Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a picturesque valley between Interlaken and the Jungfrau Massif, is all your Swiss Alps dream come true. With 72 waterfalls, including the iconic Staubbachfall, cascading against a stunning alpine backdrop, it’s truly a breathtaking landscape!

🏚️ The Lauterbrunnen Valley

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the deepest and most impressive in the Alps, with vertical rock walls rising nearly 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) on either side. The valley is home to lush meadows, traditional Swiss chalets, and crystal-clear streams, offering a quintessential Alpine experience.

📝Things to do in Lauterbrunnen:

Staubbach Falls:

One of the most famous waterfalls in the valley, Staubbach Falls plunges nearly 300 metres (984 feet) from a cliff above the village. It’s one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe and can be seen from almost anywhere in Lauterbrunnen. You cannot miss this on your visit!

Trümmelbach Falls:

These are a series of subterranean waterfalls located inside the mountain, fed by the melting snow and glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A unique feature of Trümmelbach Falls is that you can visit the interior of the mountain via tunnels and walkways to witness the powerful waterfalls up close. How cool is that😍

Mürrenbach Falls:

Another waterfall in the area, Mürrenbach Falls is one of the tallest in Switzerland, with a total drop of 417 metres (1,368 ft) across five cascades. I recommend checking it out also!

🥾Lauterbrunnen Valley Trail

This trail offers a scenic route past waterfalls, wildflowers, and cute, traditional Swiss farms. It is a relatively easy hike that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, definitely don’t skip this from your itinerary!

🚴‍♀️ Bike Trail: The Lauterbrunnen Valley Trail is also popular with cyclists, offering a relatively easy ride through the valley. A super enjoyable experience.

Length: Approx 10km (6.2 miles) one-way

Duration: About 2 to 3 hours on foot

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation: Minimal, as the trail is mostly flat or gently sloping

Start Point: Lauterbrunnen Village

End Point: Stechelberg (a small village at the southern end of the valley)

Season: Best hiked from late spring to early autumn (May to October)

📸 Highlights Along the Trail

1. Staubbach Falls

Shortly after starting the hike from Lauterbrunnen, you’ll pass by Staubbach Falls, one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. The falls are particularly impressive in the spring and early summer when snowmelt is at its peak.

2. Picturesque Meadows and Chalets

The trail next winds through lush meadows dotted with traditional Swiss chalets. In the spring and summer, the meadows are filled with wildflowers, so vibrant and colourful.

3. Trümmelbach Falls

Located about halfway along the trail, Trümmelbach Falls is a series of powerful, glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain. These falls are unique because they are accessible via tunnels and walkways inside the cliff, offering a close-up view of the thundering water. A small entrance fee is required to visit Trümmelbach Falls, but it’s well worth the detour.

4. Mürrenbach Falls

Near the end of the trail, you’ll see Mürrenbach Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Switzerland, with a total drop of 417 metres (1,368 feet) across five cascades. It’s another spectacular sight, particularly after heavy rains or during the snowmelt season.

5. Traditional Alpine Farms

As you walk through the valley, you’ll pass several traditional Swiss farms where cows graze peacefully, often accompanied by the sound of cowbells. Some farms may sell local products like cheese and milk, offering a taste of authentic Swiss farming life. Definitely check them out!

6. Views of Surrounding Peaks

Throughout the hike, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the surrounding Alpine peaks, including the famous trio of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. These majestic mountains form a dramatic backdrop to the valley.

Ending the Hike in Stechelberg

The trail ends in Stechelberg, a small, beautiful quaint village at the southern end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. From here, you can take a bus back to Lauterbrunnen.

🍽️ Places to eat:

☕️Airtime Café

Location: Fuhren, 3822 Lauterbrunnen

Airtime Café is one of the most popular spots in Lauterbrunnen, known for its cosy atmosphere and excellent coffee. They offer a variety of homemade cakes, pastries, and light meals. The café is also a hub for adventure seekers, often filled with paragliders and hikers sharing stories. It has a relaxed vibe and free Wi-Fi, making it a great place to unwind.

🍰Try their carrot cake or one of their freshly baked pastries. Both are SO good!

☕️Café Stäger

Location: Dorf, 3822 Lauterbrunnen

Café Stäger is a traditional Swiss café with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, along with a selection of cakes and pastries. The café also serves hearty Swiss breakfasts and light lunches. The outdoor seating area offers wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the scenery.

Specialty: Swiss pastries and breakfast.

☕️Hotel Oberland Café

Location: Fuhren 377, 3822 Lauterbrunnen

The café at Hotel Oberland offers a comfortable setting with a wide selection of desserts and traditional Swiss treats. It’s a great spot for a mid-afternoon break, especially if you’re staying at the hotel or exploring the village. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to sit and watch the world go by, with views of the valley and nearby waterfalls.

Specialty: Apple strudel and Swiss chocolate cake.

📌Travel Tips:

🚞 Close to Wengen:

Accessible by a short train ride from Lauterbrunnen, Wengen is a car-free village perched on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley and a village you cannot skip. (See Wengen page for more details)

🚡Close to Mürren:

Another car-free village, Mürren is accessed via a cable car from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. It offers spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau and is a gateway to the Schilthorn, known for its revolving restaurant and as a filming location for the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

(See Mürren page for more details)

Have fun exploring the beauty of Lauterbrunnen🥰