Lauterbrunnen is one of the most beautiful valleys on Earth. Limestone cliffs topping 400 metres rise on both sides of a narrow gorge where 72 waterfalls drop constantly from every angle. Staubbach Falls, at 297 metres, ranks among the tallest free-falling waterfalls in Europe. Trümmelbach Falls hides inside the mountain itself — an underground torrent unlike anything else on the continent. The valley also serves as the gateway to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres. One visit, and the memory stays for life.
#1 Staubbach Falls
The tallest waterfall in Switzerland and one of the tallest in Europe. Water launches from a 297-metre cliff face with nothing to break its fall, dissolving into a drifting white mist before it ever touches ground. The poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited and wrote verse about it in 1779 — and travelers today are every bit as transfixed. A short trail winds up behind the falls to a cave viewpoint, roughly 20 minutes on foot.
- The trail up behind the falls is free. Allow 10–15 minutes each way, but the steps are steep — wear non-slip shoes.
- Standing directly beneath the falls and looking straight up is the most dramatic angle. Keep your camera in a waterproof case or bag — the spray will soak an unprotected lens.
- Flow is strongest in May–June when snow on the peaks melts. By August–September the volume drops noticeably.
#2 Trümmelbach Falls
The most astonishing attraction in the valley — a waterfall system concealed entirely inside the mountain. Meltwater from the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch glaciers combines to push over 20,000 litres per second through rock shafts carved over more than ten thousand years. An internal lift carries you up through 10 levels of falls; the roar inside the narrow chambers vibrates through your whole body. It is something you simply cannot see from the outside.
- Entry is 14 CHF for adults, 7 CHF for children. Open 09:00–17:00, April to November only — closed in winter.
- Inside it is cold and wet even on a warm day. Bring a light rain jacket or fleece regardless of outside temperatures. Some walkways are narrow and slippery.
- Peak season is July–August with long queues. Arrive before 10:00 or after 15:00 to avoid the crowds.
#3 Mürren
A car-free clifftop village that many visitors call the most beautiful in Switzerland. Mürren is accessible only by cable car and mountain railway — no road, no traffic, roughly 400 permanent residents. Every corner delivers an unobstructed view of the three great peaks: Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau straight ahead. In summer, the short walking trails around the village pass through Alpine meadows alive with wildflowers — an image that stays with you.
- Access is via the ferry crossing from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp then the mountain railway, or by cable car from Stechelberg. Total travel time is 30–40 minutes.
- The Swiss Travel Pass covers both the ferry crossing and the train into Mürren — no extra tickets needed.
- Stay at least one night in Mürren. After the day visitors leave, the village quiets completely and the alpenglow on the peaks at dusk is genuinely unforgettable.
#4 Schilthorn
The best viewpoint in the Bernese Oberland. At 2,970 metres, the summit holds Piz Gloria — the revolving restaurant used as a James Bond filming location in <em>On Her Majesty's Secret Service</em> (1969). From the top you can see over 200 peaks, including Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau; on a clear day the Vosges mountains in France are visible on the horizon. The descent from Birg to Mürren on foot is one of the finest ridge walks in the region.
- The cable car from Mürren to Schilthorn costs around 100 CHF return — prices vary by season. The Swiss Travel Pass gives a 25% discount.
- Book a table at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant in advance if you want to eat at the summit. Lunch is far more atmospheric than dinner, but prices run roughly double what you'd pay in the valley.
- Fog is frequent in autumn and winter. Always check the live summit webcam at schilthorn.ch before you ride up.
#5 Wengen
A car-free hillside village and the main stepping stone to Jungfraujoch — the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 metres. Wengen is quieter and more authentically Swiss in feel than the busier Grindelwald. Small restaurants, hotels, and cafés line the walking paths; beyond the village, Alpine meadows spread wide with Swiss cows and cowbells against a backdrop of the Alps — as iconic an image as Switzerland produces.
- The Wengernalp Railway from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen takes 14 minutes and is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Wengen makes a good base for continuing to Jungfraujoch. Accommodation here is priced between Lauterbrunnen (cheaper) and Grindelwald (more expensive).
- The Männlichen–Kleine Scheidegg ridge walk from Wengen is one of the most scenic hikes in Switzerland: 6 km, about 2 hours, with the three big peaks in view the whole way.
#6 Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk
A free, flat walk that delivers more waterfalls per hour than anything else in the valley. The path runs 5 km from Lauterbrunnen village to Stechelberg along the valley floor, passing over 10 named and unnamed waterfalls pouring off the cliffs on both sides — including Mürrenbach Falls and Sefinen Falls. It is completely flat, accessible for all ages, family-friendly, and requires no special equipment.
- Walk from the village toward Stechelberg in the morning so the sun is behind you — the waterfalls won't be backlit and the photos will be sharper.
- Wear closed-toe, waterproof shoes. Parts of the path are wet from spray, especially May–June.
- Bus 141 runs the full length of the valley. If you walk to Stechelberg and want a rest on the way back, just hop the bus — no extra planning needed.
Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Lauterbrunnen — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Camping Jungfrau Holiday Park
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Hotel Silberhorn
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Hotel Schützen
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Hotel Stechelberg
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Tours, tickets & activities in Lauterbrunnen
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Lauterbrunnen — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Before You Pack
Lauterbrunnen is at its finest in spring (May–June) when snowmelt sends the waterfalls to full force, and in summer (July–August) when the Alpine meadows are fully green. Plan at least 2–3 days to cover the valley floor, Mürren, and Schilthorn properly. If time allows, spend a night in one of the hillside villages — after the day visitors head back down, the quiet that settles over these mountains is reason enough to come.