Lauterbrunnen Switzerland has so many top places to visit. You will find everything in this Swiss Travel guide like the Staubbach Falls, the valley of 72 waterfalls, restaurants, hotels and much more.
Text and Pictures by Marc Gottwald
History of Lauterbrunnen in a nutshell
Lauterbrunnen is a Swiss village in the valley of the 72 waterfalls. This fairy-tale village with a beautiful landscape was first mentioned in 1240 as Claro Fonte and later in 1304 as Luterbrunnen. It is surrounded by stunning mountains of the Swiss Alps like for example the famous Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. The name ” Lauter Brunnen ” (many fountains) comes from the springs and brooks that surround the village.
The village is captured in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem (Spirit song over the waters), written after visiting the valley in 1779. Lauterbrunnen has the oldest proof of settlement with a Roman coin found in the Blumental area. This region is a worthy place to visit as you will not only learn more about its history but also find beautiful sites where you can enjoy the unique moments.
In this Travel guide you will learn everything about the top places to visit, the best restaurants and hotels.
10 top places to visit in and around Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Here are some of the best places to visit:
1. Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Staubbach Falls is a waterfall located west above the village. The waterfall drops at the height of 297 meters from a hanging cliff and is called the largest waterfall of Switzerland besides the Seerenbachfälle at the Walensee (Lake Walen). The high fall makes the stream on reaching the edge of the valley’s rocky walls and forms a high cascade into the Lauterbrunnen valley. To get to Staubbach falls, just take a cozy walk from the train station to the village.
As a tip: The waterfall is so beautiful and you can do a lot of great pictures featuring the Staubbach Falls. Check out different angles as you can see in some of my pictures.
2. Trϋmmelbach Falls – an underground waterfall next to Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
The Trümmelbach falls, located next to Lauterbrunnen, is a series of ten glaciers waterfalls. They are the only glacier waterfall in Europe, which can be accessed from the underground. These waterfalls are inside the mountain, and you can hear a thundering noise from the place. Because the water comes from the glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, among others, more than 20,000 liters per second flow through here at times, which is a lot.
The waterfalls are open from the beginning of April to November, but this should be checked individually on the homepage, especially at the beginning and end of the season.
3. Stechelberg
Stechelberg is a charming village at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can reach the place by bus or by car. In Stechelberg you can sit comfortably in a restaurant, start hiking tours or simply explore the village and relax. Furthermore, from Stechelberg you can also go to Gimmelwald, Mürren or the Schilthorn. The place is by the way famous for the paragliders landing on the fields.
4. Lauterbrunnen Valley – The Valley of 72 Waterfalls
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland and also called the valley of 72 waterfalls. Surrounded by 4000-meter mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau a lot of melt water from the ice and snow comes down all year round. But the valley and its 72 waterfalls are particularly worth seeing in spring when the snow melts. In summer and autumn, some of the waterfalls no longer carry any water. This means that those waterfalls are mainly fed by snowmelt, while the other waterfalls, which you can also see in summer and autumn, are fed by glacier water.
5. Hike from Lauterbrunnen Switzerland to Wengen
The hike from Wengen to “Lauterbrunnen” is not a single place to see. There are so many wonderful impressions, such as the village of Wengen, the view of the valley of 72 waterfalls, as well as the different vantage points and the imposing Staubbach Falls.
The best way is to take the train to Wengen. From there you can start the hike. Please note that some parts of the hike are very steep and should only be done with good fitness (eg good knees).
6. Mürren
Mürren is my favorite village in the Swiss Alps. The charming place is not as good known as Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald, but here you have the best view over the Alps and its stunning mountains such as the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and their glaciers.
There are also very tasty restaurants here where you can eat with a fantastic view. And not only that. I especially recommend the walk from Murren to Gimmelwald. The green meadows and the old farmhouses combined with the panoramic views make this one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland. As it only takes about an hour, it is very pleasant.
7. Jungfraujoch Switzerland
Jungfraujoch is found above Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland. A train takes you from either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to the Eigergletscher station. Trust me, the panoramic view is stunning and one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland. For me, this journey to Eiger Glacier (Eiger glacier) alone is a highlight and worthwhile. If you want it faster, you can take from “Grindelwald Switzerland” the new Eiger Express Gondulas to Eiger glacier , which shortens the trip to Jungfraujoch more than 40 minutes.
From the Eiger glacier you need to change trains and travel through a kilometer-long tunnel to the “Jungfraujoch Switzerland” mountain station at more than 3450 meters.
There you have an amazing panoramic view over the Swiss Alps and the famous mountains like Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau as well as the Eiger Glacier. Jungfraujoch also has viewing platforms called Sphinx and Plateau, which features restaurants, indoor viewing, shops, and an ice palace. You can even do a walk on the snow or if you are an experienced hiker, choosing the glacier trail via Jungfrau glacier to the Konkordiahütte SAC, which is a place where six glaciers come together. The whole area is in the UNESCO World Heritage.
The Jungfraujoch is a great trip from Lauterbrunnen. In the following, I would like to take a closer look at the main sights, namely the three famous mountains “Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau”.
Jungfrau
Jungfrau stands at 4,158 meters and is one of the Bernese Alps’ main summits. It is located between the northern canton of Bern and the southern canton of Valais. Together with Eiger and Mӧnch, this mountain forms the most impressing mountains overlooking the villages of Lauterbrunnen Switzerland or Grindelwald Switzerland.
Mönch
Mönch is a Swiss mountain that stands at the height of 4,110 meters. Together with Eiger and the Jungfrau, it forms a highly recognizable group of mountains. The north side of this mountain includes a steep wall above the Swiss village. Mönch has a route for climbing on the southeast ridge. Climbing is suitable for beginners and experienced who want to follow along the route. The best months to do the activity is between April to November.
Eiger
Eiger is a 3,967-meter mountain in the Bernese Alps and the third of the famous mountains of “Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau”. It overlooks Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. The easternmost peak of a ridge crest extends across Munich to the Jungfrau and creates the Swiss Alps’ exemplary view. It is recommended only for experienced climbers because it is a difficult mountain to climb. To get to Eiger, you will take a train from Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald to Kleine Scheidegg, then change trains to the Jungfrau train to take you to Eigergletscher. Or you take the direct “Eiger Express” from Grindelwald Switzerland. From the Eiger Glacier, you will follow the trail sign of the rocky, alpine Eiger trail.
On the picture you see the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau from Mürren.
8. Kleine Scheidegg
The Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass at an elevation of 2,061 meters situated below and between Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks. The name means a minor watershed since it is between the two arms of the Lϋtschine river. There are many excursions to do. You can hike on easy trails like Grindelwald, Wengen, or Lauberhorn. Experienced hikers can take a tough trail to Eigergletscher and have views of the impressive glacier. After a long hike, you can enjoy a meal at Bahnhof restaurant Kleine Scheidegg while enjoying stunning views. To reach this point, you start from Lauterbrunnen- Wengen or from Grindelwald.
9. Schilthorn
Schilthorn is a summit in the Swiss Alps that overlooks the village of Lauterbrunnen Switzerland and is situated above Mürren. From Lauterbrunnen you take first the cable car to Grütschalp and then the train to Mürren. It is a beautiful route with a dreamlike view over the Swiss Alps. Another way is to take the bus to Stechelberg and from there the cable car to Schilthorn.
The Swiss mountain Schilthorn has an altitude of almost 3000 meters. The summit is the perfect point to view the Swiss Alps, including Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau. In total you can see more than 200 mountain peaks. Additionally, when the sky is clear you can even see the Black Forest in Germany and the famous Mont Blanc in France.
Furthermore, the place has the Piz Gloria building that got featured in the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” more than 50 years ago. That’s why Schilthorn is still profiting from this movie and many James Bond fans are coming to Schilthorn.
Do not miss visiting the rotating restaurant.
10. Grindelwald
Let’s be honest: Grindelwald is simply one of the most beautiful places. The view over the Swiss mountains, the glaciers and the green meadows with flowers make Grindelwald a very attractive place. Moreover, there are many wellness hotels here, the standard is high. If you like more luxury and comfort, I recommend staying in Grindelwald.
For a day trip or half day trip from Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen I recommend ” Grindelwald First “, where you can visit the First Cliff Walk and do hikes to the Bachalpsee or the Grosse Scheidegg.
11. Harder Kulm – one of the top places near Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Harder Kulm is a viewpoint at a 1,321-meter height overlooking the towns of Interlaken and Unterseen. This viewpoint offers extensive views across Interlaken and the alluvial Bӧdeli. You will also discover monch, eiger, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. To get to this site, you will use a funicular from Interlaken. The journey involves passing through a forest and wildlife park.
12. Schynige Platte
Schynige Platte is a small mountain ridge and a viewpoint lying at about 2,000 meters in the Bernese Highlands. It consists of 3 peaks called Gumihorn, tuba, and the Geiss. There are views of many surrounding mountains, such as Eiger. A clear viewpoint depends on the right weather conditions. The journey to the Schynige Platte can be either be through hiking or by cogwheel train from Wilderswil. Hiking to the mountains allows you to admire the clean water of the lakes, alpine flowers, and alpine peaks.
Restaurants in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
No question about it, Lauterbrunnen is a dreamlike Swiss village. What if you could combine this with a great restaurant? Simply perfect, isn’t it? Here are the best restaurants to visit:
Airtime
The Airtime Lauterbrunnen is a Café situated in the middle of the Swiss village, where you have views over the mountains and glaciers. You will get to enjoy delicious local cuisines at this place. You can order for example breakfast, pies (meat & vegetarian), gourmet sandwiches, soups, quiches and of course sweets like cookies, brownies & cakes.
The Bell Restaurant Lauterbrunnen
The Bell Restaurant has the best atmosphere and view in the village. Take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the stunning Staubbach falls and the surrounding views over the Swiss Alps. The restaurant serves Swiss and central European cuisines. A visit here is worthwhile for the best view alone.
Hotel Restaurant Oberland
Oberland has the best outdoor dining experience with fire lamps as well as blankets. The main cuisine available is the swiss cuisine, where you get meals like fondue, raclette and more. Furthermore, if you want to stay in a hotel in Lauterbrunnen, the “Hotel Oberland” is a great address.
Hotels in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen is a small village in Switzerland. That’s why there are not many hotels to stay. Nevertheless, I can introduce you to three beautiful hotels. But there are also Airbnb flats for rent. If you want a better hotel, you should either go to Grindelwald which I recommend or to Wengen or Mürren.
Hotel Restaurant Oberland
The Hotel Oberland is one of the best Lauterbrunnen hotels. It’s clean and the location is very close to the Staubbach Falls. But not only that: The food is also fantastic and the hotel offers free parking. Guests rated the Hotel Oberland as very good.
Hotel Silberhorn
Hotel Silberhorn is another hotel in the village and scores the highest in Google reviews. With a total of 3 stars, it can be found in the upper class. The rooms are modern and offer a great view over the Swiss village and the valley of 72 waterfalls.
Hotel Restaurant Steinbock
The third hotel is the “Hotel Restaurant Steinbock”. The 2-star hotel is furnished in typical Swiss style – homely, rustic and charming.
Journey to Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen can be easily reached by a direct train from Interlaken within 20 minutes. If you stay in Grindelwald, it takes you 37 minutes to get to the Swiss village by train. You have to switch the trains in Zweilütschinen.
However, by car you will have 16 minutes from Interlaken and 20 minutes from Grindelwald. In Lauterbrunnen there is a large car park right by the train station.
Conclusion about Lauterbrunnen Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen is a popular place in the Bernese Highlands for its breathtaking attraction sites like the Staubbach Falls or the great location to places like the Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn and much more. Your time in Switzerland should not end before exploring the region. The detailed guide will help you choose the best places to visit, the right hotels or restaurants. Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau Region should be a must on your “Switzerland bucketlist”.
