Looking for some awesome hikes in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
I have put together this complete guide of the 4 Must-Do Hikes In Lauterbrunnen which includes some of the best Lauterbrunnen hiking trails and jaw-dropping scenery that will have you in complete awe.
Also, at the bottom of this post, I have included some useful information on how to get to Lauterbrunnen, recommendations on where to stay, fun things to do in Lauterbrunnen, and the best time to visit.
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Table of Contents
OVERVIEW
See below for a quick overview of the 4 Lauterbrunnen Hiking Trails that you will find in this post:
- Wengen to Männlichen
- Mürren to Grutschalp
- Schynige Platte to First
- Gimmelwald to Mürren
4 MUST-DO HIKES IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
WENGEN TO MÄNNLICHEN
Männlichen has always been one of the better hikes in Lauterbrunnen, where an upward trail leaves from Wengen via the Eiger Ultra Trail, where the full hike (4.9 km) takes roughly 2-hours past some of the best scenery we’ve come across in the Lauterbrunnen region.
The route, however, is steep, and narrow, and may not be the best hike for beginners (the downhill option better here).
Männlichen is one of the newer cable car routes to be included on the Jungfrau Travel Pass as a stop between Grindelwald, Wengen, and Grund, and it’s possible to just start at Männlichen Cable Car Stop for the final stretch known as The Männlichen Royal Walk.
There’s a nice crown at the top, and this Lauterbrunnen hike (or upward stroll really) is only around 20-minutes at the most walking there and then less back. But many people will do similar where they take the cable cars to Männlichen before walking a more leisurely downhill route back to Wengen.
There is also an alternative option from Männlichen with a hike to the pass at Kleine Scheidegg (1-hour 30 minutes) before following the downhill trek from Kleine Scheidegg (2-hours 30-minutes) back to Wengen. Again, this is a ridiculously scenic route and one of the best hikes in Lauterbrunnen.
Contributed By: Allan Wilson – It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor.
Wengen to Männlichen
Incredible views
MÜRREN TO GRUTSCHALP
An easy but one of the most scenic hikes in the region is the one from Mürren to Grutschalp.
This Lauterbrunnen hiking trail starts beside the Mürren train station and gradually meanders down to Grutschalp via the hamlet of Winteregg.
The well-made path offers an interesting and panoramic route – alongside the railway line, through alpine meadows, and over rushing streams. There are some wonderful viewing opportunities of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch as you make your descent (or ascent) on this incredible hike.
The path is mostly flat and suitable for all ages and it’s recommended you allow around 1-hour and 10-minutes to complete this hike in Lauterbrunnen. You’ll probably take longer though, as you’ll want to stop and admire the views!
If you are hiking in Lauterbrunnen during the summer months, a visit to the Alpkaserie Staubbach at Winteregg is a must.
This alpine cheese dairy sells the most delicious homemade yogurt and cheese straight from the farm gate. You’ll pass the farmer’s cows as you stroll along the path so do yourself a favor and sample their products. You’ll find Alpkaserie Staubbach near the Winteregg station.
You can start this hike in either Mürren or Grutschalp and it’s a great way to do something active either before or after a visit to the Schilthorn.
Contributed By: Carolyn – Holidays to Switzerland.
Mürren to Grutschalp
Scenic Lauterbrunnen hiking trailsSCHYNIGE PLATTE TO FIRST
Schnige Platte to First is one of the top-favorite hikes for travelers and is sometimes called the Faulhornweg, after the Faulhorn peak that you will climb as part of this hike.
It’s a fairly strenuous walk but definitely worth it, and is one of the best day hikes in Lauterbrunnen and arguably the whole Jungfrau region.
It takes about six hours to cover the 16 kilometers of the trail. The tourism office promotes this hike by saying that you will see six pearls in six hours:
- alpine flowers on the Matten
- the Loucherhorn
- the karst landscape in Güw
- the Sägistalsee
- the view from the Faulhorn
- the Bachalpsee
All of this mountain scenery is spectacular, but most people will agree that the best of the six is the view from the Faulhorn, with the Jungfrau massif on one side and Lake Brienz on the other. And the endpoint at First is also breathtaking, with great views of the 3701-meter Wetterhorn peak.
Add another hour or two to the total time of this Lauterbrunnen hike if you choose to walk down from First to Grindelwald. The alternative is to catch the gondola, which costs 30 CHF.
There are also various activities available at First, like go-karts, a flying fox, and even hang-gliding, that you might want to take advantage of if you still have energy left.
I recommend bringing a packed lunch with you on this hike, but if you want to eat afterward then Eiger in Grindelwald serves fresh, healthy food, including options for vegetarians and vegans in Switzerland.
Contributed By: Wendy Werneth – The Nomadic Vegan.
Schnige Platte to First
Awe-inspiring views
Amazing scenery
GIMMELWALD TO MÜRREN VIA THE NORTH FACE
Last but not least on this list of must-do hikes is the Gimmelwald to Mürren hike via The North Face.
I had visited Lauterbrunnen to go paragliding, but the region’s phenomenal hiking completely took me by surprise. I was staying in the small town of Gimmelwald and paragliding took off in the nearby town of Mürren.
This being Switzerland, both towns were perched on the sides of the mountains. Thus the most adventurous way to go between the two villages was to hike, and we opted for The North Face.
The North Face hike is a 7 km loop starting and ending in Murren (though you can also access it from Gimmelwald). This hike takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Although ‘The North Face’ sounds intimidating, the trail is fairly flat and considered easy.
However, if you aren’t accustomed to hiking at high altitudes (like me), you will find yourself getting tired sooner than you would on hikes at home. Luckily, there isn’t a lot of elevation gain.
The hike is moderately trafficked, and we saw a few other hikers on this Lauterbrunnen hiking trail. Far more often than hikers, we saw mountain vistas and yellow wildflowers on green pastures covered the foreground with old, wooden mountain lodges tucked away.
In the background were jagged, snow-capped mountains and a bright blue sky. This hike is easier enough for beginner hikers to enjoy but offers views spectacular enough to make experienced hikers enjoy the route.
Contributed By: Mikaela Ferguson – Voyageur Tripper.
Gimmelwald to Mürren hike via The North Face
Gimmelwald to Mürren
A log cabin on the mountaintop
WHERE IS LAUTERBRUNNEN?
Lauterbrunnen is located in the center of Switzerland in the Jungfrau Region among the Swiss Alps.
It’s set in a beautiful valley surrounded by monolithic cliffs and features countless glacial waterfalls.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
There are many transportation options available when searching for how to get to Lauterbrunnen and it all depends on where you are traveling from within Switzerland.
I have gone into further detail in a separate blog post on which you might like to take a look at. It includes all the transport options for how to get here from 7 major cities within Switzerland.
READ NOW → HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
When planning a trip to Switzerland, one of the best and most popular ways to get around the country is by using the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass which includes the majority of trains, buses, and boats throughout the whole of Switzerland.
Once you have purchased the Swiss Travel Pass online, you’ll receive an email with your tickets that you will have to print and keep with you at all times.
I also recommend downloading the SBB Mobile app from the App Store. You can use this app to check all train, bus, and boat timetables in Switzerland when you’re on the move.
HOW TO GET FROM INTERLAKEN TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
If you are visiting Lauterbrunnen Switzerland from the nearby city of Interlaken, there are hourly trains that depart from Interlaken East Train Station, and using the Swiss Travel Pass, taking a train to Lauterbrunnen Railway Station couldn’t be easier.
The train from Interlaken takes only twenty minutes and you’ll disembark right in the center of upper Lauterbrunnen Valley.
RELATED ARTICLE → 8 DAY SWITZERLAND ITINERARY
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAUTERBRUNNEN
The best time to visit depends on what you plan to do. If you are planning on cycling or hiking, then you’ll want to time your visit during summer.
I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Switzerland which is April through to September when temperatures are warm and the landscapes are vividly green.
If you don’t mind the cold, visiting in winter between December and March is absolutely magical because the mountains are completely covered in glistening white snow. Visiting in winter also gives you the option to go skiing in the Swiss Alps.
Lauterbrunnen in Winter
WHERE TO STAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
The majority of people choose to stay in Interlaken, a small city located just twenty minutes drive or twenty minutes on the train from the valley.
There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorite places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
This 5-star hotel is centrally located in between two beautiful lakes in the picturesque town of Interlaken. Victoria Jungfrau Hotel features a spa, swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The spacious rooms have elegant interiors and marble bathrooms, boasting views of the snowcapped mountains in the Jungfrau region. Wifi is free and breakfast is included.
Mid Range: Hotel Interlaken
Hotel Interlaken is where I based myself for one-night because it is conveniently located just five minutes’ walk from Interlaken East Train Station and a twenty-minute train ride to the valley. Hotel Interlaken is the perfect accommodation for couples, families, solo travelers, and friends. Featuring large rooms, mountain views, and a delicious buffet breakfast.
Budget: Valley Hostel
If you are traveling solo, the Valley Hostel is your best option for cheap accommodation. Located in the heart of the valley, this hostel is within walking distance to nearby waterfalls, retail shops, restaurants, and the main train station. Valley Hostel offers dorms and private rooms for every sort of traveler!
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY, SEE MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON WHERE TO STAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
AIRBNB LAUTERBRUNNEN
Another option for accommodation is to stay at an Airbnb, which generally has some great deals.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
I have put together a separate guide of where to eat during your visit which includes the 10 Best Restaurants and Cafes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks!
This guide will help you narrow down your choices and explore what each restaurant has to offer, hopefully, to make your decisions easier.
FULL BLOG POST → 10 BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN RESTAURANTS
Lunchtime
BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS
There are so many sights and experiences to take in. From the gorgeous valleys, the glacial waterfalls, and the beautiful mountain ranges, it can be hard to decide where to start.
Guided tours can be a perfect way to see the local area and have the on-hand experience from a knowledgeable guide to make your experience one to remember.
I have put together a separate blog post that you might also like to check out.
FULL BLOG POST → BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS
Scenic helicopter tour
THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
I have visited Lauterbrunnen on two separate occasions, once in winter and the other in summer. I recommend spending around 2-3 days in Lauterbrunnen to make the most out of your visit.
Lauterbrunnen Switzerland is so insanely beautiful that you’ll feel like you are standing in a real-life postcard!
I have put together a separate Lauterbrunnen Travel Guide where you’ll find the top 15 things to do in Lauterbrunnen to help you plan your trip ahead of time.
VIEW BLOG POST → 15 THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
Lauterbrunnen Valley
BEST SWITZERLAND TOURS
MORE SWITZERLAND TRAVEL GUIDES
If you are planning a holiday in Switzerland, be sure to check out my other travel guides below that you might find useful while putting together your Switzerland itinerary!
LONELY PLANET SWITZERLAND
One of the best books to take on your trip is the Lonely Planet Switzerland Guide.
BUY NOW ON AMAZON → LONELY PLANET SWITZERLAND
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JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
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Join my Facebook Community and send me a message at any time for a quick response!
MY SHOP
Before you go, don’t forget to check out My Online Shop!
I’ve got a wide range of digital products for sale and I’m sure you’ll find something that will come in handy during your travels!
SEE MORE → MY SHOP
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions about Hikes In Lauterbrunnen, please drop me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Adventuring!