15 AMAZING Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland, boasting glacial waterfalls, hiking trails, ski slopes, dramatic cliffs, 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 discover 15 Amazing Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen and other useful information on how to get to Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, where to stay, the best time to visit, and much more!

OVERVIEW – THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

See below for an overview of the 15 Amazing Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen that you’ll find in this guide:

1. Staubbach Falls
2. Trümmelbach Falls
3. Mürren Village
4. Mount Schilthorn (Piz Gloria)
5. Iconic Yellow Train To Wengen
6. Wengen Village
7. Wengen To Männlichen Hike
8. Go Paragliding
9. Jungfraujoch Day Trip
10. Mürren To Grutschalp Hike
11. Grindelwald Day Trip
12. Schynige Platte To First Hike
13. Other Hikes In The Region
14. Go Cycling
15. Skydiving In Interlaken

WHERE IS LAUTERBRUNNEN?

Lauterbrunnen is located in the center of Switzerland in the Jungfrau Region among the Swiss Alps.

Click here or on the image below for an interactive map of the region.

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 which includes all the methods of transport 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 train using the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass.

Once you have purchased the Swiss Travel Pass online, you’ll receive an email with your tickets which you can print out or save to your smartphone.

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.

INTERLAKEN TO LAUTERBRUNNEN BY TRAIN

If you are visiting Lauterbrunnen Switzerland from the nearby city of Interlaken, there are hourly trains that depart from Interlaken East Train Station.

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.

GETTING TO LAUTERBRUNNEN BY CAR

If you happen to be renting a car for your trip around Switzerland, you can easily access Lauterbrunnen Valley by road just as easily as by railway.

There is only one road in and out of the valley from Interlaken which is easy to navigate and it’s a short 20-minute drive.

When you arrive in Upper Lauterbrunnen Valley, there is one major parking lot where you can safely park your car for around 4 CHF per hour. Here is the location on Google maps.

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAUTERBRUNNEN SWITZERLAND

The best time to visit Lauterbrunnen depends on what you plan to do.

If you’re an outdoorsy person looking for what to do in Lauterbrunnen and are planning on cycling or hiking, then you’ll want to time your visit during summer.

Note: Most of the Lauterbrunnen hiking trails are closed during the winter season so just keep this in mind when planning your trip.

I personally prefer the spring and summer months in Switzerland which are 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 or snowboarding in the Swiss Alps.

IS LAUTERBRUNNEN EXPENSIVE?

Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in the world and with that said, you can expect Lauterbrunnen to be pricey.

PRICES FOR ACCOMMODATION

To give you an idea, budget accommodation will set you back around $35 per night for a dorm room in a hostel, while a mid-range hotel will cost you anywhere between $100 and $300.

And then you have luxury properties and apartments that cost around $500 to $600 per night.

PRICES FOR FOOD

A meal in a fairly-priced restaurant will cost on average $30 per person which includes a main dish and a drink.

At the cafes, you can expect to spend around $10 – $15 for a light breakfast and coffee.

DAILY BUDGET OVERALL

To sum up, the total cost per day will be around $100 for solo travelers, $200 – $300 per day for a couple, and approximately $500+ daily for a family.

Of course, the price is very high but it’s definitely worth the money to experience such a stunning location in Switzerland.

BUDGETING TIPS

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can save some money with these clever ideas;

• Get a Swiss Travel Pass to save cash on transportation
• Buy food from the supermarket rather than eating out
• Book a hotel with breakfast included and eat plenty
• Rent an apartment with a kitchen and cook for yourself
• Travel off-season – November is the most affordable month

Saving money on your trip to Switzerland is possible if you are willing to sacrifice a few luxuries.

WHAT IS THE CURRENCY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN?

When paying cash, the only currency accepted is the Swiss Franc (CHF) and the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD – 1 CHF.

Credit cards can also be used as a method of payment in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, as well as Visa and Mastercard which are widely accepted.

You should be aware of the foreign transaction fees when making a payment outside your country or in another currency which could increase your overall expenses.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before I dive into all the best things to do, I want to provide you with these handy tips to know before you go.

If you plan on eating out, you’ll want to make sure to reserve a table at restaurants, especially during peak times because most places get fully booked.

And while most hotels have Wi-Fi, I recommend purchasing an eSIM in advance so you have access to the internet throughout Switzerland.

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN LAUTERBRUNNEN?

The official language in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland is Swiss-German, which is very similar to German but with a few differences.

Apart from that, you’ll find most people speaking English, especially those working in hotels, bars, and restaurants.

In addition, Switzerland has three official languages (German, French, and Italian), and you may be able to speak one of these to the local people.

As a native English speaker, I spoke English with everyone and had no language barriers which made it easy to get by in this part of Switzerland.

15 THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

Now that you’ve got all the logistics of how to get here, frequently asked questions, 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 visit 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 Lauterbrunnen 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 – 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 which 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.

Although, if skiing is not your jam, it’s still possible to head up to the famous Piz Gloria viewpoint 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 main railway station.

If you are in the village itself, find your way on foot to the main railway station.

Simply walk down to 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 realize 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 → Hotels 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 which 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.

It’s possible to 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 and 30 minutes) before following the downhill trek from Kleine Scheidegg (2 hours and 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 in Lauterbrunnen!

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 paragliding 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. You’ll find Alpkaserie Staubbach near the Winteregg station.

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 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 40-meter-long suspension bridge that leads along the rock face to a viewing platform.

And then there is 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 side 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 enjoying 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, such as;

1. alpine flowers on the Matten
2. the Loucherhorn
3. the karst landscape in Güw
4. the Sägistalsee
5. the view from the Faulhorn
6. 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 Mt. First is also breathtaking, with great views of the 3700-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

For adventure seekers searching for what to do in Lauterbrunnen, there are nearly 400 designated hiking trails in the valley.

There are hikes suitable to every ability and if you have the time, be sure to add one of these hikes to your list of Lauterbrunnen 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.

MUST READ: BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

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

BEST RESTAURANTS IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

If you’re feeling hungry and want to know where to eat during your visit, check out this post on the 10 Best Restaurants and Cafes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks.

This guide will help you narrow down your choices and it goes into more detail on what each restaurant has to offer.

BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS

With so many sights and experiences to take in – from gorgeous valleys to glacial waterfalls and beautiful mountain ranges – it can be difficult to plan your trip.

Guided tours can be a perfect way to see the local area and have the on-hand experience with a knowledgeable guide to make your experience one to remember.

I have put together a separate blog post with further details on the best tours in the region.

FULL BLOG POST → BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN TOURS

WHAT TO PACK FOR LAUTERBRUNNEN

When visiting the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you;

• Sunscreen – the Swiss sun is very strong, so make sure to pack some high-quality sunscreen.
• Quick-dry travel towel – the most compact and lightweight towel for traveling.
• Reusable water bottle – stay hydrated by bringing along a reusable water bottle.
• Backpack – The Nomatic 30L Travel Pack is the ultimate backpack for everyday adventures.

If you’re interested in taking awesome photos and videos on your travels, this is the camera gear that I use and recommend;

• GoPro HERO10 – the most popular camera on the planet for action-packed adventures.
• Canon EOS R – perfect for traveling, this is the most affordable, compact camera on the market.
• DJI Mini 3 Pro – take your photos and videos to new heights with this user-friendly drone camera.

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!

• 8 Day Switzerland Itinerary
• 3 Awesome Things To Do In Lucerne

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

• BOOKING.COM – search and book accommodation worldwide
• SKYSCANNER – compare and book cheap flights to anywhere
• VIATOR – find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world
• BOOKAWAY – book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance
• RENTAL CARS – search all rental cars in your next destination
• GROUP TRIPS – join one of my epic small group trips
• TRAVEL INSURANCE – purchase SafetyWing travel insurance
• TRAVEL MONEY CARD – get a Wise card today for free

Looking for more? Check out my Travel Resources page for further help with your trip planning!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope you found this article useful and if you have any questions about what to do in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland, please drop me a comment below this post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

THANKS FOR READING

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