The three-step Seerenbach Falls are considered as one of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland. Because the middle of the three steps has a free fall of 305 meters. Next to the Seerenbach Falls is the impressive Rin Spring, which fascinates nature lovers with its power. The place is reachable in only around 1 hour from Zurich.
Text and Pictures Marc Gottwald
Seerenbach Falls
The Seerenbach Falls with its three steps belong to the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Switzerland and the Alps. Higher are only the Mattenbach Falls and the Staldenbach Falls, both located near Stechelberg in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
In addition, the middle step with 305 meters is one of the highest waterfalls in the world. If you walk another 10 minutes or so from Betlis in the direction of the waterfall, you will come to a platform where you can marvel at the lowest stage of the Seerenbach Falls and the breathtaking Rin Spring. Access to the visitor platform is free of charge.
Rinquelle
The Rin Spring is a waterfall about 40 meters high right next to the Seerenbach Falls.
The water comes from a karst spring, probably one of the largest in Europe. How big the underground cave system is, even researchers do not know. It is estimated at about 35 kilometers, but only about 2 kilometers have been explored by cave divers. According to scientists, however, the water comes from the Säntis and Churfirsten areas, where it seeps into the karst system.
In spring during snowmelt or after heavy rainfall, water volumes of up to 30,000 liters per second can escape at Rinquelle.
However, it is important to know that the two waterfalls are not connected, but the water has a different origin.
Best time to visit Seerenbach Falls & Rin Spring
If you want to experience the Seerenbach Falls in its full splendor, you absolutely have to come in spring during the snowmelt. Because then the falls carry the most water. In summer and autumn, when there is little rainfall, the falls are often dry. However, if it rains a few days in a row, a visit is recommended even then.
In cold winter days, the destination is not worth the trip, because the water is frozen, respectively stored as snow in the mountains.
Please note that especially in spring and early summer the risk of ticks is very high. Therefore, we recommend to apply tick spray beforehand and to check yourself thoroughly afterwards. It is also important to stay on the paths.
Arrival at Seerenbach Falls by car
By car you drive from Weesen in the direction of Betlis. It is important to know that you have only two 5-minute time slots every hour, where you are allowed to drive on the one-way street. This is xx.00-xx.05 and xx.30-xx.35. The same applies if you want to drive back to Weesen. Then the driving times are xx.15-xx.20 and xx.45-xx.50.
The road is extremely narrow and leads through sometimes almost spooky tunnels. Please be aware that the maximum vehicle size is 2 meters wide and high. Campers are therefore not allowed to drive through.
As soon as you reach a junction after about 5 minutes of driving, turn right. There is a limited number of parking spaces available. Especially in spring on weekends it is worth to arrive in the early morning hours. The first hour costs 5CHF, each additional 2CHF (as of 2022).
From there it’s a leisurely walk of about 20 minutes to Betlis, where you can hear and see the Seerenbach Falls rushing from far away.
Arrival via hike
If you don’t want to drive, you can also hike the route comfortably along the road in about 1h 15 minutes with a wonderful view over Lake Walen. The best place to park your car is near the beach bistro Lago Mio in Weesen. Here, as well, the parking spaces are sometimes occupied very quickly on a beautiful spring weekend.
During the hike you will notice especially in Betlis southern plants like fig trees or palm trees. This side of Lake Walensee is known for its Mediterranean climate. The Romans already appreciated this and brought fruits and plants, which they missed, to today’s Switzerland.
Speaking of Romans: during the hike you will pass the Strahlegg ruins. It is a military watchtower from the Roman era and was probably built in the 1st century BC under Emperor Augustus.
On the way you will pass a farm restaurant. Furthermore, there is also a great barbecue area and various places to enjoy a fantastic picnic.
As soon as you arrive in Betlis, you will see the neat chapel. The Betlis chapel was built a long time ago in the 14th century near the Strahlegg castle. At the end of the 19th century the place was rebuilt. From Betlis it takes another ten minutes to reach the platform, where you can admire the Seerenbach Falls and the Rin Spring in close proximity.
Hike on to Quinten
If you have arrived in Weesen by public transport, you can also continue on a dreamlike hiking trail to Quinten. This takes another 2.5 hours, where you can see some orchids and other rare plants.
