Top Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen: Waterfalls, Villages & Adventure

Nestled in a dramatic U-shaped valley between steep cliffs and snow-capped peaks lies Lauterbrunnen, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. This idyllic destination in the Bernese Oberland is famed for its 72 waterfalls, picturesque alpine scenery, and access to top destinations like Jungfraujoch, Mürren, and Wengen.
 

Whether you’re here for peaceful walks, extreme sports, or breathtaking mountain views, Lauterbrunnen is a destination you’ll never forget.

📍 Where is Lauterbrunnen?

Region: Bernese Oberland, Canton of Bern, Switzerland

Elevation: 

800 meters (2,625 feet)

Nearby towns: Interlaken (20 minutes by train), Wengen, Mürren

Languages: German (primary), English widely spoken

Located in a glacial valley carved by ancient ice, Lauterbrunnen is a gateway to the Jungfrau region, making it a perfect base for Alpine adventures.

🗺️ Why Visit Lauterbrunnen?

💦 72 waterfalls cascade down towering cliffs

🏔️ Surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains

🛷 Access to car-free villages like Mürren and Wengen

🥾 Endless hiking and biking trails

📷 Picture-perfect scenery that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell

🌊 Must-See Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen

1. Staubbach Falls

Height: 297 meters (974 feet)

Location: Right next to the village

Highlights: One of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls

This iconic waterfall plunges off a sheer cliff and can be reached by a short uphill walk. In summer, a footpath lets you go behind the waterfall for surreal views.

2. Trümmelbach Falls

Location: 3 km from Lauterbrunnen village

Access: Lift, tunnels, stairs (entrance fee applies)

Highlight: 10 glacier-fed waterfalls inside a mountain

A powerful series of roaring waterfalls hidden within the mountain, carrying meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers. A must-see!

3. Mürrenbach Falls

Height: 417 meters (1,368 feet)

Access: Near Stechelberg cable car station

Switzerland’s tallest waterfall by total height, located at the valley’s end. Easily visible from the cable car to Mürren.

🥾 Top Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen

1. Hike the Lauterbrunnen Valley Trail

Route: Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg → Trümmelbach Falls

Distance: ~6 km (one way)

Difficulty: Easy

Highlights: Pastures, cows, chalets, and nonstop waterfalls

An ideal walk to soak in the valley’s peaceful atmosphere.

2. Take the Train to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe

Departure: Lauterbrunnen → Kleine Scheidegg → Jungfraujoch

Altitude: 3,454 m (11,332 ft)

Visit the highest train station in Europe, step onto the Aletsch Glacier, and enjoy panoramic views over the Alps.

3. Ride the Cable Car to Mürren

Route: Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg → Mürren via cable car

Mürren: Car-free mountain village with postcard charm

Perfect for skiing, hiking, and enjoying quiet alpine serenity.

4. Explore Wengen

Access: Cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen (15 min)

Car-free: Yes

Known for its village charm, Wengen is the base for ski lovers and has trails offering panoramic views over the valley.

5. Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen Valley

Soar over the valley’s waterfalls and cliffs with professional tandem paragliders. A bucket-list-worthy adrenaline rush.

🏨 Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen

🌟 Best Hotels

Hotel Silberhorn: Steps from the station with mountain views and sauna

Hotel Oberland: Cozy chalet-style stay with a great restaurant

Hotel Staubbach: Budget-friendly with waterfall-facing rooms

🛏️ Apartments & Chalets

Chalet Horner: Self-catering in a quiet spot near the falls

Airbnb options available throughout the valley

🥘 Where to Eat in Lauterbrunnen

Hotel Oberland Restaurant: Traditional Swiss dishes like rösti and fondue

Airtime Café: Great for coffee, sandwiches, and a relaxed vibe

Flavours Café: Vegetarian-friendly with modern Swiss cuisine

🚂 How to Get to Lauterbrunnen

From Zurich:

Train: ~2.5–3 hours via Bern and Interlaken Ost

Drive: ~2 hours

From Geneva:

Train: ~3.5–4 hours via Bern and Interlaken

Drive: ~3.5 hours

🚆 Lauterbrunnen has a small train station easily reachable from Interlaken Ost. Trains run frequently throughout the day.

🧭 Best Time to Visit Lauterbrunnen

🌼 Tip: Visit in May or early June for peak waterfall flow after the snowmelt.

🌿 Responsible Travel Tips

🗑️ Pack out all waste; recycling stations are available

🚶‍♀️ Stick to marked trails to protect wildflowers and ecosystems

🚭 Smoking is prohibited in forested areas

🐄 Respect local farmers and fences; don’t disturb grazing animals

🚌 Use public transport to reduce emissions

📸 Best Photography Spots

Church in Lauterbrunnen with Staubbach Falls in the background

Trail to Mürren for valley panoramas

Jungfraujoch Sphinx Observatory on clear days

Sunset over the valley from Wengen or Grütschalp

📚 Fun Facts About Lauterbrunnen

J.R.R. Tolkien visited Lauterbrunnen in 1911 and was inspired to create Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings.

The name “Lauterbrunnen” means "loud springs", referencing the many waterfalls.

It’s part of the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site.

✅ Quick Travel Tips

💳 Swiss Travel Pass covers trains, buses, and cable cars in the area.

📱 SBB Mobile App helps with train schedules and tickets.

🥾 Bring sturdy hiking shoes, even for village walks.

☀️ Summer days are warm but mornings and evenings can be chilly.

✨ Final Thoughts: Why Lauterbrunnen Should Be on Your Bucket List

With its fairytale landscape, stunning waterfalls, and unbeatable access to some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountain destinations, Lauterbrunnen offers both tranquility and adventure in equal measure. Whether you come for a day or a week, the valley’s magic will stay with you forever.

It’s not just a place to see — it’s a place to feel.