25 BEST Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most spectacular destinations in all of Switzerland. Its alluring terrain of towering mountains and verdant valleys is full of natural wonders and quaint villages to explore. No matter the season, there are plenty of things to do in Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen is most often referred to as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls and is the location inspiration for Lord of the Rings. Aside from the captivating cascades and Tolkienesque topography, there are many popular places to discover in this lush alpine landscape. It’s a quintessential destination for delving into all the amazing things Switzerland offers every season.
Where is Lauterbrunnen?
Before we dig into the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen let’s establish location. Lauterbrunnen is a village and a municipality near Interlaken, Switzerland. It’s well known and well touristed during the winter and summer. This is primarily because Staubbach Falls has been seen in thousands of viral videos and social photos.
If you are visiting the Jungfrau region, adding Lauterbrunnen to your Swiss itinerary is well worth it. Not every day do you see a mammoth waterfall cascading into a village below.
How to Get to Lauterbrunnen?
Lauterbrunnen is straightforward to reach by train and car. We rented a car in Switzerland and easily drove from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen. There is a large paid parking garage at the train station. Many hotels have parking for their guests too!
The Lauterbrunnen Railway Station is in the center of the village and is connected to Interlaken, which is how many Swiss travelers without vehicles will get to Lauterbrunnen.
From the railway station there are trains to Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, and Grindewald. Once in Lauterbrunnen village, bus services will link to Stechelberg, Trümmelbach Falls, and Isenfluh. If you have a Swiss Travel Pass you can easily add on Lauterbrunnen to your alps itinerary without an extra charge. Traveling via train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen/Wengen takes 30 minutes.
The Best Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen
Staubbach Falls
Otherwise known as the Lauterbrunnen Switzerland waterfall, or “Switzerland waterfall town,” Staubbach Falls reach a staggering height of almost 1,000 feet. This waterfall is why many people travel to Lauterbrunnen in the first place. To see a huge waterfall dropping right into a town is on many people’s European bucket list.
Above the charming village, you can walk up to Staubbach Falls. However, the best views are seen from afar. The trek to arrive is short from town and leads to stunning vistas from behind the rushing, plunging river.
Staub, meaning dust, refers to the wide-reaching spray and mist that flies off the falls, creating a magical and refreshing scene. While you can walk right up to the waterfalls, I love the views from the town and the trail heading up to Wengen!
One of the best times to see this waterfall in Switzerland is during the summer when the glacial melt from the mountains is rushing into town.
Trummelbach Falls
These subterranean waterfalls are a fascinating sight in Switzerland. They’re located in Lauterbrunnen Valley, far from the village of Lauterbrunnen, right in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region. Up to approximately 20,000 gallons of water flows through the dense cliff walls every second here.
It cuts through these rock faces over a series of ten tiers, making a thundering noise that can be heard way before arrival. The underground area is an astonishing sight, as are the tunneled paths through the intricate cavern spaces. It’s a super easy one to access. Take the quick elevator ride up to the top viewing platform. If you take the gondola up to Murren, you’ll see Trummelbach Falls from above.
Stroll Through Lauterbrunnen Village
After visiting Staubbach Falls, take some time to stroll through the small village of Lauterbrunnen. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cute souvenir shops, and boutique family-run hotels along the main street. It’s not a huge village and will only take you 30 or so minutes to walk, but it’s well worth the stroll!
Head Up to Murren Village
Set at the very end of the valley, Murren Village is a classic Swiss-style hamlet that is completely car-free. It’s just as remarkably beautiful as it is adorable. Filled with traditional chalets, it’s an idyllic example of the local lifestyle of Lauterbrunnen.
It’s only a short, 20-minute journey via cable car, which is well worth the ride. There’s a wide array of cute cafes and classic eateries to enjoy in the picturesque and peaceful mountain atmosphere, many serving classic local cuisines like fondue.
Just above the village, visit the Schiltap Cheese Farm to learn how such mouth-watering delicacies are made. It’s also a popular spot for skiing during the winter months and a great jumping-off point for several of the beautiful hikes in the area.
Allmendhubel
The 1,907-metre-high Allmendhubel is a paradise for hikers, families, and connoisseurs. In under four minutes, a funicular railway takes you from the town of Mürren to the mountain excursion. Here you will find a rustic Panorama Restaurant with a large sun deck to enjoy the mountain views.
After lunch, head out on the flower trail. This is a short family-friendly trail where you will see over 150 types of mountain flowers, including cyclamen, alpine roses, and edelweiss. This 20-minute stroll is great for families with strollers.
Wengen Village
Wengen is another authentic alpine village that you can visit by train from Lauterbrunnen. It’s covered in cute timber chalets and traditional hotels. It’s also car-free, which only adds to its tranquil vibe.
Getting to Wengen is a fun and favorite activity in its own right, aboard the iconic cogwheel yellow train from Lauterbrunnen. The journey is super short but incredibly scenic, so make sure to have your camera ready. There’s a wide range of outdoor adventures to be had here, from skiing to hiking. Due to the sheer altitude of Wengen, the views available are absolutely spectacular.
Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass in Switzerland. It’s a great jumping-off point for those wanting to go to Jungfraujoch, but even if this isn’t your intention visiting Kleine Scheidegg is still one of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen.
Kleine Scheidegg is the meeting point of two railways. Getting here is half the fun! Once at Kleine Scheidegg station, you have endless hiking opportunities. You can venture up to Jungfraujoch, hike the Eiger Trail, or conquer the Lauberhorn. Alternatively, you can do nothing besides sitting at an outdoor cafe soaking up the views of the Bernese Oberland.
Gimmelwald Village
Gimmelwald is perfect for any traveler looking to explore somewhere a bit more off the beaten path. It’s a small farming village that sits high above Lauterbrunnen, perched on the edge of a cliff.
All in all, it’s a sleepy little village below Murren that offers an abundance of tranquility, especially since it’s car-free. There are a few hotels and a small hostel where people gather for an evening scene.
It can be reached by bus, cable car, or even by foot if coming from Murren. It boasts an elevation of over 4,000 feet and an enchanting landscape around it. In the summer, you’ll find cool mountain streams and lush fields of wildflowers, and in the winter, it’s a cozy scene that feels authentic and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.
Go Skiing/Snowboarding
The area has 213 kilometers of pistes, so there is plenty of skiing and snowboarding. This is one of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen in the winter! Choose your ski destination: Grindelwald First, Grindelwald-Wengen, and Mürren-Schilthorn – all are fantastic Grindelwald winter destinations.
Schilthorn Viewpoint
Mount Schilthorn is a majestic towering peak that happens to be home to a famous revolving restaurant called Piz Gloria. Aside from the coveted cuisine, it’s also famous for having a cinematic cameo in a 007 classic, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
It’s almost 10,000 feet high and provides views of the Big Three; Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. To reach the top, you can take the gondola from the Stechelberg Station at the mountain’s base in Murren.
In the colder months, it’s very common for ski enthusiasts to flock here as it’s one of the best places to ski. Regardless of the time of year or your affinity for flying down snow-covered mountainsides, the panoramas from this peak are a must-see when in Lauterbrunnen. It’s easily one of the region’s best places to catch a stunning sunset.
Book the Experience: Cable Car Roundtrip to Schilthorn: Piz Gloria & Bond World
Tanzbödeli and Obersteinburg Hike
This hike offers some of the most staggering 360 vistas of the surrounding Alps in the entire Lauterbrunnen region. On a clear day, it offers glacier-laden peaks as far as the eye can see, and even on a cloudy day, you’ll feel immersed in the floating white fluffy fixtures.
Either way, you’re in for a tremendous top-of-the-world sensation. In total, it’s just over 12 miles on this path that goes from Gimmelwald to Tanzbödeli to Obersteingburg to Stechelberg.
It can be quite a steep ascension at parts, so prepare accordingly, though there are plenty of beautiful stops to make along the way. It’s mostly a dirt path; the total elevation gain is about 3,600 feet.
Skyline Walk at Birg
Halfway to Schilthorn, there’s an essential stop-off at Birg that you don’t want to miss. It’s accessible via cable car and stands tall at over 1,600 feet high. It’s a super unique stop with a bit more to offer than just breathtaking vistas, and it’s ideal for anyone seeking a little adrenaline rush.
The Skyline Walk offers a viewpoint built on a clear floor, below which is a vertical drop of hundreds of feet down. Over 500 feet of walkway traverses along the cliffside and is built right into it.
It’s sometimes called the Thrill Walk, containing mesh metal tunnels to crawl through and netted tightropes to tenderly cross. It’s a jaw-dropping journey that you’ll never forget.
Venture to Interlaken
Interlaken is a stunning town near Lauterbrunnen. It sits next to Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and the River Aare runs through it. It’s just generally a gorgeous destination to spend some time in and where many visitors choose to base themselves. While Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Wengen are all towns, Interlaken feels like a little city. So your chances of scoring more affordable accommodation here are higher.
There is an abundance of hikes that are easily accessible from Interlaken. One of the best things to do here is taking the cable car to Harder Kulm for a spectacular vista looking out over the town and an adorable cafe at the top. It’s a super easy day trip from the valley and has more to offer regarding lively cuisine, nightlife, and shopping scenes, for which Lauterbrunnen can be a bit lacking.
Though famously touristy, Interlaken remains serene and scenic for spending a day wandering away. If you’re a daredevil looking for a more thrilling activity, this is the best place to go skydiving in the Swiss Alps.
Eiger Trail Hike
The Eiger Trail Hike is one of the country’s most popular routes to navigate. It takes adventurers straight under the famous north face wall of Eiger Mountain, which is known for being one of the toughest climbs in the entire world.
On this path, there is always something spectacular to take in every direction as towering glacial mountains surround it. After a little over 2 km, you’ll come to the Eiger Mountain viewing area, and it’s a breathtaking sight to behold.
Starting from Eigergletscher and ending at Alpigen, the total trail is about 6 km long, and though there’s some incline, it’s manageable for most skill levels.
Get to the top of Europe: Jungfraujoch
Take a cogwheel train up to the highest European station on a day trip out to Jungfraujoch. A tour leaves from Lauterbrunnen Railway Station to start the alpine ascent.
From the summit, the sweeping scenes of surrounding wilderness are awe-inspiring. There are also several attractions, such as the Ice Palace, Snow Fun Park, and Sphinx Vantage Terrace. If the altitude works up an appetite, grab some authentic eats at the Crystal Restaurant and save room for something sweet from the Lindt Chocolate Heaven.
Often referred to as the Top of Europe, the peak is 11,000 feet high. The journey is half the fun as the slow and steady climb over about 90 minutes allows you to take in tremendous beauty.
Book the Experience: From Lauterbrunnen: Roundtrip Train and Jungfraujoch Ticket
Via Ferrata Murren
Put Via Ferrata equipment on your Swiss packing list, because this Via Ferrata is among the most popular in the region. It’s a fairly easy Via Ferrata, except for one long section that will test your fear of heights. The Via Ferrata Murren starts in Murren and ends in Gimmelwald.
After about 15 minutes on the via ferrata, you’ll see what I’m referring to when I say it will test your fear of heights. You will walk a sheer cliff face with only the iron rod steps beneath you for a large portion.
The grand finale of this via ferrata is the long suspension bridge over a canyon you’ll have to cross. We had an absolute blast on this via ferrata route, but it’s not for the faint of heart!
The Rotstock Via Ferrata
The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic undertaking worth the effort for any outdoor adventure enthusiast. There are a few Via Ferratas around the area, and The Rotstock is one that many tourists can enjoy.
The good news is that no extra skills are needed to complete this complicated endeavor, as you will be strapped into a harness and using sets of metal stairways, bridges, and ladders to make it to the stunning summit at 1,300 feet in the air.
It’s super safe, but we would only recommend it to those comfortable with heights and exposure. This vertical hike is about three miles, but the 360-degree panoramas are a great payoff if you ask us.
Hike to Lake Bachalpsee
Bachalpsee is one of the most alluring lakes in all of Switzerland. The surrounding terrain is covered in bright wildflowers, and the glacial mountains make for a beautiful backdrop to the shimmering bright blue waters.
Its impressive altitude is 7,500 feet, but don’t let that dissuade you. An easily accessible cable car takes you to First station, and it’s just under a two-mile trek from there each way. If you’re feeling more ambitious, you can hike the Schynige Platte trail to First instead of using the transport.
It’s a strenuous trek at just under 10 miles, but it has become quite popular for a day hike because of how many wonderful gems of local wilderness it encounters.
Stroll Grindelwald Village
Grindelwald is a perfectly authentic alpine resort town not far from Lauterbrunnen. It’s accessible by either car or train and is most enjoyed for its state-of-the-art skiing facilities. It’s shrouded in the stunning scenery and is frequented by those seeking a relaxing break from the real world in the iconic Swiss Alps.
There are a few other fun activities to participate in here as well. This includes a zipline called the First Flieger, where you can soar up to 50 miles per hour through the air. Also, the Tissot Cliff Walk, a route that has a 130-foot suspension bridge leading to a picturesque viewing platform. Suppose you want to indulge in a great meal while in the village, try Mt. First Restaurant.
Hike the Panoramaweg
Hiking the Panoramaweg takes roughly two hours to complete, making it one of the more manageable walks in the area. To arrive, take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen up to Grutschalp. It’s super affordable, and the views on the way are sure to take your breath away.
Once at the top, this path meanders beside the Weisse Lutschine, through the village, and along the photogenic promenade down to Murren. It translates to Panoramic Path, which is the perfect name for it. The views of Jungfrau mountain are jaw-dropping, and a stop at the gardens in Allmendhubel is always encouraged along this route.
Hike to Stechelberg
A quiet (mostly car-free) road lies after the famous Staubach Falls. It travels two and a half miles to Stechelberg, where you can see some of the most impressive and captivating views in all of Lauterbrunnen.
Along this adventure are multiple waterfalls, rocky cliff faces, wandering cows and sheep, and even the delightful occurrence of cheese vending machines. It’s common to see people getting a real bird’s eye view of Lauterbrunnen along this hike, as extreme adventure activities abound in the area, from paragliding to base jumping.
Go Cycling
One of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen is biking! It’s certainly faster to get around on two wheels than on two feet here, so it helps when trying to pack as much scenic beauty in as possible.
If you love to cycle, you have to take advantage of the abundance of trails here made just for this activity. There are nearly 60 routes to try, with something for every skill level, ranging from relaxing to adrenaline-fueled. They lead up into the alpine wilderness or through more rural sleepy villages nearby.
It’s just another vantage point to explore the valley of Lauterbrunnen, and there are even some great tours to book on a bicycle. The Swiss also love their e-bikes, so odds are you’ll see others traveling this way often, and let’s be honest, sometimes it’s nice to have a bit of extra help when making your way around this rugged terrain.
Day Trip to Lake Oeschinen
Lake Oeschinen is a lake located in the Swiss Alps near the town of Kandersteg, just one hour away from Lauterbrunnen. This lake is one of the most beautiful in not just Switzerland, but all of Europe. Lake Oeschinen is known for its clear, brilliantly turquoise-blue water.
You can either hike to the lake or take the cable car from the Oeschinen cable car station. No matter which way you get to the lake one thing is for certain – you’ll be blown away by the color. Once at the lake take a icy dip in the water, rent a boat, or go hiking around the lake. There’s also a mountain coaster up here, which is a fun extra activity to add on to the day!
Things to do in Lauterbrunnen Map
Is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting?
We have visited Lauterbrunnen in both the winter and summer, and can without a doubt say that it is worth visiting. If you are already in Interlaken, Grindelwald, or anywhere else in the Jungfrau Region you are never too far away from Lauterbrunnen, and can easily add it into your itinerary.
How Long Should You Spend in Lauterbrunnen?
You can see many of these things to do in Lauterbrunnen with one full day. It’s easy to walk around the town, check out the falls, take the cable car up to Gimmelwald, Murren, and Schilthorn as well as take the train to Wengen. Though this doesn’t leave much time for hiking, trying a via ferrata, or just relaxing.
I would suggest taking two full days to enjoy the Lauterbrunnen region altogether. We based ourselves in Grindelwald for two days and then Murren for two days to see all these amazing sights. We left wanting one more day in the region, but felt more than fufilled.
When is the Best Time to Travel to Lauterbrunnen?
No matter the season, this village is sure to blow you away, and there are always plenty of things to do in Lauterbrunnen. In the summer, you’ll find wildflowers abound and a rushing waterfall. In the fall, the area will be awash with yellow, orange, and red colors. While in the winter, you can enjoy skiing or sledding into Wengen and seeing Lauterbrunnen from above.
We personally visited in February and August and loved our time exploring in the summer.
When is the Best Time to Visit Switzerland? When to Go and Avoid
Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen
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