Lauterbrunnen Valley is by far one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, featuring glacial waterfalls, hiking trails, ski slopes, and quaint villages. This stunning destination is the gateway to the Jungfrau Region and it’s often referred to as The Valley Of 72 Waterfalls.
I have visited Lauterbrunnen on two separate occasions, once in winter and the other in summer, and I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in this region to make the most out of your visit.
In this travel guide, you’ll find the 15 Amazing Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen including epic waterfalls, thrill-seeking activities, hiking and cycling, fun-fuelled day trips, and more!
I have included some useful information on how to get to Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, where to stay, top restaurants and cafes, and the best time to visit.
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Table of Contents
OVERVIEW
See below for an overview of the 15 Amazing Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen that you’ll find in this guide:
- Staubbach Falls
- Trümmelbach Falls
- Mürren Village
- Mount Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)
- Iconic Yellow Train To Wengen
- Wengen Village
- Wengen To Männlichen Hike
- Go Paragliding
- Jungfraujoch Day Trip
- Mürren To Grutschalp Hike
- Grindelwald Day Trip
- Schynige Platte To First Hike
- Other Hikes In The Region
- Go Cycling
- Skydiving In Interlaken
Related Article → 8 Day Switzerland Itinerary
WHERE IS LAUTERBRUNNEN?
Lauterbrunnen is located in the center of Switzerland in the Jungfrau Region among the Swiss Alps.
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.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAUTERBRUNNEN SWITZERLAND
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.
15 THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
Now that you’ve got all the logistics of how to get here and the best time to visit, let’s get to the fun stuff.
So, without further ado, here is a complete list of 15 AMAZING things to do in Lauterbrunnen!
VISIT STAUBBACH FALLS
When you arrive in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, it’s an easy walk through the village to a number of different scenic viewpoints of Staubbach Falls and the upper valley.
These glacial falls gush down from the 300-meter high peaks and emerge into the river that cuts through the village.
After taking some photos of the falls from the village, follow the road down till you reach the base of Staubbach Falls. You can walk up the stairs and into a man-made grotto that leads behind the falls.
From inside the grotto, peering out looks like a scene out of Jurassic Park, without the dinosaurs, unfortunately. The view of the glacier-filled valley is mesmerizing and so insanely beautiful that you’ll feel like you are standing in a real-life postcard!
On a clear day, you can spot paragliders and base jumpers soaring around in the skies above and distant waterfalls flowing heavily over the edge of the towering cliffs into the valley.
TRÜMMELBACH FALLS
Trümmelbach Falls can be found in the heart of the valley. They are the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are accessible underground by lifts, tunnels, paths, and platforms.
There is an easy walking trail from the main village that will take you through vast meadows in the direction of Trümmelbach Falls.
Trümmelbach Falls carries the water from the glaciers of Jungfrau down to the valley. Up to 20,000 liters of water travel through the falls per second, they are a sight and a sound to behold.
MÜRREN VILLAGE
This picturesque village of Mürren lies at the very end of the valley, filled with traditional Swiss-style chalets and idyllic village life.
You can jump on the public bus No. 141 that runs from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren every thirty minutes. The bus departs from outside the Railway Station or you can hail it down on the main road near Trümmelbach Falls.
The bus journey time is around twenty minutes. Click Here to see the Bus No. 141 timetables.
Mürren offers a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful restaurants and cafes offering traditional Swiss dining and is also a great starting point for hiking, cycling, or skiing trails.
MOUNT SCHILTHORN (PIZ GLORIA)
Once you have spent a bit of time wandering around Mürren, next on the list of places to see is Mount Schilthorn.
Head to Stechelberg Gondola Station which is located in Mürren at the base of Mount Schilthorn and using the Swiss Travel Pass, you can ride the gondola all the way up to the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant.
Alternatively, you can purchase a roundtrip cable car ticket to Mt Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) online for just $46 USD.
Note: Without the Swiss Travel Pass or the online-bought cable car ticket, a return trip on the gondola from Stechelberg to Mount Schilthorn will set you back 105 CHF ($105 USD) if you pay at the counter.
Mount Schilthorn is a popular ski field to visit during the winter months. If you wish to spend a day skiing in Lauterbrunnen, Mount Schilthorn is the place to do it. Though, if skiing is not your jam, you can still head up to the famous Piz Gloria viewpoint regardless to enjoy the magnificent views.
If you are a fan of James Bond 007, Piz Gloria located on the top of Mount Schilthorn is where one of the original 007 movies was filmed back in 1969, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Expect to see James Bond memorabilia galore at Piz Gloria.
Aside from this, there is a 360-degree viewpoint at the summit of Mt Schilthorn, and the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant features floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering extensive views of the Swiss Alps in the Jungfrau Region. Not a bad spot for lunch if you ask me!
Also, if you are not afraid of heights, I dare you to take the knee-jittering thrill walk around the front face of Mount Schilthorn.
ICONIC YELLOW TRAIN TO WENGEN
The Iconic Yellow Train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen is a popular attraction for everyone visiting the valley and I highly recommend adding it to your list of things to do!
If you happen to be at the top of Mount Schilthorn, ride the gondola back down to the Stechelberg Gondola Station and jump on the public bus No. 141 to return to the Railway Station.
If you are in the village itself, find your way on foot to the Railway Station.
Simply walk down into the Railway Station and ask one of the staff members at the station which platform you need to wait on to take the Lauterbrunnen to Wengen train and they will point you in the right direction.
The iconic yellow train will take you up and over the mountainside from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen Village which is located in the opposite valley.
Be sure to stick your head out of the train window on the way up the mountainside for an awe-inspiring view of the Valley Of 72 Waterfalls.
RELATED ARTICLE → 10 BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN RESTAURANTS
WENGEN VILLAGE
Arriving by the iconic yellow train, you’ll soon see why Wengen Village is one of the best places to see in Lauterbrunnen!
There is another ski field at Wengen Village if you visit in winter and from the town, you can enjoy another perspective of the Swiss Alps in the Jungfrau Region.
There is an old church in Wengen Village which is a great vantage point to get some photos of the village and surrounding mountains.
I recommend spending an hour or so wandering around Wengen Village, checking out the classic Swiss-style chalets, and admiring how the locals live their lives up here on the mountainside.
Getting back is very easy, just hop on board the yellow train again from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen and disembark at the main Railway Station.
Find All → Accommodations in Lauterbrunnen
WENGEN TO MÄNNLICHEN HIKE
Wengen to Männlichen hike is another one of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen, where an upward trail leaves from Wengen via the Eiger Ultra Trail. The full hike is 4.9 km that takes roughly 2-hours past some of the best scenery we’ve come across in the region.
The route, however, is steep, and narrow, and may not be the best hike for beginners.
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 is 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 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.
Contributed By: Allan Wilson – It’s Sometimes Sunny in Bangor.
PARAGLIDING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
If you are a thrill-seeker looking for the ultimate experience and the best views of the valley, then this activity is one of the best things to do during your stay!
Flying over the U-Valley, you can book an all-inclusive tandem paragliding experience. Flying tandem with an instructor allows you to focus purely on the flight, the experience takes care of all other logistics offering pick up from your hotel to the launch site and even a post-flight drink included.
Full safety equipment and an experienced pilot are part of this must-do activity on your list of things to do.
The experience will cost you around $190 and can be booked online in advance. The experience lasts for around 1 hour and 30 minutes, boasting aerial views of the valley beneath you.
CHECK PRICES → PARAGLIDING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
JUNGFRAUJOCH (TOP OF EUROPE) DAY TRIP
This day trip takes you on the cogwheel train to the highest train station in Europe in Jungfraujoch. It’s definitely not to be missed on your list of things to do.
The tour starts at 7:50 am and returns at 1:20 pm. Included in the tour is a round-trip transfer from Lauterbrunnen Railway Station to Jungfraujoch, where you’ll complete your Alpine ascent by cogwheel train.
Once at the top, you will be able to view the UNESCO-listed landscape and explore summit attractions such as the Ice Palace, Sphinx Vantage Terrace, 360° Cinematic Experience, Alpine sensation, and the Snow Fun Park with a knowledgeable guide.
You can even grab a bite to eat at the Crystal Restaurant, Aletsch Self Service, or visit the Lindt Chocolate Heaven!
This day tour costs around $170 and it’s best to book online with Klook before your trip.
BOOK NOW → JUNGFRAUJOCH DAY TRIP
MÜRREN TO GRUTSCHALP HIKE
An easy but one of the most scenic hikes in the region is the one from Mürren to Grutschalp.
This 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 the Mürren to Grutschalp.
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. You’ll probably take longer though, as you’ll want to stop and admire the views!
If you are traveling during the summer months, a visit to the Alpkaserie Staubbach at Winteregg is an absolute must.
There is also an alpine cheese dairy that 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.
GRINDELWALD DAY TRIP
A day trip to Grindelwald is a must for any thrill-seekers looking for adrenaline-fuelled activities in the region.
Grindlewald has many high flying attractions including the Cliff Walk by Tissot, a rope trail with a 40m long suspension bridge that leads along the rock face to a viewing platform, and the First Flieger zipline, where you race at speeds of up to 84 km/h down an 800 meter-long cable sat in a harness!
On top of this, you can race down the sie of Mount First on a Trottibike scooter or a mountain cart.
Other things to do in Grindelwald include taking one of the trekking trails to Lake Bachalp or enjoy a meal at the Mt. First Restaurant.
BOOK NOW → MT. FIRST CABLE CAR FROM GRINDELWALD
SCHYNIGE PLATTE TO FIRST HIKE
Hiking from Schynige Platte to First is one of the top-rated things to do in Lauterbrunnen for active travelers. It’s 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 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 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 for 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.
OTHER HIKES IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
There are nearly 400 designated hiking trails in the valley catering to every ability and if you have the time, be sure to add one of these hikes to your list of things to do.
Some of the best trails to take are:
- Path to Murren through Blumental takes you through the flower valley.
- The iconic Eiger trail, a high route brings you right in front of the famous Eiger Nordwand.
- The trail to Wengen ascends most of the way but gives you glimpses of the Breithorn and Staubbach Falls.
RELATED ARTICLE → MUST-DO HIKES IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
CYCLING IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
There are nearly 60 cycle routes dotted around this stunning region with something for every ability and ranging from the peaceful and relaxing to the hair-raising and thrill-seeking kind.
There are trails allowing you to cycle to most of the surrounding villages including Grindlewald, Wengen, and Gimmelwald as well as routes to take in all of the iconic mountains surrounding the valley including Jungfrau, Eiger, and Breithorn.
The Jungfrau Region is a must-visit for any cycling enthusiast!
SKYDIVING IN INTERLAKEN
Skydiving in Interlaken is one of the best experiences you can have and I guarantee you will remember it for a lifetime!
What better way to finish off your adventures than tandem jumping out of a helicopter from 15,000 feet, freefalling over the magnificent mountains in the Jungfrau Region.
The Swiss skydive masters make sure your safety is their number 1 priority. All tandem instructors are trained, licensed, and experienced to ensure you have the most incredible experience knowing that you are completely safe at the same time.
One of the best parts about skydiving here in the Swiss Alps is the phenomenal view from 15,000 feet in the air! But don’t get too comfortable, because your instructor will shortly be opening the doors of the helicopter to take the leap.
Check Prices → Skydiving In Interlaken
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO DO
If you have a few days to explore, there are a number of other great activities which I haven’t included in this guide and that might appeal to you.
Head over to the Get Your Guide website for other fun things to do and book online ahead of time.
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
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
HOW TO GET TO SWITZERLAND
Arriving in Switzerland by plane is the easiest and most convenient way to begin your adventures in this wonderful country.
If you plan on following my exact 8 Switzerland Itinerary, then one of the best options is to fly into Zurich International Airport and start your trip around Switzerland from here.
Search All → Flights to Switzerland on CheapOair
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
ONLINE ENGLISH TEACHING
Do you want to travel full-time and get paid along the way?
Teaching English online is one of the easiest and most flexible jobs out there! Become a Digital Nomad, choose your own hours, and work remotely from anywhere in the world by teaching English online. All you need is a laptop, good WiFi connection, a TEFL certificate and you’re good to go!
Click here to get your TEFL certificate with MyTefl
JOIN MY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY
Do you have any questions about this stunning location?
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 Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, please drop me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Happy Adventuring!
PIN IT FOR LATER
Hello. There is one more thing I would like to know. If I buy the Train ticket from Zurich Aiport to Lauterbrunnen ONLINE, will I have to VALIDATE those tickets when I reach Zurich before hopping onto the train or they don’t require any validation?
Hi buddy, there is no validation needed whether you buy online or buy at the station. A ticket inspector will do the rounds on the train and this is where you will have to present your swiss pass. Have a great trip!
Hi, this article is fantastic. I’ll be staying in Zurich. how can I get to Laterbrunnen, schilthorn, interlaken and weggen from there and is it possible to see those 4 villages in two days. I just want to bask in the views of the alps, gondola ride, and the thrill walk you did.
Hi, thanks for reading!
Yes, you can take a train from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen as explained in the top of this article. Yes, it’s possible to see all those villages in 2 full days 🙂 Enjoy!
Hi there, I am planning a trip to Switzerland this August as a surprise trip for my husband. Your webpage has been extremely helpful and I wanted to thank you for the time you spent writing it. I am now so excited to start our trip… thanks so very much.
Best always
Hi Julie,
Glad you found this article useful and thanks for the feedback! Have a great trip to Switzerland! 🙂
Hi Jonny,
Thanks for all the great tips on the Lauterbrunnen area! I will actually be taking the TGV train from Paris to Wengen in September. Are you able to get on and off that train if I buy a ticket from Paris to Wengen? Do you have to be on the train at the assigned train time or can we take a later train? For example, I wanted to stop at Interlaken & Lauterbrunnen before I arrive at my hotel. I planned on locking up my suitcase at the train station.
Thanks, Andra
Hey, glad you loved the blog. I am not familiar with the TGV train so I am not quite sure if you can veer off your scheduled ticket. Best to contact TGV and ask them. I am pretty sure there are lockers at the station to put your baggage if you need. Hope this helps and Enjoy!
Hello! This is a great article and VERY helpful. We don’t have an entire day to spend but at least a half day on our way from Interlaken to Zermatt. My question is, we will have our luggage (not locker sized) and one ski bag with us. Is there a luggage storage option at the station?
Thanks so much!
Steph
Hello, I can’t remember off the top of my head if there are lockers big enough for ski’s but most stations have storage rooms and if not you could always ask a hotel across from the station in Lauterbrunnen to leave your things for half a day. Hope this helps!
Loved this! Thanks so much for all this information. Quick question though, if you were going mid-March would it still be very winter-like?
Awesome, glad you enjoyed it! Yes mid-march will still be winter-like, snowy and sunny. Enjoy 🙂
wow! just thank you so much for this, this is just perfect, well I do have some questions:
how much does it cost to go from lauterbrunnen to mount Schiltthorn? by the yellow trains and then how much is it to go up the actual mountain?
Hello, thanks for reading the article and glad you find it useful. If you purchase the swiss travel pass which I have suggested in this post you will be able to ride on the yellow train and the gondola to Mt Shcilthorn free of charge as these journeys are included in the pass. I hope this helps and Enjoy!
Loved reading this article. So much useful information. Is there anything you would do differently in hindsight or any other place that you would add to the itinerary when visiting Switzerland? 🙂
Thanks for reading and glad you enjoyed it! For more places to see in Switzerland, check out my 8 Day Switzerland Itinerary – https://www.jonnymelon.com/switzerland-itinerary/