This is the ultimate first timer’s travel guide for preparing a vacation to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.

Lauterbrunnen is possibly one of the hidden wonders of the world.

I was absolutely gobsmacked at the natural beauty of this idyllic Swiss town and the surrounding valley. How did I know so little about it before my visit???

From the stunning white glaciers atop mountains of the Swiss Alps to the vibrant blue water running below, you will surely be filled with wonder at how it all came to be.

There are 72 waterfalls throughout the Lauterbrunnen valley which give meaning to its name. Lauterbrunnen literally translates to many fountains. The natural waterfalls contribute to what makes Lauterbrunnen such an otherworldly place.

Here is everything you need to know so you can plan an incredible trip to Lauterbrunnen.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Lauterbrunnen Switzerland

Disclosure: This Lauterbrunnen travel guide contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy.

What This Guide Covers

You can read every single Lauterbrunnen tip here (highly recommended) or use the navigation links here to skip to the tips that are most valuable to you.

• Top 10 Things to do in Lauterbrunnen
• Map of Lauterbrunnen
• What to Eat in Lauterbrunnen
• Lauterbrunnen Weather
• Lauterbrunnen Webcam
• Travel Tips When Going to Lauterbrunnen
• Facts and History about Lauterbrunnen
• Lauterbrunnen Trains
• How to Get to Lauterbrunnen
• Lauterbrunnen Packing List
• Estimated Cost of Lauterbrunnen
• Great Photos and Inspiration

Top 10 Things to do in Lauterbrunnen

1. Wander the Streets

One of the most magical things you can do in Lauterbrunnen is get absorbed into the culture that is still preserved up here in the Swiss Alps. Lauterbrunnen is filled with Swiss chalet style houses that still have the family names of their owners carved or painted onto them.

Staubbach Falls make for a great subject if you are taking pictures from the town of Lauterbrunnen. From nearly anywhere along the main street you can take breathtaking pictures of you with the canton and village flags of Latuerbrunnen and Staubbach Falls in the background.

Taking a slow day to explore Lauterbrunnen can provide a much needed rest from hiking and exploring the Jungfrau Region.

2. Staubbach Falls

Staubbach Falls is the iconic backdrop of Lauterbrunnen. Visible from virtually everywhere, Staubbach seems to tower over the town. Water falls from a height of almost 300 meters above the bottom of the valley and turns into a misty cloud as it descends.

In English, the name Staubbach means dust creek (Staub meaning dust, bach meaning creek). The name was given to the waterfall because the mist falling from the towering waterfall looks like little dust particles.

There is a short hike that is free and open to the public that takes visitors into the cliff face so they can get a view of the waterfall from behind. If the wind is blowing, the trajectory of the falling water can swing away from you and the view from the end of the hike may not be the best of the falls. It’s still highly recommended at any time because it provides a great vantage point for viewing the the town of Lauterbrunnen and the whole valley.

After dark, spotlights illuminate the waterfall as it tumbles into the dim valley below. If you are staying in Wengen or Lauterbrunnen, take the time to relax and watch the glowing waterfall from your hotel or Airbnb after a tiring day of hiking and exploring the Swiss Alps.

Link to map.

3. Trümmelbach Falls

Trümmelbach Falls is a series of waterfalls that carve through the side of the rocky cliff face to make their way to the valley below. The naturally formed chasms in the rock with over 20,000 liters of water flowing through per second is an impressive sight to all who come.

When you arrive at Trümmelbach Falls via PostBus from Lauterbrunnen, there is a building where tickets are purchased. The entrance fee is CHF 11.- for adults and CHF 4.- for children. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted because the slick rock and long drops into the gushing water below could be a safety hazard for them.

Tickets are cash only, but there is an ATM nearby that you can withdraw Swiss Francs from if you don’t have any on hand.

Once inside, tourists have the option to ride an elevator up through several hundred feet of rock for free, or hike up along the mountain path to the view of the falls. The elevator goes halfway up and brings you close to the entrance of the cave that gives you the view of the falls.

Inside the caves the water roars and sprays up at you. Be prepared to get wet! It gets pretty chilly inside as well, around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This excursion is perfect for a rainy day because the best parts of the waterfall are inside the caves, and you’ll get wet no matter if you’re inside or out.

After seeing the spectacle of Trümmelbach Falls, you may get back on the PostBus like the one that took you there from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg, or you can follow the path of the river coming from the falls back to Lauterbrunnen on a relatively flat hike that will take you about 35-50 minutes.

Link to map.

4. Wengen

Wengen, Switzerland is a peaceful town perched on the cliffs above Lauterbrunnen. It is a car-free town so visitors are able to relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air without hearing cars motor by.

Wengen is a popular winter sports destination, and the Lauberhorn World Cup takes place here every year. Even during the summer you can take part in the ski-race by going to the Lauberhorn-themed mini golf course that is in the village.

The town has a small train station that goes down to Lauterbrunnen and up to Kleine Scheidegg, a main street with gift shops, hotels, and restaurants on it, and many old-style Swiss homes with amazing views of Lauterbrunnen below.

From Wengen you can travel up to Kleine Scheidegg and continue up to Jungfraujoch, or go down to Grindelwald. There is also a cable car that takes you up to Männlichen where there is a hike along the ridge of the mountain to some spectacular panoramic views.

No matter your mood, there are things to do in Wengen. Feeling sporty? Go to the sports rental and play some tennis, soccer, or go slacklining. Wengen is a nice place for all ages.

Link to map.

5. Paragliding and Skydiving

There is no better way than to see the Alpine views than from up above. Thankfully there are a few different ways that you can do that in Lauterbrunnen.

Paragliding. Soar between the menacing walls of the Lauterbrunnen valley, through clouds, and past waterfalls as you fly from Mürren (1,660 meters) to Stechelberg (800 meters).

The paragliding tours have you flying tandem with a professional who will ensure your safety and allow you to relax and enjoy the views on the way down. The adventure lasts for about 15-20 minutes, and you will love every second. Get more details such as locations and pricing here.

Skydiving. If you’ve never been skydiving before, Lauterbrunnen is the place to try it. Jump out of a helicopter from 4,000 meters above the ground and free fall for 45 seconds until you gracefully glide back to the bottom of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Get more details such as locations and pricing here.

6. Jungfraujoch and Top of Europe

To read my entire first timer’s guide to Jungfraujoch, look here. Otherwise, continue reading for some good (but less in-depth) information about it.

Jungfraujoch is a tourist attraction situated in between Mönch and Jungfrau, two of the tallest peaks in the Jungfrau Region. It involves a scenic train ride through the mountains and into a long 7.2 kilometer long tunnel.

At the top, the Sphinx Observatory sits overlooking Lauterbrunnen and the gigantic Aletsch Glacier. Inside Jungfraujoch, walk through the Ice Palace and stand in wonder at the intricate ice sculptures that greet you there.

Out on the snow, you can take photos of the towering Jungfrau mountain and also go sledding, tubing, and ziplining.

Jungfraujoch is an attraction that is not to be missed. It takes about half a day, and tickets are a bit pricey, but the excursion is worth the money.

Link to map.

7. Mürren and Gimmelwald

Mürren and Gimmelwald are two quaint villages that look like they’re straight out of a story book.

Each with populations under 500 people, the towns are slow moving and relaxing for those who come from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities in Switzerland or even the very touristy Jungfraujoch.

The best part about these two villages are the views. Mürren and Gimmelwald sit on the cliffs surrounding the Lauterbrunnen valley, so they provide astounding views of green pastures below and the snowy mountain peaks above. There are ample places to sit and find a view of these as well, ranging from a cafe hanging over the edge of the cliff, to the secluded covered benches by the cliffside tennis courts.

The Mürren Loop takes mountain bikers just uphill of Mürren, then down a moderately difficult trail that is mostly paved. Riders can take their bikes up in the cable cars so the ride is a calm downhill cruise without too much pedaling.

Mountain bikes can be rented in Lauterbrunnen for 2 hours, 4 hours or for the whole day. Those who want to explore the Jungfrau Region by bike should start in Lauterbrunnen, ride the cable car up to Grütschalp, and then bike down the route through Mürren and back to Lauterbrunnen.

From Mürren, a paved hike takes tourists to Gimmelwald. The hike is mostly downhill, and along the way you will pass cows, waterfalls, and even more indescribable views.

Gimmelwald is much less touristy and much slower pace. You can see how people enjoyed life hundreds of years ago in this car free town as you stroll through the quiet streets and hear the ringing of cowbells off in the distance.

One of the charming things that sets Gimmelwald apart from other villages are the honesty shops. These are shops or kiosks without anyone in the storefront; no cashier, no security, nothing. Here, customers grab what they want, and it is on their honor to leave the correct amount of cash in the box on the way out of the store. It is very unique and definitely worth a visit while you’re visiting Gimmelwald.

Both Mürren and Gimmelwald are must-see locations while staying in the Jungfrau Region.

Link to map.

8. Schilthorn

Schilthorn is an attraction that brings awesome spy movies and 360° views together into one package. Cable cars take tourists 2,970 meters up to the summit of the Schilthorn where the attractions include:

Restaurant Piz Gloria. A rotating restaurant that allows you to see all of the over 200 peaks around the Schilthorn all while eating a warm meal. Look here for more information on the menu, pricing, and how to book a reservation.

Bond World. A nod to the James Bond movie that was filmed here in the late 1960s, Bond World is an interactive experience that shows you behind the scenes of the movie.

Panoramic View. There are multiple places that allow you to venture out onto the snow-covered peak and enjoy the view.

On the way to the top, Birg is a mid-station where visitors may take a detour and get their adrenaline pumping. Walk along the sheer cliff face, standing on glass walkways, climbing through tubes made of metal chains, and balancing on slim cables.

Or perhaps venture to the Skyline Walk which takes you onto a glass platform hanging over the edge of a precipice. For those who don’t like heights, you might want to bring an extra change of underwear if you decide to venture out onto these thrilling walks.

Tickets to Schilthorn are CHF 105.- for adults and CHF 52.50 for children from 6-15. Learn how you can save money on tickets to the Schilthorn here.

Link to map.

9. Hiking Around Lauterbrunnen

Hiking around Lauterbrunnen ranges in difficulty and style. There are trails for people of all comfort levels. Here are 3 of our favorite hikes:

Via Ferrata. This adrenaline-inducing hike takes mountaineers through the forest, across rebar rungs protruding from the cliff face, down metal ladders, and across cable bridges. With drops of over 800 meters to the valley below, this hike is not for those with a fear of heights. Rentals for this hike can be found at the Intersport in Mürren. Takes about 3-3.5 hours. Look here for more details.

Männlichen Royal Walk. The hike from Männlichen to the “royal crown” at the top is not super difficult. The ascent is not very steep, but is uphill for the final 100 meters. The “royal crown” gives you unobstructed views of the entire Jungfrau Region. Takes 20-30 minutes. Look here for more details.

Blumental Panorama Trail. Take this hike from Grutshalp to Mürren that takes you past beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and more scenic mountain views. The path is pretty level with a little bit of an ascent. Takes over 3 hours. Look here for more details.

10. Winter Sports (Skiing)

Skiing is an extremely popular winter sport in the Jungfrau Region. There are over 200 kilometers of trails for adventurous skiers to tackle while in the area. A copious number of ski lifts, cable cars, trains, and funiculars take visitors in almost any direction from Lauterbrunnen so they can enjoy the powdery slopes.

The slopes are not for just skiing and snowboarding however. There are an additional 50 kilometers of trails designed for sledding in the area. Great for young and old alike, it adds a lot of fun to the cold alpine winters here.

Rentals are available in most towns in the region. Click here for the Lauterbrunnen winter sports rental.

Bonus! 11. Käseteilet Stechelberg (Cheese Sharing Festival)

It is a Swiss custom when autumn comes and the cows are brought down from the high pastures in the mountains that farmers need to share the cheese that they made during the summer months. Therefore, every September there is a käseteilet, which means cheese sharing in German.

In Stechelberg, the cheese sharing is a market where you can taste and buy a variety of cheese from the meadows in the mountains surrounding the Lauterbrunnen valley. The plants and flowers that the cattle graze on give each cheese a unique taste, so try a few and see if you can pick out what gives each cheese its special alpine flavor.

If you are visiting Lauterbrunnen in late September, this is a great opportunity to get a literal taste of Swiss culture. The Käseteilet Stechelberg will be on 28 September 2019 this year, at the Schilthornbahn station in Stechelberg.

Link to map.

Map of Lauterbrunnen Valley

What to Eat in Lauterbrunnen

Here are our top 5 picks of what to eat in Lauterbrunnen:

• Weidstuebli (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Lauterbrunnen, about 15 minutes by walking from the train station.
  • Sit-down restaurant with reservations that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. Prices range from CHF 12-29 per main dish. 

• Hotel Oberland Restaurant (Swiss and European food)
  • Rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Lauterbrunnen, a short walk from the train station.
  • Sit-down restaurant with reservations that serves lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor seating. A reservation is recommended for dinner time. Prices range from CHF 18-30 per main dish.

• Hotel Restaurant Silberhorn (Swiss and European food)
  • Rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Lauterbrunnen, a very short walk from the train station.
  • Sit-down restaurant with reservations that serves lunch and dinner. High quality food. Prices are around CHF 20-30 per main dish.

•  Flavours Cafe (Cafe and international food)
  • Rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Lauterbrunnen, right next to the Lauterbrunnen, Dorf bus stop.
  • Order up front and sit and be waited on in this cafe restaurant. Serves breakfast and lunch. A good change of pace from Swiss food, they offer burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and great desserts. Prices are around CHF 15-25 per main dish.

• Hotel Hornerpub (Swiss food)
  • Rated 4.0 on TripAdvisor
  • Located in Lauterbrunnen, a 10 minute walk from the train station.
  • Sit-down restaurant that serves lunch, dinner, and drinks. Prices are reasonable for the area. Expect to pay around CHF 15-30 per main dish.

Weather in Lauterbrunnen

• Here is the average Lauterbrunnen temperatures by month at a glance. Read my full guide on the weather in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, including the best time to visit Lauterbrunnen. (High / Low Fahrenheit)
  • January – 43° / 33°
  • February – 42° / 33°
  • March – 45° / 36°
  • April – 49° / 40°
  • May – 57° / 48°
  • June – 63° / 54°
  • July – 66° / 58°
  • August – 66° / 58°
  • September – 62° / 54°
  • October – 57° / 49°
  • November – 49° / 40°
  • December – 45° / 36°

READ: Best Time to Visit Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen Webcam

Check the live webcam in Lauterbrunnen here.

Travel Tips When Going to Lauterbrunnen

What currency is accepted in Lauterbrunnen

The most widely accepted form of currency in Lauterbrunnen is the Swiss Franc (abbreviated by CHF). Restaurants, stores, and hotels will accept US dollars, but be warned that you will be charged an exchange fee.

What language is spoken in Lauterbrunnen

In Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding region, the most commonly spoken language is Swiss German (very similar to German, just a few differences in dialect). Locals will more than likely understand and be able to communicate in English, especially if they are involved in tourism.

When is the best time of year to visit Lauterbrunnen

The best time of year for good weather in Lauterbrunnen is during the summer months. The elegant waterfalls and tall evergreens in the fantasy-inspiring valleys are always around, but the summer months are the best time to admire them without having to trudge through snow and bitterly cold Swiss air. While the weather is best during the summer, storms can catch you by surprise because they blow in and out, hiding behind the mountains. It would be wise to bring an umbrella or a rain jacket so you don’t get caught defenseless in the rain.

Summer is the peak season for tourism, causing some attractions to become congested with people. The influx of visitors isn’t a bad thing though, because it means the high vantage hiking trails will be open, hotels and restaurants will be operational, and there will be more people nearby to assist when you need a picture of you and your family in Switzerland.

Get free stickers at Tourism Offices

In the Jungfrau Region, most of the towns will have an office of tourism where visitors may get advice on what to do, information about events and attractions, and, most importantly, free stickers. The stickers say the name of the village on them and something that characterizes the town or the region. Unfortunately, Lauterbrunnen does not follow the pattern of having free stickers, charging CHF 1.- for them. But if you are a die hard collector, these stickers will be a good souvenir of your visit to the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Jungfrau Marathon

Every year, thousands of competitors from across the world gather at Interlaken to run the Jungfrau Marathon, a 42.2 kilometer race that ascends more than 1,800 meters. Sign-ups for this marathon occur at the beginning of the year for the race that is in September.

Facts and History About Lauterbrunnen

• The name is ‘lauter brunnen’ which means ‘many fountains,’ referring to the 72 waterfalls that are located in the Lauterbrunnen valley. See if you can find them all.

• In 1911, JRR Tolkien traveled through the Swiss Alps and was enraptured by the Lauterbrunnen valley. This valley and the nearby mountains (being tunneled to create the Jungfraujoch train at the time) served as inspiration for Rivendell and Moria in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

• The flags that wave all across the town give Lauterbrunnen its identity. The flag with the ibex (a species of mountain goat) and the three jagged peaks of mountains is the flag of Lauterbrunnen, and it is unique to this town. Lauterbrunnen is part of the Bern canton, whose flag is yellow and red with a bear on it.

• There is a distinct and important difference between alp cheese and mountain cheese. Alp cheese and mountain cheese are the flavorful cheeses made from the milk of cows who graze in the high alpine mountains. The chief difference comes from the process by which each cheese is made.
  • Alp cheese is made by hand in the mountains by the farmers and cheese makers in the local villages near where the cattle graze.
  • Mountain cheese is made from the same milk as alpine cheese, but it is shipped down into the low valleys where factories produce it in mass.
  • Alp cheese is typically more expensive than mountain cheese because it was made by the sweat and hard work of an alpine-dwelling Swiss person, rather than by machines in a large, modern factory.

• Wengen and Mürren are small towns situated atop the shelves of the Lauterbrunnen valley. They are only accessible by train and cable car, so they have unique car policies. The only traffic allowed here is for commercial vehicles. You may see the occasional truck transporting products from train to storefront, but tourists won’t be zipping by, taking away from the charm of these quaint towns.

• Because no cars can reach it, everything arrives in Wengen by train.

• The Lauberhorn World Cup takes place in Wengen (the town just above Lauterbrunnen) each year. It’s course, the Lauberhorn Downhill, is the longest race in the FIS Ski World Cup. The race has been going since 1930 and attracts thousands of spectators every year.

• Keep your eyes out for wildlife as you hike and travel through the mountains around Lauterbrunnen:
  • Ibex. The ibex is a mountain goat found in the Alpine region with large curled horns. It was nearly hunted to extinction in the early 1800s, but some of the animals were imported from Italy to replenish the population of ibex in the area.
  • Chamois. Chamois are mountain-dwelling animals similar to goats. They are adept at climbing, and are characterized by light stripes along its face and a brown stripe running down its back. They have smaller horns than the ibex do.

Lauterbrunnen Trains 

One of the best things about Switzerland is riding the trains, busses, and cable cars everywhere. It provides a vacation experience unlike any found in the United States. 

How to Save Money on Transportation to Lauterbrunnen

What you may have already come to find out is that it can be pricey to ride the public transportation everywhere. Thankfully, there are a few different train pass options that can decrease the expenses of getting around.

The Jungfrau Travel Pass. The Jungfrau Travel Pass is a ticket that allows for unlimited travel throughout most of the Jungfrau region for 3-8 days for one inclusive price. If you plan on being around Jungfrau for longer, the more money you will save with this pass.

Along with unlimited travel via almost all public transportation in the region, the travel pass includes a discounted price to go to Jungfraujoch, dropping the price to around CHF 60.- instead of around 200.- during peak season. Tickets to Schilthorn are 25% off with the Jungfrau Travel Pass. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

The Swiss Travel Pass. With the Swiss Travel Pass, you will be able to use almost any public transportation in Switzerland for a consecutive 3, 4, 8, or 15 days. Along with the travel to most destinations in the country, you will get 25% off the price of the ticket to Jungfraujoch and, starting in 2020, 50% off the price of the ticket to Schilthorn. This travel pass also grants you free access to more than 500 museums in Switzerland. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

The Swiss Half Fare Card. For those who want to save money but don’t want to be held to fixed, consecutive days with the Swiss Travel Pass, the Half Fare Card gives you half price public transportation throughout the country. The 50% discount does apply to tickets to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch as well. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

The Berner Oberland Regional Pass. If your vacation takes you throughout the Bernese Oberland, the Regional Pass Berner Oberland gives free travel throughout the region on public transportation. If you are wondering where this is, check out this map to see what this pass covers. In addition, tickets to Jungfraujoch are only CHF 99.- per person with this pass and tickets to get to the Schilthorn are 50% off. Tickets and pricing can be found here.

How to Get to Lauterbrunnen

Specific directions to Lauterbrunnen from common cities: Interlaken, Lucerne, Zürich, and Bern. Visit the Swiss train website to find specific times and buy tickets:

• Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen
  • Go to the Interlaken Ost train station. Board the train headed to Lauterbrunnen.
  • Get off at Lauterbrunnen (end of the line).

• Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen
  • Board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express in the direction of Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • Get off at Lauterbrunnen (end of the line).

• Zürich to Lauterbrunnen
  • At Zurich HB, board the train in the direction of Brig. Get off the train in Bern.
  • In Bern, switch trains and get on the train headed to Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • Get off at Lauterbrunnen (end of the line).

• Bern to Lauterbrunnen
  • At the Bern train station, get on the train headed to Interlaken Ost.
  • Once in Interlaken, switch trains and board the one going in the direction of Lauterbrunnen.
  • Get off at Lauterbrunnen (end of the line).

Lauterbrunnen Packing List

If you are visiting Lauterbrunnen in the summer you can probably leave the dog sled at home.

In spite of that, it might not be a bad idea to bring a heavy jacket if you plan on venturing up to the snowy tops of Jungfraujoch or the Schilthorn.

Check the weather before you venture out.

Suggested Packing List

• Comfortable, closed-toed shoes that are good for hiking
• Socks
• Jeans or shorts, whatever you are more comfortable in
• Light t-shirt and light jacket so you can put on / take off layers if needed
• If you are traveling from the United States, a travel plug adapter is necessary if you want to use any of the Swiss wall outlets
• Optional: Winter jacket

Estimated Cost of Lauterbrunnen

Transportation. While most of the towns in the Jungfrau Region are navigated purely by walking, you will need to ride public transportation (trains, busses, and cable cars) in order to see everything you plan on seeing. Depending on if you are traveling alone or with family, and if you plan on staying for more days than one, prices can vary a lot.

It is a good idea to get one of the travel passes if you plan on exploring the area for more than a day.

Dining. Eating is a big part when vacationing in a different country. Expect prices to be anywhere between CHF 16.- and 30.- per person when going to sit-down restaurants.

Hotel / Airbnb. If you want to stay at an Airbnb, expect the prices to range from $330-650 per night. For hotels, you are looking at from $150-500 per night.

• Best Airbnbs in Lauterbrunnen
• Best Hotels in Lauterbrunnen

Breakdown of Lauterbrunnen Costs

• Transportation:
  • Adults: Anywhere from $20 to $200 per person each day (Jungfraujoch is very expensive)
  • Children with Junior Card (6-16): FREE if they are traveling with a parent and have a Junior Travelcard
  • Children under the age of 6: FREE
• Meals: CHF 16-30+ per person
• Hotel / Airbnb: $150-650 per night

Great Photos and Inspiration

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