17+ Best Things to do in Lauterbrunnen (Day trips, Itinerary & Tips)

If you wonder why everyone is talking about the picturesque Lauterbrunnen, then read on…

We have gathered together the top attractions and best things to do in Lauterbrunnen – a Swiss village in the Jungfrau Region. The following things to do are along the Lauterbrunnen Valley and ideal for families and outdoor loving people.

We also have added some detours and visits to the close by most popular things near Lauterbrunnen, so your list of things to do will be endless.

Lauterbrunnen and its Valley

Lauterbrunnen is a small quaint village within the Jungfrau region in the Bernese Oberland nestled between very high towering rock walls. This makes the narrow Lauterbrunnen Valley simply gorgeous and spectacular views can be collected throughout!

The valley is famous for its many waterfalls, 72 in total and each year it attracts many tourists from both near and far.

Often Lauterbrunnen is used as the transit village to the nearby quaint villages of Mürren where the Allmendhubel Flower Park & Flower Trail is located. On the same trail you also find the James Bond Mountain, ( Her Majesty’s secret service was filmed there) Piz Gloria Schilthorn and its thrill walk. It is at the top where the revolving restaurant is located which invites for some spectacular views over many mountain peaks.

Whereas the car-free village Wengen and the world class Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch, can be visited by heading up the mountain in to opposite direction.

Another great destination not to forget then in the area is to hike at the Schynige Platte. Some of the best views and hiking trails can be found there.

If you want to visit most of these beautiful surrounding villages and places you will pass through Lauterbrunnen.

It is therefore also a great idea to make the valley of Lauterbrunnen your base when visiting the Jungfrau Region. There is no shortage of activities and things to do in Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding area. 

If you prefer a more virtual impression of Lauterbrunnen and its Jungfrau Region, then visit our Instagram account and view the Jungfrau Region Highlights.

Map of Lauterbrunnen & Jungfrau Region

Click on the Lauterbrunnen map to get full access. You will find all the areas mentioned on this blog including the suggested day trips from Lauterbrunnen.

How to Use This Map: First click on the map to gain full access. then by clicking the icons on the map you get more information about each point of interest. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your Google Maps account so you will always have it with you when visiting Lauterbrunnen.

To view it later on, on your phone or computer, simply open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to “Your Places,” click Maps, and you will see this map on your list.

How to get to Lauterbrunnen?

You can reach Lauterbrunnen by car but whenever possible it is recommended to arrive by train. Most of the area can be reached by cable car, train and on foot.

Travelling from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen railway station by train will take just 20 minutes.

Lauterbrunnen can be easily explored on foot. There are frequent cogwheel trains to take you to Wengen Village, Kleine Scheidegg and eventually to the Top of Europe- Jungfrau Joch.

And this is, by the way, one of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland.

If you are planning to visit Grindelwald as well, this is of course also possible to visit by train. The train to Grindelwald goes from Zweilütschinen which is the train station before Lauterbrunnen.

It is here in Zweilütschinen where the valley splits into two directions.

Where to park your car in Lauterbrunnen

If you are visiting Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau Region during the off-peak seasons you will find some payable parking within the village of Lauterbrunnen. But the situation may well be different during peak winter or summer seasons.

In general, when visiting the Jungfrau Region, it is recommended to do this on the Swiss public transport system rather than by car.

Train Tickets

If you are travelling to Interlaken and other places within the Jungfrau Region on a multi-day trip and don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card, you should consider purchasing a Jungfrau Travel Pass or a Regional Pass Berner Oberland. 

Especially if you are travelling around the area and visiting different villages and mountain tops.

Both passes offer free and discounted transport on boats, trains, cable cars and funiculars within the region.

Even some entry fees will be discounted with the Berner Oberland Pass. Definitely, something to think about for a longer stay.

By Car

However, it is not always possible to travel without your car, therefore if you are looking for parking places in the Lauterbrunnen valley you will find them at the Kirchenparkplatz which is located next to the church in the middle of Lauterbrunnen Village. Parking here is payable.

Hourly or multi-day parking: For a short or longer visit to Lauterbrunnen or any of the Jungfrau Region villages, then park your car at the large parking garage near the train station. 

Rates are for up to 2 hours chf 3.- and reach chf 17.- for a full day. The full-day prices will decrease for multiple days.

There is another large car park at the end of the valley in Stechelberg by the cable car station up to Mürren and Schilthorn.

You will get a ticket and pay when you return, but the first hour will be free of charge. Keep in mind that this parking place is about 6km outside Lauterbrunnen village.

If you are staying in an accommodation in Lauterbrunnen, then most hotels will have some kind of parking facilities available for their guests.

Check on the map to find your perfect hotel in Lauterbrunnen or nearby Interlaken.

Best Activities & Things to do in Lauterbrunnen

This small valley offers many attractions and you can easily spend days just exploring the valley itself, before heading out on some day trips within the Jungfrau Region.

1. Hiking or Biking from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg

Featuring no less than 72 waterfalls in this pristine valley, together with the verdant alpine pastures, the hike or bike ride from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg is a must do when in the area.

It is an easy hike or bike ride passing by the impressive Staubbach Falls which are just outside Lauterbrunnen village. The Staubbach Falls are iconic and probably the most photographed part of Lauterbrunnen

The bike/footpath is wide and flat along the valley floor with the striking Breithorn in constant view at the end of the valley.

Shortly before Stechelberg is the cable car which brings you up to the beautiful Swiss village of Mürren and even further up to the Schilthorn.

You could easily combine a visit to both places at the same time.

Just before the cable car is a picnic place with a fire-pit and wood supply making a great place for a lunch stop before heading back to Lauterbrunnen the way you came or by bus.

2. Detour to Trümmelbach Falls – UNESCO world Natural Heritage

You could opt for a small detour before reaching Stechelberg and visit the cascading waters of the Trümmelbach falls, the largest subterranean waterfall in Europe.

Water from over ten different glaciers and snow fields, including from the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau are thundering down the rocks.

You need to pay an entry fee for this one and children under the age of four are not permitted entry. The falls are accessible from April to November.

3. Visit the Mürrenbach Falls

Another great waterfall to visit close to Stechelberg are the Mürrenbach falls – the highest waterfall in Switzerland with a height of 417 metres.

There is a path to hike close to the falls, but take care as it is sometimes wet and slippery due to the spray. It is only about a 15 minutes’ walk to the falls from the Stechelberg parking area.

Look up to see the Mürren Via Ferrata wire bridge crossing over the falls.

Good to know: The hiking/biking path is 6.0km long and has a small elevation of 125 metres. It is ideal for the whole family and pushchair friendly.

You may need to keep some attention on younger children as the road is very quiet but not car-free until you reach the forest.

If you do not want to hike back to Lauterbrunnen, you can opt for the bus service. Postauto 141 costs CHF 4.40 (full fare) and takes 18 minutes.

Should biking be your preferred activity, you can find bike rental in Lauterbrunnen for adults and children. Even e-bikes and trailers are available for one or multiple days.

4. Other hikes from Lauterbrunnen

If the above hike was not strenuous enough and you would like to gain some altitude then don’t worry, there are over 70 different hiking trails in the region for all levels.

Head to the Tourism Office, Stutzli 460 in Lauterbrunnen, and get yourself a great hiking map so you can explore this region better.

Hiking tip: If you would like to go for a more experienced hike, ask for details of the iconic Eiger Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Jungfrau region. The trail will pass the amazing and renowned Eiger North Face en-route, and connects the Scheidegg railway station to Grindelwald.

5. Walk-behind the Staubbach Falls

The picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen is famous but so are its stunning Staubbach falls – a waterfall just at the end of the village. Make a search for Lauterbrunnen on the internet and nearly every photo in the results will feature these falls.

At an imposing 300 metres, the waterfall is the third-highest in Switzerland and also on the list of the highest free-falling waterfalls in all of Europe. It truly is an icon of the region.

You can see the waterfalls as you enter the village. There is a nice little area at the foot of the waterfalls by the road to take your photos. If this is not enough you can walk up close to the falls and even go behind them.

Depending on the wind you may get super wet from the spray but this can be a great idea on a hot summer day.

The path to the Staubbach falls is close to the Kirchenparkplatz parking lot and only open during the summer months. There is too much risk of large ice and rock falls during the winter.

Walk up the steep set of stairs you clearly see to the right side of the falls, until you reach the top where you have to walk through the tunnel.

This will guide you to the path which goes behind the Staubbach falls.

Travel tip: Every night during the summer or winter high season, the Staubbach Falls are illuminated, creating a magical effect and a perfect photography subject.

6. Enjoy the train ride from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (and further)

If you do have the time, you MUST ride the 15 min train journey from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen. You will not be disappointed, as this belongs on the list of the most beautiful train rides in Switzerland.

You can even go further all the way to the Top of Europe – Jungfraujoch. But if your budget is not allowing such a splurge, then just head to the Kleine Scheidegg and change the train direction Grindelwald. Change again in Grindelwald and then ride back down to Zweilütschinen. It is here where you need to change the train to get back to Lauterbrunnen. Definitely a trip we highly recommended

7. – 12. Other Activities & Things to do in Lauterbrunnen

If you are looking for an adrenalin rush or simply like to do some unusual activities than hiking and sightseeing then these are your other options in Lauterbrunnen.

• Minigolf at the Sports Centre
• Sky diving by helicopters
• Play a set of tennis
• Swim in the open-air pool heated to 23 degrees
• Go on the Via Ferrata trail in Mürren
• Take part in a tandem paragliding flight

13. Winter in Lauterbrunnen

There is still a lot to do in Lauterbrunnen during the cold winter months. When the village is covered in snow it gives this place an even more magical feel to it than it already has.

Whilst the Lauterbrunnen valley invites for a gentle winter walk, you can also ride the train up to some of the winter ski resorts like Mürren or Wengen-Kleine Scheidegg with ample opportunities to go tobogganing/sledging, snowshoe hiking and skiing.

Or even head up to Grindelwald-First walk the First Cliff Walk by Tissot, and hike to Lake Bachalpsee. This could of course also be a summer activity whilst in Lauterbrunnen and its region.

Another great idea is to walk around town and up every little street and capture these different views of Lauterbrunnen. This is actually one of my favourite things to do in any new place. And should we have the opportunity to return in another season we will do the same viewpoints again and compare the difference.

What can you do in Lauterbrunnen in one day?

If you really only have one day to visit Lauterbrunnen our suggestions are as follows.

• Get there early to pack as much into your day as possible.
• Bike the Lauterbrunnen valley to Stechelberg and back. This will only take you maximum 1 ½ h, depending on how many stops you will do to admire the valley with its many waterfalls.
• Whilst you still have the bikes (if you are renting some) make sure to check out the many famous Lauterbrunnen viewpoints for great photography opportunities. With an e-bike you can cover more ground than on foot.
• If you are visiting during the summer months, climb up the steep path to the Staubbach falls and walk behind it. Whilst hiking up make sure to check out the different views over Lauterbrunnen.
• Have lunch in one of the nice restaurants in Lauterbrunnen village.
• Book a train ticket and ride the Jungfrau Region Wengernalp cogwheel train route. It is the longest cog railway in the world with a length of 19,114 metres. If you do the full circle, it will take you 2 hours and the train connects the villages of Lauterbrunnen with Wengen then up to Kleine Scheidegg which lies at 2,070 meters above sea level. Its location is right at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfraujoch.
• You would need to change trains here to enjoy the scenic train ride down to Grindelwald, change again onto the regional train down to Zweilütschinen. One more change and finally back to Lauterbrunnen.

This will give you an exceptionally beautiful one day in Lauterbrunnen and most certainly a very good first impression of the Jungfrau Region.

Day trips from Lauterbrunnen

Although not on my day trips from Lauterbrunnen list, I highly recommend visiting the surrounding mountain tops like the Schilthorn, Mürren, Wengen, Grindelwald and the Jungfraujoch.

But if you are staying for several days and want to explore the Jungfrau Region and the Bernese Oberland a bit further then check out these great day trips from Lauterbrunnen.

14. Lake Brienz and its Giessbach falls

Only a short 20min drive by car or train and you can be at Lake Brienz, the turquoise alpine Lake. You can board a boat at Bönigen and cruise to the Giessbach falls. Powerful waterfalls cascading down the mountain into the lake.

Read more on How Best to visit the Giessbach falls

15. Öschinensee – Hike

Just under one hour drive and you will be in the Kandervalley in Kandergrund from where the cable car takes you up to the Öschinennsee, one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.

This is also an amazing day trip from Lauterbrunnen even if you are NOT a hiker, the stroll to the lake is easy and the views are amazing.

Read more about A Day at the Öschinensee  and the Oschinensee Panorama Hike 

16. Visit Lake Blausee

If you are visiting the Öschinensee then you might want to add 2 hours and head over to Lake Blausee which is close by.

The beautiful Blausee nature reserve is the perfect place for a picnic whilst enjoying the stunning setting.

You can reach Blausee by car in less the one hours drive or on a 2h train journey.

Read more about A visit to Lake Blausee

17. A day at the Hasliberg in Meiringen

If you are travelling with children and are looking for some great theme trails then a trip to Meiringen Hasliberg is a must.

Only 40 minutes’ drive by car or a one hour’s train journey and you are in Meiringen. The cable car station is only a 5 minute walk from the train station.

You have quite some options when visiting the Hasliberg to hike. One we loved the most was the “Kugelweg”. If you have little children then maybe the cute Muggestutz (gnome) hike following the stories of the gnomes may be the better choice.

Read more: A Day at the Hasliberg in Meiringen

Best Hotels and Apartments in Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is a great place to make your base during your holiday within the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland. There are so many day trips from Lauterbrunnen and the outdoor activities are close by too.

Here are some of our suggested accommodations in Lauterbrunnen.

Appartments in Lauterbrunnen

Apartment Trümmelbach – A ground floor apartment with 1 bedroom, a TV, a fully equipped kitchen, with a dishwasher, a fridge, a washing machine, an oven and a stovetop. Towels and bed linen are offered. The apartment has free parking and offers amazing views.

Breathtaking Waterfall Apartment- Open the window and listen to the Staubbach falls. Actually not only listen, you also see them from your window. The apartment offers free WiFi and and is centrally located. The apartment in Lautebrunnen has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and free parking.

Camping in Lauterbrunnen

Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen is a leading holiday park of the Swiss Alps, centrally located in the Jungfrau Region of the Bernese Oberland. The camping is surrounded by a breathtaking mountain panorama and very centrally located.

It is open all year round and the perfect place to stay for families with children as it features many facilities children will love.

Camping Jungfrau in Lauterbrunnen offers bungalows for up to 5 persons, so you do not need to bring your tent.

Hotels in Lauterbrunnen

Hotel Staubbach, – This historic hotel was one of the first hotels in Lauterbrunnen. Offering panoramic views of the Staubbach Falls and Lauterbrunnen Valley, the hotel has free wifi and parking available.

Hotel Silberhorn –The Silberhorn Hotel in Lauterbrunnen is situated off the main street with breathtaking views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Free parking and free Wi-Fi are available for its guests. Guest love their breakfast and the super delicious Pizzas.

 Ticket & Activities from Lauterbrunnen

More Swiss Travel Guides

• What to do in Interlaken – Day Trips & Itineraries 
• Mürren – Allmendhubel Flow Park & Flower Trail
• Valais – Aletsch Glacier Panorama Trail 
• Grimselpass – Family Hike to the Oberaarglacier and Lake
• Brienzersee – Giessbachfälle – A visit to the powerful waterfall at Lake Brienz
• Grimentz-Zinal, Hiking up to the Cabane du petit Mountet
• Visit Jungfraujoch Tope of Europe

I hope that the information provided here will prove itself useful when seeking the best activities & things to do in Lauterbrunnen.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below so that other readers can join in the conversation and benefit from your queries also.

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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