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Writer's picturerachnamone

Your complete guide to the Lauterbrunnen valley - the most picturesque place in Switzerland.

Updated: Jul 2, 2024

Lauterbrunnen boasts a stunning valley with 72 waterfalls, surrounded by mountains that change color with each season, picturesque Swiss villages, and excellent public transport. It's popular among tourists and travelers, but not so crowded that you'll bump into a hundred people with every step.


How to reach :

Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible by train from Interlaken Ost, a journey that takes just 20 minutes. From Interlaken West, you can travel to Interlaken Ost or Wilderswil station and catch a train to Lauterbrunnen from either of these locations.




Things to do in and around the valley:

Lauterbrunnen Valley offers something for everyone. Whether it's leisurely walks through the stunning landscape, paragliding for adrenaline junkies, or simply enjoying the views from Schilthorn, there's an experience here to suit every visitor.


  • Walk from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg: This is a simple, easy walk that typically takes a couple of hours, though it often takes longer due to frequent stops for photos and moments of awe. Stechelberg serves as the base for the lift to Schilthorn peak.




  • Trümmelbach Falls: You can explore Trümmelbach Falls on your way to Stechelberg or on your return. Note that there is an entrance fee of around 12 CHF, even with the Swiss Travel Pass.


  • Head to Mürren and Walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald: Take the cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren via Grütschalp. The walk from Mürren to Gimmelwald is easy and, even with frequent stops (like us), shouldn't take more than 2 hours. The trail offers views of Lauterbrunnen Valley from above, passing through meadows and farms. There are many restaurants in Murren and Gimmelwald.



  • Schilthorn: Schilthorn mountain peak, standing at around 3000 meters, can be reached via cableway from Stechelberg or via Grütschalp. The change in landscape from lush green to sparkling white snow is dramatic! The view from the summit is even more breathtaking, offering sights of some of the tallest peaks in the Bernese Oberland—Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch—on a clear day. We were fortunate to witness a small avalanche on a mountain range opposite Birg, which was both thrilling and chilling. At the summit, there's a sit-down restaurant, Piz Gloria, for a memorable meal, and a self-service restaurant, 360°, for a more casual dining experience. This mountain range gained fame as the filming location for a Bond movie in 1969, adding another reason for fans to visit Schilthorn.



  • Birg: The Thrill Walk at Birg is a must-have experience. You can enjoy it on your way up or down—we did it on our descent. It's a 200-meter walk along a vertical cliff, feeling like an obstacle race at 2,700 meters above sea level, with stunning views into a deep valley!



  • Paragliding: I can only imagine the stunning sight of flying over this valley and landing next to a waterfall in a meadow. We didn't try it this time, but we can't wait to experience it another time.




  • Alpine playground: In Gimmelwald, there's a small playground offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Essentials to pack for your day trip to Lauterbrunnen valley -

  • Good shoes

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Sunscreen

  • Waterproof jacket

These items will ensure you're prepared for a comfortable and enjoyable day exploring the valley.


You could easily spend an entire day in Lauterbrunnen Valley, admiring waterfalls, mountains, and meadows! There are plenty of trails in and around this area, and you can quickly be transported to a winter wonderland by heading to Schilthorn on the cableway.


We highly recommend planning a trip to this gorgeous place during your visit to Switzerland!

Happy travels!

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