the gorge.
Entry: Funicular ticket ~14 CHF
Getting there
- Base townMeiringen
- AirportBRN
- CountrySwitzerland
- RegionBernese Oberland, Europe
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
46.7276, 8.2214
Quick answers
How tall is Reichenbach Falls?
Reichenbach Falls drops 120 metres (394 feet). It is a tiered-type waterfall on the Rychenbach.
When is the best time to visit Reichenbach Falls?
Peak flow is June to August. Summer glacial melt gives the fullest, most dramatic flow through the gorge.
What can you do at Reichenbach Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Reichenbach Falls?
The usual base is Meiringen, and the closest airport is BRN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Funicular ticket ~14 CHF.
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