Nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, also known as the Valley of the 72 Waterfalls – feels like a storybook destination. During our trip to Switzerland, we took a day trip from Grindelwald (our home base in the Jungfrau Region) to explore this breathtaking village, known for its dramatic alpine scenery, iconic waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. In just one day, you can explore this beautiful village and its must-see attractions. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, wandering through the scenic streets, or taking a cable car to breathtaking mountain viewpoints, this guide covers the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen in a day.
When To Visit Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
The best time to visit Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland is between late spring and early fall – from May to October, when the waterfalls are at their peak flow, and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing, and all the attractions are open for visitors. From May to June, you can expect green landscapes, waterfalls at their strongest from the snow melting, and fewer tourists. From July to August, you’ll have the warmest weather which is great for outdoor activities, and peak tourist season if you don’t mind crowds. From September to October, you can experience cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and start to see stunning fall colors in the surrounding mountains. I visited in the first week of September, and the weather was perfect, still warm enough for a dress or short sleeves but cool enough not to need a jacket, along with fewer crowds – which I loved – but the waterfalls were not flowing as much as I expected and was hard to see unless you went into attractions like Trümmelbach Falls.
If you’re visiting for winter activities or landscapes, Lauterbrunnen is a great base for nearby ski resorts in Wengen or Mürren. Keep in mind, that some attractions and hiking trails may be closed due to snow.
In late October to early December, this is the off-season when hotels, restaurants, and cable cars could close for maintenance. You may also expect rainy weather with little snow yet for winter sports.
How To Get To Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible by train, car, or even via scenic routes from nearby Swiss cities, but the best option is to go by train as they are fast, frequent, and convenient.
Because our home base when visiting the Jungfrau region was in Grindelwald, we just hopped on the train from Grindelwald Terminal, transferred at Interlaken, and headed to Lauterbrunnen which takes about 37 minutes. Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen are connected by a scenic train route operated by the Berner Oberland Bahn and you can check the SBB Online Portal to find the specific time and date you’d want to visit and plan your trip accordingly. I also have detailed information on how you can choose the best transportation pass for you in A Complete Guide To Exploring Geneva And Tips For Visiting Switzerland blog post.
As mentioned in my Grindelwald blog post, the Jungfrau Region includes Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Mürren, and Wengen. When visiting Lauterbrunnen, you can also access Mürren and Wengen – Mürren via the cable car to Grütschalp, followed by a scenic train ride, and Wengen via the Wengernalpbahn train.
You can also drive to these locations, but cars are not allowed in Mürren or Wengen. But if you do drive, you should be able to find parking at the Lauterbrunnen Parking Garage (P+Rail) conveniently located near the train station.
Note: If you do decide to stay in Lauterbrunnen, I met a tourist who told me his accommodations were up in the mountains, above the clouds – so that may be an unforgettable experience to consider!
Where To Eat In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
While Lauterbrunnen is a small village, there are a handful of great spots to grab a meal, whether you’re looking for traditional Swiss food, casual eats, or a cozy café. Here are some highly rated and popular options to choose from:
Hotel Oberland Restaurant – This restaurant is one of the best places to try Swiss specialties and alpine-style meats.
Restaurant Weidstübli – Established in 1987, this restaurant offers traditional Swiss cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting.
Alpenkräuter Restaurant Bären – Renowned for its regional and international cuisine, you’ll find that this restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients in a stylish ambiance.
Base Café – This relaxed café is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It offers accommodations, free private parking, a shared kitchen, and free Wi-Fi. I particularly loved the apple strudel they had and even ordered two!
Airtime Café – This cozy café serves fresh sandwiches, salads, coffee, and homemade cakes – making it great for a quick bite if you’re in a rush.
Metzgerei Fuchs – If you like quick, yummy, and cheap, grab a bratwurst on the go! It’s only about 7 Swiss Francs and the cheapest meal I’ve probably seen in all of Switzerland – if you know you know (how expensive food – and everything else – is in this country!).
For more restaurant options if you’d like to plan ahead of time, check out TripAdvisor for restaurants in Lauterbrunnen.
Tips for Visiting Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland In A Day
As you may be limited on time with only a day in Lauterbrunnen, here are some tips to make sure you’re fully prepared.
1 – Arrive Early – start your day early to maximize your time, especially if you plan to take a cable car to Mürren or decide to visit Wengen without staying overnight. The first trains from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen run as early as 6 AM.
2 – Dress In Layers – weather can change quickly, especially if you’re heading into the mountains. Even in summer, higher altitudes can be chilly as well as if you decide to enter Trümmelbach Falls.
3 – Have Some Cash On Hand – some smaller eateries and rural areas may not accept credit cards so to be safe, it’s better to carry some cash just in case.
4 – Pack Snacks And Water – while there are plenty of places to eat, it’s always a good idea to carry a small snack and a water bottle with you, especially if you’re hiking or walking for long periods.
5 – Make Reservations – popular restaurants in Lauterbrunnen can get busy, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation, especially if you’re visiting during the high season.
6 – Be Prepared For Limited Shopping – while Lauterbrunnen has a few shops, they might not be open in the off-season or have limited hours. You can find many souvenirs here, but if you want to shop, Geneva or Zurich is the better option.
Best Things To Do And Must-See Attractions In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland In 1 Day
Get The Iconic Lauterbrunnen Views From Chalet Pironnet
Lauterbrunnen is best known for its post-card perfect view from Chalet Pironnet, where you can capture the entire village as well as the famous Staubbach Falls, and Lauterbrunnen Church in one breathtaking frame.
How To Get There – From Lauterbrunnen train station, walk 10 minutes uphill toward Chalet Pironnet, and the viewpoint is on a small footpath near a residential area. Continue walking until you turn the corner, and you’ll see the view in all its glory. We actually stumbled across it accidentally, so it’s really not hard to find!
Tips – Morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photos. Also expect lines during high season, but when I visited in September, there were very few people and I had the spot almost to myself!
Walk Through Lauterbrunnen Village
Take a stroll through Lauterbrunnen Village, passing by enchanting wooden chalets, colorful flowers, and even grazing animals with the sound of waterfalls in the background – which makes for the perfect storybook setting. This is the perfect place to soak in the beauty of the valley.
Must-See Highlights – Don’t miss the Lauterbrunnen Church, a classic white church with a pointed steeple that you can see even from far away. There are also plenty of local cafés, bakeries, and restaurants along the way and boutique shops if you like to browse for a Lauterbrunnen keepsake to take home.
Visit The Tranquil Lauterbrunnen Cemetery
Maybe not for everyone, but this peaceful and picturesque cemetery near the village church is known for its beautifully maintained flower-adorned graves and mountain backdrop. Unlike most cemeteries, this one offers a stunning view of Staubbach Falls in the background as well and offers a unique blend of nature, history, and culture. For photographers, this is a place for stunning photos.
Valley Viewpoint From Ägerten Bridge
This hidden gem is one of the most scenic views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, making it perfect for photos, featuring rolling green fields, dramatic cliffs, and Stabbauch Falls.
How To Get There – Only a 5-minute walk from Lauterbrunnen train station, head toward Staubbach Falls, and you’ll see the bridge on your right before reaching the falls.
Tip – Sunset is a magical time here, as the light hits the valley perfectly.
Explore Trümmelbach Falls – The Underground Waterfalls
You can get to Trümmelbach Falls by foot which is a scenic 45-minute walk from Lauterbrunnen Village or take the Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg bus (Bus #141) to the Trümmelbachfälle stop which takes about 5 minutes. It is a series of 10 glacier-fed waterfalls hidden inside a mountain – a truly unique experience in Lauterbrunnen. These waterfalls carry melting water from the melting glaciers of the Eiger, Jungfrau, and Mönch peaks at a force of up to 20,000 liters per second and move over 5,200 tons of rock debris every year due to their sheer force. Over thousands of years, the rushing water has carved deep tunnels, spirals, and pools into the mountainside, creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape that’s hidden. The sound of the crashing waterfalls is so intense that you can feel the vibrations through rock walls before you even see them.
To explore Trümmelbach Falls, you will take a unique underground funicular or tunnel lift, built in 1913, which transports you up the mountain and you will be able to explore on foot the wet, winding staircases, and dimly lit tunnels that lead to various viewpoints of the waterfalls and the Lauterbrunnen landscape. We started from the top and then worked our way down the waterfalls. You will notice the temperature dropping noticeably as you explore the cave and may even feel the mist from the power of the waterfalls.
Note: Since the paths can be slippery, sturdy shoes and a light jacket are good to have when visiting these waterfalls. I also recommend Vessi as they’re versatile shoes for traveling and they’re conveniently waterproof.
Take A Short, Scenic Hike – Grütschalp To Mürren Trail
If you like hiking and the outdoors, don’t miss your opportunity to explore in Lauterbrunnen by way of the Grutschalp to Mürren trail, which gives you beautiful views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. This is one of the most scenic and accessible hikes in the Lauterbrunnen region, and is a 5-kilometer trail that takes about 1.5 hours, making it perfect for casual hikers or those looking for a relaxed walk in nature. Unlike some of the more challenging hikes in the Jungfrau Region, this trail has minimal elevation gain and is well-marked, making it enjoyable without requiring advanced hiking skills. Since it’s less crowded than some of the more well-known trails, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to soak in the peaceful surroundings without interruption.
How To Get There – Start by taking the Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp cable car, which takes about 5 minutes and offers a bird’s-eye view of the valley below. Once you arrive at Grütschalp, follow a well-maintained path until you reach the picturesque village of Mürren. This traffic-free mountain village is 5,374 feet above sea level and offers some of the best views of the Bernese Alps. If you’re not up for hiking back, you can return to Lauterbrunnen by taking the Mürren to Lauterbrunnen cable car via Gimmelwald or hop on the scenic Mürren BLM train back to Grütschalp, followed by the cable car down to Lauterbrunnen.
Optional Excursion To Mürren
If you have extra time, Mürren is a car-free Alpine village perched above Lauterbrunnen, offering gorgeous views and cozy cafés. Mürren is also a popular base for hiking, with trails ranging from easy scenic walks to more challenging alpine routes.
How To Get There – Take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then a train to Mürren which takes about 20 minutes.
Must-See Highlights – Visit the famous Hotel Eiger for coffee with a view, walk through the quaint, car-free streets, and take the Schilthorn cable car for a panoramic view at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. This restaurant is famous for being featured in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and you’ll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of over 200 mountain peaks while dining 9,744 feet above sea level. If you’re feeling adventurous, stop at Birg Station, just before Piz Gloria, and experience the Thrill Walk, a glass-bottom walkway that clings to the side of the cliff with dizzying views below.
Optional Excursion To Wengen
While you’re in Lauterbrunnen, consider visiting Wengen, another beautiful Swiss mountain village. Wengen sits high above Lauterbrunnen and offers incredible views and peaceful surroundings.
How To Get There –Take the Wengernalpbahn train from Lauterbrunnen – a historic cogwheel railway that winds its way up the mountainside in about 15 minutes. Once in Wengen, walk 10 minutes to Chalet Aberot for a gorgeous viewpoint over Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Must-See Highlights – Wengen is quieter and less touristy than Lauterbrunnen and has many great restaurants and coffee spots with scenic views while having your meal. You will also get some of the best unobstructed views of Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding peaks. In the summer, Wengen is a gateway to alpine hikes, including trails leading to Kleine Scheidegg. If you plan to visit in the winter, Wengen is a world-class ski destination, home to the famous Lauberhorn ski race, one of the largest downhill courses in the world.
Want to explore more of this amazing country? Check out my other Switzerland blog posts for must-visit destinations, hidden gems, and additional tips to make the most of your trip!