Situated between towering limestone cliffs and adorned with spectacular waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen Valley feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This Swiss gem, often called the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls,” offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Europe. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the sound of rushing water as Staubbach Falls—one of Europe’s highest free-falling waterfalls—cascades nearly 1,000 feet from the valley rim. The name “Lauterbrunnen” means “many fountains,” and true to its name, water seems to spring from every crack and crevice in the massive rock walls. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking your next thrill, a nature photographer hunting for the perfect shot, or simply a traveler looking to experience authentic Swiss Alpine culture, Lauterbrunnen offers something truly magical. Let this picturesque valley be your gateway to discovering why Switzerland has captivated travelers for centuries.
History at a Glance
The history of Lauterbrunnen Valley is as rich as its natural beauty. The first documented mention of this Alpine paradise dates back to 1240 when it was referred to as “in claro fonte,” Latin for “at the clear spring.” However, archaeological findings suggest human presence in the valley since prehistoric times.
By the Middle Ages, Lauterbrunnen had become an important route for traders moving between the Bernese Oberland and Italy’s Valais region. The local economy centered around agriculture, with farmers raising cattle on the lush valley floor and Alpine pastures.
The valley’s modern history was transformed in the late 19th century with the arrival of tourism. When Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited in 1779, his writings about the magnificent Staubbach Falls helped put Lauterbrunnen on the map. Later, J.R.R. Tolkien hiked through the valley in 1911, and its dramatic landscape reportedly inspired the elven realm of Rivendell in his Middle-earth stories.
The construction of mountain railways in the early 20th century—particularly the famous Jungfrau Railway completed in 1912—cemented Lauterbrunnen’s status as a world-class destination. Today, while embracing tourism, the valley retains much of its traditional Alpine character, with local families still practicing time-honored farming traditions alongside modern hospitality.
Location/Coordinates
- Geographic Location: Bernese Alps, Switzerland
- Coordinates: 46.5936° N, 7.9081° E
- Elevation: Approximately 800 meters (2,600 feet) above sea level
- Nearest Cities: Interlaken (12 km), Bern (70 km), Zurich (120 km)
- Access: Easily reachable by train from Interlaken (20-minute ride)
Fun Facts
- Lauterbrunnen Valley is home to 72 waterfalls, with many visible from almost any point in the valley.
- The valley inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s vision of Rivendell in “The Lord of the Rings” after he hiked through the area in 1911.
- Staubbach Falls, at 297 meters (974 feet), is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
- The valley floor is remarkably flat, creating a striking contrast with the sheer cliff faces that rise over 1,000 meters on either side.
- Lauterbrunnen has Switzerland’s largest subterranean waterfall inside Trümmelbach Falls.
- Base jumpers from around the world consider Lauterbrunnen a mecca for their sport, with over 20,000 jumps recorded annually.
- The valley’s unique topography creates its own microclimate, often experiencing different weather than surrounding areas.
Reasons to Go
- Unparalleled Natural Beauty: Experience some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Europe with a perfect blend of gentle meadows and vertical rock faces.
- Gateway to the Alps: Use Lauterbrunnen as your base camp to explore the famous Jungfrau region, including easy access to Mürren, Wengen, and the Jungfraujoch—”Top of Europe.”
- Waterfall Paradise: Witness the power and beauty of dozens of waterfalls, including the spectacular Trümmelbach Falls hidden inside the mountain.
- Adventure Sports: From paragliding and base jumping to world-class skiing and hiking, there’s an adrenaline rush for everyone.
- Authentic Swiss Culture: Experience traditional Alpine farming culture that still thrives alongside tourism, with opportunities to sample local cheese and watch traditional crafts.
- All-Season Destination: Each season transforms the valley—from snow-covered winter wonderland to lush green summer paradise, vibrant autumn colors to flower-filled spring meadows.
- Photography Heaven: Capture postcard-perfect shots at every turn, with dramatic lighting conditions created by the valley’s unique geography.
Main Attractions
- Staubbach Falls: The iconic 297-meter waterfall that cascades from the valley rim, visible from the village center
- Trümmelbach Falls: Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall system, carrying meltwater from the Jungfrau glaciers through the mountain
- Mürren: Car-free village perched on the cliff edge, accessible by cable car from Lauterbrunnen
- Schilthorn: Mountain peak featuring the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant made famous in the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”
- Wengen: Traditional Alpine village and gateway to the Männlichen mountain and Kleine Scheidegg
- Jungfraujoch: The “Top of Europe” railway station at 3,454 meters, offering glacier experiences and spectacular views
- Gimmelwald: Tiny traditional farming hamlet that feels frozen in time
- White Lutschine River: The glacial river running through the heart of the valley
Things To Do
- Witness Base Jumpers: Watch thrill-seekers leap from designated spots along the valley walls (or try it yourself with certified instructors if you’re brave enough)
- Go Paragliding: Experience the valley from above with a tandem paragliding flight
- Visit Alpine Meadows: Take cable cars to high mountain pastures where cows graze during summer months
- Ride the Mountain Railways: Experience Switzerland’s engineering marvel with scenic railway journeys to surrounding peaks
- Photography Tours: Join specialized tours that take you to the best vantage points at optimal times
- Via Ferrata in Mürren: Try the protected climbing route with stunning valley views
- Winter Sports: Enjoy world-class skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and winter hiking trails
- Waterfall Rappelling: Descend alongside cascading waterfalls with experienced guides in summer
- Valley Floor Walks: Take gentle strolls through flower-filled meadows with mountain views
Culinary Adventures
Lauterbrunnen offers authentic Swiss Alpine cuisine that will satisfy both your hunger and curiosity about local food traditions:
Highly Related
- Mountain Cheese: Visit Alp cheese dairies during summer months to see traditional cheese-making and sample fresh Alpine cheese.
- Rösti: Try this Swiss potato dish at restaurants like Hotel Oberland, where it’s often served with local sausage and onion sauce.
- Fondue Evening: Experience communal dining with melted cheese fondue at Airtime Café, especially satisfying after a day of outdoor activities.
- Meringues with Fresh Cream: Indulge in this local dessert specialty, particularly famous in the Bernese Oberland region.
- Mountain Hut Dining: Hike to Alpine restaurants like Bergrestaurant Winteregg for traditional meals with spectacular views.
- Local Beer: Sample craft beers from regional microbreweries at the Horner Pub in the village center.
- Farmer’s Markets: (May-October) Purchase directly from local producers every Saturday morning in the village square.
- Berghaus Restaurants: These mountain restaurants, reached by cable cars or hiking trails, offer hearty meals with breathtaking perspectives of the valley.
Events Not to Miss
- Alpabzug (Cow Descent): September brings the decorated cow procession as herds return from summer Alpine pastures.
- International Inferno Race: January’s challenging amateur ski race from Schilthorn to Lauterbrunnen (15 km descent).
- Jungfrau Marathon: September’s mountain marathon from Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg passes through the valley.
- Mürren-Schilthorn Mountainbike Race: Test your endurance in this challenging summer mountain bike event.
- Swiss National Day: August 1st celebrations feature bonfires, fireworks, and traditional music throughout the valley.
- Winterstart Festival: Late November event marking the beginning of the winter season with music and local food.
- Lauterbrunnen Village Market: Traditional spring market featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment (May).
- Traditional Wrestling Competitions: Summer alpine wrestling events (Schwingen) held in village fields.
Cycling
Lauterbrunnen Valley offers cycling experiences for all skill levels, from gentle valley rides to challenging mountain routes:
- Valley Floor Route: A flat, family-friendly 10 km cycling path follows the White Lutschine River through the entire valley.
- E-Biking: Rent electric bikes in the village to tackle uphill routes with less effort.
- Mountain Biking Trails: The surrounding mountains feature marked trails of varying difficulty, with Mürren and Wengen offering dedicated routes.
- Grütschalp Circuit: A moderate 15 km mountain route with spectacular views across the valley.
- Downhill Adventures: Take your bike up via cable car and enjoy thrilling descents back to the valley floor.
- Bike Rentals: Several shops in Lauterbrunnen village offer quality mountain and road bikes, including Outdoor Interlaken and Alpia Sport.
- Guided Cycling Tours: Local guides offer half-day and full-day excursions that combine cycling with cultural and natural highlights.
- Winter Fat Biking: Special fat-tire bikes allow for cycling on snowy trails during winter months.
Hiking Trails
Lauterbrunnen Valley is a hiker’s paradise with trails for every ability level:
Highly Related
- Waterfall Trail: Easy 1-hour walk visiting several accessible waterfalls near the village.
- Mürren to Gimmelwald: Moderate 1.5-hour downhill hike between these charming car-free villages with constant valley views.
- Männlichen to Kleine Scheidegg: The famous “Royal Walk” (4.5 km) offering views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
- North Face Trail: Challenging full-day hike beneath the imposing north face of the Eiger.
- Schynige Platte to First: Experienced hikers love this demanding 6-hour ridge walk with panoramic views.
- Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg: Easy valley floor walk (5 km) passing numerous waterfalls.
- Via Alpina: Section of this long-distance Alpine trail passes through the valley.
- Winter Hiking Paths: 100+ km of prepared winter hiking trails when snow covers the landscape.
- Themed Trails: Follow educational paths focusing on local geology, flora, and traditional farming practices.
Travel Tips and Practical Information
- Best Time to Visit: June-September for hiking, December-March for winter sports, May and October for fewer crowds
- Transportation:
- Swiss Travel Pass covers most mountain trains and cable cars in the region
- Consider the Jungfrau Travel Pass for unlimited transportation in the area
- Trains run hourly from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen
- Accommodation:
- Book months in advance for summer and winter peak seasons
- Options range from luxury hotels to budget hostels and campgrounds
- Valley Floor Hotel Staubbach offers waterfall views
- Mountain villages provide quieter alternatives to staying in Lauterbrunnen itself
- Weather Preparedness:
- Mountain weather changes rapidly; always carry rain gear
- Check weather forecasts daily and plan activities accordingly
- Dress in layers even in summer
- Money-Saving Tips:
- Purchase regional multi-day passes for transportation
- Many hotels provide free local transportation cards
- Pack picnic lunches from the local Coop supermarket
- Language: German is the local language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
- Emergency Information: Mountain rescue: 1414, General emergency: 112
- Connectivity: Most accommodations and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi; mobile coverage is good in the valley but spotty on higher trails
Nearby Attractions and Points of Interest
- Interlaken: Gateway city between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz (20 minutes by train)
- Grindelwald: Popular resort town on the other side of the Männlichen mountain (45 minutes by train)
- Lake Brienz: Turquoise Alpine lake perfect for cruises and swimming (30 minutes)
- Ballenberg Open-Air Museum: Swiss heritage museum featuring historic buildings (40 minutes)
- Harder Kulm: Interlaken’s home mountain with panoramic restaurant (30 minutes)
- St. Beatus Caves: Impressive cave system along Lake Thun (35 minutes)
- Schynige Platte Alpine Garden: Botanical garden featuring over 600 plant species (1 hour)
- Reichenbach Falls: Famous waterfall where Sherlock Holmes supposedly met his end (1 hour)
- Thun: Medieval city with castle and charming old town (1 hour)
- Bern: Switzerland’s capital with UNESCO-listed old town (90 minutes)
Final Thoughts
Lauterbrunnen Valley isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. There’s something almost mystical about this place where water dances down cliff faces, cowbells echo across meadows, and mountains stand as silent guardians. Whether you’ve come seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a connection with nature at its most spectacular, Lauterbrunnen delivers in ways that few destinations can. The Swiss have a saying, “In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft” (In tranquility lies strength), and nowhere embodies this better than this peaceful valley. As you plan your Swiss adventure, allow yourself enough time to truly absorb what makes this place special—the changing light on the cliffs as day transitions to evening, the sound of waterfalls becoming part of your daily rhythm, and moments of perfect Alpine serenity that remind us why we travel in the first place. Lauterbrunnen isn’t just worth visiting; it’s worth savoring.
