Iseltwald 2020
Iseltwald is a postcard-perfect Swiss village situated on a quiet, pointed peninsula along the southern shore of Lake Brienz (Brienzersee) in the Bernese Oberland.
Historically a sleepy, traditional fishing village populated by charming wooden chalets, Iseltwald has skyrocketed to global fame in recent years. It is widely celebrated for its jaw-dropping, vibrant turquoise water and its cinematic appearance as a central filming location for a hit television drama.
The K-Drama Phenomenon: Crash Landing on You
If you watch South Korean television, you will immediately recognize Iseltwald. The village’s public wooden boat pier served as the filming location for the legendary scene in the mega-hit drama Crash Landing on You, where the main character, Ri Jeong-hyeok, plays a melancholic piano solo while snow falls onto the lake.
- The Turnstile System: Because thousands of fans flooded the village daily to take a photo on the exact spot, the local municipality installed a smart turnstile gate at the entrance of the pier to manage the crowds and fund local infrastructure. To walk out onto the wooden jetty, you must tap a card to pay a CHF 5 entry fee (unless you are staying overnight in Iseltwald or dining at a local restaurant, which provides a voucher).
Top Places to Visit & Things to Do
Beyond the famous pier, Iseltwald offers a remarkably peaceful, nature-focused escape.
Schloss Seeburg (Seeburg Castle) is the majestic, fairytale-like castle sitting on the absolute tip of the village peninsula. Built in the late 19th century, its elegant spires reflect beautifully into the turquoise lake.
- Please Note: The castle is a private estate and a medical rehabilitation center, meaning the interior and immediate grounds are completely closed to the general public. However, it serves as the ultimate backdrop for landscape photography from the village shore.
The Giessbach Waterfall Hike is one of the most beautiful lakeside trail walks in Switzerland. You can hike the flat, forest path directly from Iseltwald along the shoreline to the historic Grand Hotel Giessbach and its roaring, multi-tiered waterfalls. The hike covers about 6 kilometers and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
Lakeside Promenade: The village is mostly pedestrian-only, lined with old-world wooden chalets draped in flowers. Walking along the quiet shoreline promenade (Uferweg) allows you to admire the water, which gets its striking turquoise color from microscopic glacial particles flowing down from the mountains.
Culinary Experience: Fresh Catch from the Lake
Given its roots as a fishing village, the local gastronomy centers completely around fresh, sustainable lake fish.
- Egli (Perch): The absolute local specialty. Almost every lakeside terrace serves Egli-Knusperli—lightly battered, crispy fried pieces of local perch, typically served with tartar sauce, fresh lemon, and a side of fries or green salad.
- Where to Dine: Look for Strandhotel Iseltwald or Restaurant Du Lac, which feature open-air dining terraces built directly over the water, offering perfect views across the lake to Brienz and the surrounding peaks.
What to Prepare (Traveler’s Checklist)
Beat the Crowds: If you want to photograph the pier without massive tour group queues, arrive early in the morning (before 9:00 AM) or visit during the late afternoon when the day-trippers have left.
Arrive via Passenger Ferry: While you can drive or take a bus from Interlaken, the most magical way to experience Iseltwald is to arrive by water. Board the public BLS Passenger Boat from Interlaken Ost. The boat cruise takes about 45 minutes, gliding slowly across the emerald water before dropping you off directly next to the famous pier.
Bus 103 Alternative: If you prefer the road, Bus Line 103 runs hourly from the Interlaken Ost train station directly to Iseltwald. The ride takes roughly 20 minutes and is fully covered if you hold a Swiss Travel Pass.
Parking Strategy: If you choose to drive from Solothurn or Interlaken, be aware that driving inside the village center is strictly forbidden for non-residents. You must park your car in the designated public pay-parking lot located at the entrance of the village (near the highway exit) and walk 5–10 minutes down into the center.
