2 Days of Swiss Bliss in Lauterbrunnen
TRAVEL DATES: MAY 26-28, 2023 | EST. READING TIME: 22 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
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Lauterbrunnen Customized Map (Google Maps)
Have you ever seen a landscape so unreal, it felt like looking at a green screen?
The little Swiss town of Lauterbrunnen may not be on your radar, but believe me when I say this destination belongs at the top of your bucket list. Breathtaking Alpine views, charming villages, and cascading waterfalls are the norm here, where you’ll be stepping into a mountainous landscape unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, make sure to stop in the Lauterbrunnen Valley for at least two days. Situated next to a convenient cable car system, you’ll be able to hit Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg, and the Schilthorn peak while you’re there—scaling 9,744 ft in the process.
Two Day Lauterbrunnen Valley Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed travel guide with Lauterbrunnen travel tips and planning you’ll find below:
Day 1
9:00 - 9:27 AM: 🚡 Gimmelwald to Schilthorn transit via Schilthornbahn cable car (27 min)
9:45 - 11:30 AM: ⛰️ Brunch at Piz Gloria and admire the Schilthorn from the viewing platform (1 hr 45 min)
11:33 - 11:37 PM: 🚡 Schilthorn to Birg transit via Schilthornbahn cable car (4 min)
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM: 🧗 Face your fear of heights on the Birg Thrill Walk (50 min)
12:40 - 12:50 PM: 🚡 Birg to Mürren transit via Schilthornbahn cable car (10 min)
12:50 - 1:35 PM: 🥾 Hike the beginning of the Northface Trail, departing from Mürren (45 min)
1:35 PM - 2:15 PM: 💧 Detour to the Sprutz Waterfall (40 min)
2:15 - 3:50 PM: 🚋 Finish the Northface Trail, riding the Allmendhubel Funicular (1 hr 35 min)
3:55 - 3:59 PM: 🚡 Mürren to Gimmelwald transit via Schilthornbahn cable car (4 min)
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM: 🍕 Enjoy a pizza dinner at Mountain Hostel (1 hr 30 min)
5:30 - 6:15 PM: 🐄 Explore Gimmelwald (45 min)
6:15 - 7:45 PM: 🍻 Relax and grab a drink at Hotel Pension (1 hr 30 min)
Day 2
8:30 - 9:30 AM: 🍞 Indulge in the free breakfast buffet at Mountain Hostel (1 hr)
9:30 - 10:05 AM: 🚞 Gimmelwald to Lauterbrunnen transit via Schilthornbahn cable car + bus 141 (35 min)
10:05 - 10:50 AM: 🇨🇭 Explore the village of Lauterbrunnen (45 min)
10:50 - 11:35 AM: ☔ Meander down the Staubbach Falls trail (45 min)
11:35 AM - 12:50 PM: 🥾 Get your steps in with the Staubbach Falls to Trümmelbach Falls walk (50 min)
12:50 - 2:20 PM: 🪨 Descend into Trümmelbach Falls (1 hr 30 min)
2:20 - 3:10 PM: 🥾 Track back to town via the Trümmelbach Falls to Lauterbrunnen walk (50 min)
3:10 - 5:00 PM: 🥱 Rest and freshen up (1 hr 50 min)
5:00 - 6:30 PM: 🫕 Feast on a fondue dinner at Hotel Oberland (1 hr 30 min) ü
How to Get Around Switzerland?
Before we dive into the specifics of Lauterbrunnen train stations and transportation, it’s important to make sure you’re properly equipped to travel around Switzerland. Specific mode of transport aside, the SBB Mobile app is Switzerland’s most popular public transport app and will be your key to success in navigating the country. Find personalized time tables and suggested routes between locations, purchase your tickets, and get relevant information about your journey when on the move — all within a simple mobile interface.
Depending on the length of your trip and intended amount of transit, the Swiss Travel Pass could be a huge cost saver — and save you the headache of purchasing tickets every time you’re on the go. The purchase of this singular ticket gives you unlimited travel by train, bus and boat, as well as free admission to more than 500 museums and up to a 50% discount on many popular mountain excursions.
The travel pass is offered in two different variations: the Swiss Travel Pass and Swiss Travel Pass Flex, with the former, cheaper option remaining active through consecutive days of travel while the latter, more expensive option is valid on freely selectable days within one month. You’ll need to figure out your trip itinerary in advance to determine which of these options is the most cost-effective for you. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re in Switzerland for less than 2 weeks, the Swiss Travel Pass will likely suffice.
Pro Tip:
If you’re under 25, you can buy the Swiss Travel Pass Youth or Swiss Travel Pass Flex Youth for even cheaper rates, with a 30% discount on the regular pass prices. Both ticket types offer the same validity as their full price counterparts.
Once you’ve determined which pass type makes the most sense for you, purchase the pass that aligns with the duration of your time in Switzerland: 3, 4, 6, 8, or 15 day tickets are offered across all pass types. As the number of days included in the pass increases, the actual cost per day decreases, so it’s worth doing some quick math to find your cheapest option. For example, it’s actually cheaper to buy an 8-day pass for a 7-day trip, instead of buying one 3-day pass and one 4-day pass.
Your final decision to make is whether you’d like to purchase a first or second class ticket. In my experience, there was hardly any difference between the two class cars (and I was able to sneak into some first class seats with my second class tickets), so I’d recommend going with the cheaper, second class pass. However, if you’re traveling during peak season and anticipate hordes of other tourists around, the first class pass may be worthwhile.
How to Get from Zürich to Lauterbrunnen?
FROM: Zürich Flughafen station in Zürich Airport (ZRH)
TO: Lauterbrunnen station
TRANSPORTATION: Swiss Railways via SBB (2 hr 40 min, 2 transfers, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 61 CHF)
I traveled to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland in the midst of my post-grad Europe adventure, so I woke up at the crack of dawn in Ibizia, flew to Mallorca, flew to Zürich, and then finally hopped on the train to Lauterbrunnen. I’m exhausted just thinking about that day, and would recommend you make smarter choices when planning your own trip.
Views like this make the long journey worth it!
Assuming you’re already in Zürich, the best city to fly into when traveling to Lauterbrunnen, the journey is a breezy three hours through Swiss countryside.
You’ll depart from the Zürich Flughafen station, which is conveniently located inside the airport, riding for one hour and thirteen min to Bern Hbf. You’ll hop off your first train with six minutes to transfer, heading onto a train headed towards Interlaken Ost for fifty-four minutes. Since you have to travel through Interlaken to get to Lauterbrunnen anyways, you should absolutely consider spending a few days there as well.
At the Interlaken Ost station, you’ll have another seven minutes to transfer before hopping on your final train towards Lauterbrunnen for a quick twenty minute jaunt. If at this point you’re thinking, do I really need to get on three different trains? The answer is unfortunately yes — BUT, I promise the views on each leg of the journey are breathtaking, especially during your last train into the valley. You only need to purchase a train ticket if you opted not to get the Swiss Travel Pass.
Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen?
LODGING: Mountain Hostel (45 CHF/night including a free breakfast buffet)
So…I’ll be honest, this title is misleading. My recommendation isn’t to stay in a Lauterbrunnen hotel, it’s to stay above Lautebrunnen in a little village called Gimmelwald, specifically in the Mountain Hostel.
Picture this: You’re going to wake up in the most adorable wooden cabin you’ve ever seen, situated against staggeringly enormous snow-capped mountains in every direction. This particular hostel is only accessible via cable car, meaning there’s not one car in the entire village. It’s so quiet and perfectly peaceful that you can hear the roaring of waterfalls cascading down these rock faces echo throughout the valley. Yeah, these hills are alive.
If that hasn’t convinced you, I cannot emphasize enough how perfectly quaint the Mountain Hostel is. There’s swinging wicker chairs and hammocks throughout the property to chill out in, they have a whole outdoor lounge space with comfy couches and a fire pit, and you’ll have an endless supply of choose-your-own-topping woodfire pizzas at your disposal. Everyone I met there was incredibly kind and open-minded, with drinks shared over many rounds of Uno and BS played late into the night.
Shadow eyeing our breakfast
I’m not a big hostel person (and I really only do it in between hotel stints to save money), but I could rave on and on about the Mountain Hostel forever — it’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed and I would absolutely come back here in a heartbeat. It’s even family friendly, offering private double rooms for families, along with mixed and female shared dorms. If that’s not enticing enough, you’re almost guaranteed to run into their hostel cat, Shadow. My best friend and I thought we were basically Snow White summoning this barn cat back to the hostel with us, but it turns out he lives there and just wanted our Nutella toast from the free breakfast brunch. Plus there’s live music and DJ sets, easy access to hiking trails, close proximity to the Mürren ski area, and a host of other adventure activities at your doorstep. Here I am going on and on again, but I seriously adore this place.
Pro Tip:
You are staying in a hostel, so you won’t be getting the usual hotel fixings. You can rent towels for 2 CHF, but be sure to bring your own toiletries, including toothpaste and shower supplies.
How to Get from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald?
FROM: Lauterbrunnen train station
TO: Gimmelwald cable car
TRANSPORTATION: Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg bus 141 ➽ Stechelberg-Schilthorn cable car (35 min, 2 transfers, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 10.40 CHF)
Now, I know what you’re thinking: is Gimmelwald (and the Mountain Hostel) really only accessible by cable car? The short answer is yes, and that’s the beauty of it, but if you purchased a Swiss Travel Pass of any kind all your cable car rides are included anyways! If not, you may want to plan your trips up and down the mountain face in advance so you’re not just spending money on cable car trips willy-nilly.
But before we get to the cable car system, you’ll first have to take the yellow bus 141 towards the Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn stop. Once you get off the train at Lauterbrunnen’s station, cross the tracks and walk about 100-300 ft to your right, where you will find the Lauterbrunnen, Bahnhof stop. The bus ride is about 12 minutes long, and you will disembark right next to the cable car station. If you don’t have a Swiss Travel Pass, you can purchase your ticket in the SBB Mobile app, from a ticketing machine, the ticket office in Lauterbrunnen, or directly from the bus driver.
Avoid the 8:01 PM train out of Interlaken because you will get to Lauterbrunnen when the Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg bus is not running. There is a bus at 7:35 PM and 9:35 PM, but nothing in between.
Pro Tip:
Take the quick 5 minute ride in the Stechelberg-Schilthorn cable car to its first stop in Gimmelwald. If you’ve purchased a Swiss Travel Pass, you can just scan your pass when entering the queue. Otherwise, you can purchase tickets in-person at kiosks around the station. There are a few caveats to note here, particularly with the cable car timetables and size of the cars in question:
Uphill journeys from Stechelberg run at 25 and 55 minutes past the hour, beginning at 7:55 AM.
The last downhill journey from Mürren runs at 11:45 PM on weekdays, and 1:10 AM during the weekend. Downhill journeys from the Schilthorn run at 3 and 33 minutes past the hour, with the last downhill journey leaving at 4:55 PM.
These cable cars can fit roughly 30 people (plus some kids and luggage), so if you’re visiting during peak season you might have to wait for a few cars to pass before it’s your turn to ride.
The Schilthorn cable car runs all year round with the exception of a few weeks of maintenance in the off-season (usually in May and November).
We’re squeezed in like sardines!
All of this to say, you can meticulously plan your arrival and departure times to coincide with the cable car timetable, or you can relax and enjoy the Alpine views waiting for the next car when it’s convenient for you. To each their own.
If you’re continuing on to the Mountain Hostel, exit the cable car in Gimmelwald and you will see the Mountain Hostel sign up to the left. Walk up the little dirt path directly outside the station to get your lodging.
Now, you’re probably wondering: is all this initial transit really worth it? And once again — the answer is yes, I promise it is. Taking a train to a bus to a cable car isn’t ideal for efficiency’s sake, but it’s the price you have to pay for the unparalleled natural beauty you’ll see on the rest of your trip. And hey, it’s all about the journey, not just the destination —right? Odds are low that you’ll also be commuting all the way from Ibiza, so if we did it hungover and sleep deprived you can too!
What to Do in Lauterbrunnen?
FROM: Gimmelwald cable car
TO: Schilthorn cable car (and back down again)
TRANSPORTATION: Schilthornbahn (27 min, 3 stops, roundtrip 42.8 CHF w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 97.6 CHF)
Day 1
Now onto the good stuff. You’re going to spend your first day in the Lauterbrunnen Valley working your way from the top peak all the way back down. And yes, there’s a method to the madness here.
For reference, the Schilthorn is the summit of the highest mountain in the Bernese Alps lying north of the Sefinenfurgge Pass. Traveling down from the peak, you’ll be able to stop at Birg, Mürren, and Gimmelwald in that order, until you reach the final cable car stop at the base of the valley in Stechelberg.
Schilthorn
Starting from the Gimmelwald cable car, you’ll want to begin your morning around 8 AM so that by the time you reach the Schilthorn, there’s still panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland to be had in all directions. Given that the Schilthorn is a whopping 9,744 ft in the air, thick cloud coverage often descends on the peak in the late morning — obstructing your view and basically defeating the purpose of going all the way up there. Hence, why an early morning start is a necessity here.
If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, the cable car journey is only free up to Mürren, with a 50% discount on the rest of the journey to the Schilthorn. Per usual, you can buy a roundtrip ticket for 42.8 CHF in the SBB Mobile app or at the cable car station in Mürren. Uphill and downhill journeys from Gimmelwald run at every 0 and 30 minutes past the hour, with the ride to the peak lasting 27 minutes.
Brunch — Piz Gloria
At the summit is where the real fun happens. The Schilthorn is world famous for its 360-degree revolving restaurant, Piz Gloria, and as the film location for the iconic Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."
Given the location’s connection to the Bond franchise, the whole restaurant is James Bond-themed with an interactive exhibition called Spy World and a Cinema projecting spectacular stunts from the James Bond classic — both are free of charge to enter. Outside of the restaurant you’ll find a Skyline platform with a spectacular view of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and more than 200 other summits.
To reward yourself for getting up early this morning, you’re going to treat yourself to none other than the James Bond Brunch, which is served daily until 2 pm. For 37 CHF/person, you can eat (and drink mimosas) to your heart’s content while watching the impressive mountain scenery glide by as the Piz Gloria slowly rotates around its own axis every 45 minutes. At the end of the day, a buffet is a buffet, but I found the spread to be quite diverse with options for every palette — including classic Swiss delicacies and dish options for most (if not all) dietary restrictions. You’ll want to book brunch at the Piz Gloria in advance to ensure you get a table.
Once you’ve eaten, dranken, and taken photos on the viewing deck, it’s time to get back in the cable car and head to Birg.
Snag a Piz Gloria window seat for these views!
Birg
Conquer your fears on the thrill walk!
Downhill journeys from Schilthorn run at 3 and 33 minutes past the hour, with the last downhill journey leaving at 4:55 PM. The ride itself is a brisk 4 minutes, and then you’ve made it to Birg!
Having descended to 8783 ft, you’ll trade views of snowy scapes for rugged, rocky terrain you can get up close and personal with. Here, you’ll find the Skyline Walk, an observation deck extension of the sun terrace suspended over the vertical abyss below. This is the perfect place to take photos against the craggy landscape behind you before embarking on the Thrill Walk.
At the opposite of the Skyline Walk, the Thrill Walk leads down into the perpendicular walls of the imposing rock massif. The steel structure juts out from the rock face before swerving under the observation deck and cableway to end below the cable car station. Features include a crawl-through tunnel, glass-bottomed floor, and rope and cattle grid to deepen the sense of adventure as you scramble around the rock face. In the event of heavy snowfall, the footbridge must first be cleared in the morning, which may delay the opening of the Thrill Walk.
If you weren’t feeling too hungry at the Piz Gloria, you have another opportunity here to grab a meal at the Birg Bistro, open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. You can make a reservation here!
Mürren
Downhill journeys from Birg run at 10 and 40 minutes past the hour, with the ride down to Mürren lasting 10 minutes. Now that you’ve brunched, admired the views, and warmed up your legs on the Birg Thrill Walk — it’s time to start hiking! Now, I can unabashedly say without a doubt that this is the most breathtaking hike I’ve ever been on (maybe second only to Zion’s Angels Landing), and the hike will drop you off right back in Gimmelwald!
After exiting the cable car station in Mürren, you’ll be embarking on the Northface Trail. This hike embodies exactly what comes to mind when you think of “classic Switzerland,” and if you’re only going to do one hike on your trip — this should be the one.
This trail has a little bit of everything: stunning mountain vistas, tiny villages with rustic cabins nestled in the hills, flowery alpine meadows, and cows with twinkling bells dangling from their necks. If the views on the ground weren’t compelling enough, make sure you look up once in a while on this trek: you’re likely to see dozens of paragliders floating in the clouds above! Although I’ve described this route as a hike, in reality it’s closer to an easy walking trail that should be very doable for the average person. Some houses on the trail even offer bathrooms, food, and water, should you need them along the route.
You’ll take a left out of the cable car onto the paved path Via Alpina, walking until you see the first sign indicating you’re headed in the correct direction. The trail is extremely well-marked with sign posts stationed along the entire duration of the hike, so any time you’re confused or come to a fork in the road simply follow the blue arrow marked “Northface Trail.” Heading out in this direction means you’ll be following the loop clockwise, either allowing you to detour to the Sprutz Waterfall and then hike down to Gimmelwald, or complete the full 4.6 mile (roughly 2.5 hour) loop ending with a ride down the Allmendhubel funicular back to where you started in Mürren. The Swiss Travel Pass gets you 50% off the funicular, so a one-way ticket will cost an additional 7 CHF. It’s important to note the funicular runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, departing every 15 minutes, but it doesn’t operate year-round and is periodically closed for maintenance. Make sure to check the timetable and funicular status before you go.
But let’s get back to the trail. As you head away from Mürren and into farmland, you’ll notice the wide paved trail becomes a narrow dirt path as you traverse deeper into nature, passing quaint cottages and rustic farmhouses as you go. You’ll walk for approximately 1.5 miles (roughly 45 minutes) on the Northface Trail before approaching a fork in the road and sign post that leads to the Sprutz Waterfall detour. As with the rest of the trail, the route is clearly marked the whole way, so it will be fairly obvious as you approach the forest when you will need to change course to take this detour.
Although it’s not a must, I would highly recommend taking the detour since it allows you to walk directly behind a raging waterfall! There were hardly any people when I hiked this trail, allowing me to peacefully soak in the sounds of the roaring water while feeling fully immersed in nature. If you opt to take the detour, you’ll walk for 15-20 minutes on a trail through the forest that is almost entirely comprised of downhill switchbacks. This is a really great deal if you’re planning to continue on downhill to Gimmelwald, but if you’d like to complete the rest of the Northface Trail you’ll have to climb back up all that way.
The trail to the Sprutz Waterfall is quite muddy and on a steep downward slope — if you’re completing this hike after it’s rained, make sure to wear hiking boots to avoid taking a tumble.
Pro Tip:
After enjoying the serene beauty of the Sprutz Waterfall, my best friend and I decided to continue back down to our lodging in Gimmelwald. At this point I’m not exactly sure what trail we followed (if any?), but we began by heading up the steps behind the waterfall, opposite of the direction we originally came. A clear path existed with hand rails and arrows painted on tree trunks indicating the correct direction, until we broke out from the forest and stepped onto the hillside looking down at the valley below. From here we could see the village of Gimmelwald ourselves, so we continued walking downhill on narrow dirt paths to avoid disrupting any plants in the surrounding fields. Again, I’m not exactly sure what the name of this trail is, but common sense should lead you in the right direction (and that’s coming from someone who can’t navigate their home town without Apple Maps).
Gimmelwald
After a hard day’s work, it’s now time to sit back, relax, and enjoy a pint of beer with some pizza. At this point we met back up with our friends at the Mountain Hostel (no, I won’t stop shilling this place) and ordered a few pizzas with our favorite toppings to share. You could also indulge in some Swiss classics like cheese raclettes, Gimmelwaldner rauchwurst aka smoked sausage, or fondue — although I would wait to get fondue tomorrow when you dine at Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen. After a long day of trekking up and down the mountain, now is the perfect time to take a cat nap outside in the afternoon sun. Maybe even Shadow will join you!
Once you’re feeling properly fed and rested, spend the rest of the evening exploring the quaint town of Gimmelwald. Some highlights include the Honesty Shop, which like the name implies, has no employees present and instead depends on your integrity to leave correct payment in exchange for anything you take. How wholesome is that! Many farms along the Northface Trail and in Gimmelwald operate on this same premise, with unmanned refrigerators allowing you to purchase cheese, milk, and jerky after depositing your payment in a nearby lockbox. That being said, it’s worthwhile to stroll amongst the farms, cottages, and bed & breakfasts dotted throughout the village. Every structure looks like it’s straight out of a storybook, and if you wander into Hotel Pension you might just find a rowdy, piano-led sing-along to classics like “Sweet Caroline” underway. After a long day of trekking across the mountain, enjoy a good night’s sleep before your next day in Lauterbrunnen.
Day 2
Lauterbrunnen
Assuming you’re staying at the Mountain Hostel, you’ll want to wake up between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM to catch the free breakfast brunch. The earlier you go, the wider spread of food options you’ll have to choose from. Otherwise, there’s a smattering of bed & breakfast options in Gimmelwald, a Coop supermarket in Mürren, and even more restaurants in Lauterbrunnen to grab a bite to eat at.
Now that you’re familiar with the main mountain overlooking Lauterbrunnen Valley, you’re going to spend your second day exploring the actual town of Lauterbrunnen! If you’re staying in Gimmelwald, you’ll want to follow the How to Get from Lauterbrunnen to Gimmelwald? steps in reverse: take the cable car down from Gimmelwald, hop on the Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg bus 141 at the Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn stop, then ride the bus to the Lauterbrunnen, Bahnhof stop.
Staubbach Falls
You likely already passed this geological wonder on your bus ride over to Stechelberg. Staubbach Falls, the signature waterfall of Lauterbrunnen Valley, towers over the quaint village, free falling nearly 297 meters from the ledge of an overhanging cliff.
Staubbach Falls can be viewed from a few different vantage points across town, allowing you to take pictures with this thundering wall of water next to the Cycling Coffee Shop viewpoint or optionally take a short hike to get a closer look. The 0.4-mile out-and-back path leads through a tunnel and up stairs to a lookout behind the water, taking approximately 30 minutes to complete. Since you’ll be standing behind the falling water, the area can get damp and slippery — consider bringing a rain jacket to stay dry and shoes with sufficient tread.
Trümmelbach Falls
FROM: Lauterbrunnen, Bahnhof stop
TO: Trümmelbachfälle stop
TRANSPORTATION: Lauterbrunnen-Stechelberg bus 141 (7 min, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 2.20 CHF)
Now that you’ve seen a waterfall spewing from the top of a mountain, it’s time to explore another raging underground waterfall! Trümmelbach Falls includes ten glacial subterranean waterfalls, originating from the enormous drainage of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks respectively, with up to a spectacular 20,000 liters of water flowing through the caverns each second. This figure might not be that impressive when you’re just reading it on a screen, but the deafening noise vibrating through the underground caverns will undoubtedly make you understand the sheer power of this massive flow of water rushing by.
Trümmelbach Falls are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily from the beginning of April to the beginning of November, and from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM in July and August. The entrance fee is 14 CHF for adults and 6 CHF for children, which you can pay with either cash or card. These falls are privately owned, so unfortunately this is one rare instance where the Swiss Travel Pass won’t cut you any deals.
To get to Trümmelbach Falls, take bus 141 from the Lauterbrunnen, Bahnhof stop to the Trümmelbachfälle stop entailing a 7 minute ride costing 2.20 CHF one way. Alternatively, you could hike the same 2.2 mile route from Lauterbrunnen Switzerland to the falls, with one way taking approximately 50 minutes to walk. As you walk through the town of Lauterbrunnen, you’ll see various yellow hiking signs indicating the direction you need to go — in this case you’ll want to follow the arrow pointing towards “Trümmelbachfälle.”
Once you’re there, you’ll likely need 1-2 hours to enjoy each of the ten falls connected via a network of walkways, tunnels, and galleries. You have the option to take an elevator lift up to a point between the 6th and 7th falls. From there, you can continue upwards, climbing steps to view the four upper falls (7-10), before continuing back down to see the six lower falls (1-6). Taking the lift when you first arrive will reduce the majority of uphill trekking you need to do, however you’ll have to climb a few flights to see all of the glorious upper falls. After that, it’s all downhill from there!
If you’re already planning to visit Staubbach Falls, I’d recommend heading there first, getting your photos, and then continuing on walking to Trümmelbach Falls. Since Staubbach Falls is conveniently on the way to Trümmelbach Falls, you’ll get to enjoy the full length of this serene, paved trail when you’re most energized for the day. Then, after you’ve seen both falls, you can relax on the bus ride back into town!
Dinner — Hotel Oberland
For dinner, it’s time to indulge in a Swiss classic — you can’t leave Switzerland without trying some of their world-famous chocolate and cheese fondue! Hotel Oberland is the perfect place to order the latter for dinner. Situated alongside Auf der Fuhren, the main road running through Lauterbrunnen, dining outside on the patio will give you the perfect view of the valley — with some people watching served up on the side. The steaming pot of warmly, bubbly cheese fondue will be served with a side of bread cubes and potatoes, which we paired with classic spaghetti and a bottle of red wine. Exhaustion from our long day of travel may have fueled our reaction to this food, but we were blown away by not only the fondue, but also by the spaghetti? On top of that, the waitstaff was incredibly kind and acquiescent to all of our requests, including storing our luggage, moving up our reservation time, and letting us pick our preferred table location outside.
If you happen to be coming or going, Hotel Oberland will kindly store your luggage inside their dining room while you have a delicious dinner.
Pro Tip:
As the day winds down, take one last opportunity to gaze over the stunning natural beauty that is the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This was a landscape that immediately took my breath away, and took my brain a good while to process that the views were even real! It’s not every day you get to look at a 4K green screen in real life, so soak it in — looking back at your photos won’t truly do it justice.
How Much Do Two Days in Lauterbrunnen Valley Cost?
Following the above itinerary cost me 362.05 CHF (or $399.80 at the time of writing this) as a young college student on a budget:
Transportation
99.5 CHF- 2nd class 4 day Swiss Travel Pass Youth, itemized over two days
42.8 CHF - roundtrip Schilthorn cable car ticket (50% off w/ Swiss Travel Pass)
Food
37 CHF - James Bond Brunch at Piz Gloria
21 CHF - Pizza at Mountain Hostel
57.75 CHF - Fondue at Hotel Oberland
Activities
14 CHF - Trümmelbach Falls
Lodging
90 CHF - two nights at Mountain Hostel
You’ll incur greater expenses if you decide to add on the Allmendhubel funicular ride at the end of the Northface Trail, stay at a nicer hotel rather than Lauterbrunnen hostels and budget lodging, or go out for drinks either night.
If you’re on a tighter budget, many food stands offering various cuisines are stationed around the town of Lauterbrunnen, or you could buy your own groceries at the Coop supermarket in Mürren. Remember to factor in the cost of getting to Switzerland itself into your overall budget.
What to Wear in Lauterbrunnen?
Lauterbrunnen (and Switzerland in general) is all about functional fashion. Whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter, you’ll want to pack athletic gear tailored to the activities on your itinerary, while considering layers to accommodate the temperature differences at the base of the valley versus the peak.
When hiking in the summer, consider pairing workout sets with cozy pullovers and vests. Incorporating bright colors and bold prints will contrast nicely against the vibrant green landscape: pull in pieces from brands like Set Active, Free People Movement, Alo, New Balance, and Hoka to craft a practical Lauterbrunnen outfit that pops!
Patterned Pullovers
cozy colorful pullovers with bright color block prints
Matching Sets
athletic co-ords as fashionable as they are functional
Adventure Shorts
Lightweight Puffer
pockets, clasps, and buckles to keep your cargo secure
rain or shine a compact layer to keep you warm and dry
Hiking Shoes
colorful hiking boots and sturdy sneakers will keep you feeling light on your feet from one hike to the next
Outdoorsy Vests
puffer and nylon vests to layer on top of your outfit as the temperature begins to drop
Is Switzerland Worth the Hype?
Is Switzerland notoriously one of the most expensive countries to travel to in Europe? Yes. And is it completely worth the hype? Yes, yes, a million times yes.
Switzerland stands out to me as a premier travel destination for a multitude of reasons, including its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness, impeccable infrastructure, and commitment to sustainability. The majestic Swiss Alps, with their snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, offer an unparalleled outdoor experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike, while its charming cities seamlessly blend modern sophistication with the rest of the country’s natural landscapes. I firmly believe that Switzerland's commitment to quality is the secret sauce that elevates every aspect of its society. Renowned for its efficient transport system, cleanliness, safety, and delectable culinary delights, the country ensures an indulgent and comfortable travel experience for all as the Swiss attention to detail extends to their hospitality, offering visitors a warm welcome and sense of ease.
Four days in Switzerland was not nearly enough, and I’ll surely be booking a flight back as soon as the opportunity presents itself. I’ve told everyone in my personal life that they must visit Switzerland at least once in their life, and the same is true for you! Travel to Switzerland, and you will not be disappointed.
