7 Alpine Areas to Visit in a Summer Lauterbrunnen Adventure
EST. READING TIME: 5 MIN
Have you ever seen a panoramic view so pristine it seemed fake—almost like you were looking at a perfectly edited, 4K desktop wallpaper background? The charming Lauterbrunnen Valley is the first destination where I experienced this breathtaking phenomena, and for this reason I firmly believe the region belongs at the top of your travel bucket list!
An abundance of quaint alpine villages and cascading waterfalls decorate the landscape, and experiencing them up close and personal encompasses many of the top things to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland during the summer. Prepare to step into a craggy upland environment unlike anything you’ve ever seen as an epic outdoor Lauterbrunnen adventure awaits you!
Where to Explore in a Lauterbrunnen Adventure
Plan your trip to Lauterbrunnen with the goal of visiting each of the alpine areas detailed below. This comprehensive dive into the immediate area of Lauterbrunnen Valley will ensure you leave no stone unturned during your Swiss summer adventure in this natural wonderland. Scale the full length of the Schilthorn, stopping at each station along the cable car route, and admire snow from the peak cascading down the valley as it fuels three powerful waterfalls you need to see to believe!
Already planning a trip to Lauterbrunnen? Check out my ultimate 2-day Lauterbrunnen travel guide detailing everything you need to know before your summer trip to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
#1. Schilthorn
Beginning at the highest point north of the Sefinenfurgge Pass, reach the Schilthorn peak towering over Lauterbrunnen Valley via cable car while scaling 9,744 feet in the process.
This panoramic point will grant you snow-capped views of the Bernese Oberland mountain range in every direction—with a frosty altitude requiring warm layers even in the summer! Visit this Lauterbrunnen must-see vista in the early morning before afternoon clouds obstruct your view.
The James Bond classic "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" was filmed in this very spot, with free exhibitions highlighting movie stunts and spy memorabilia dotting the premises today. Inside, an interactive Spy World exhibition and cinema projecting spectacular stunts from the film are free of charge to enter. Outside on the skyline platform, you’ll find similar secret agent anecdotes.
#2. Birg
Descend 8,783 feet to Birg, trading snow-covered peaks for craggy cliffs. Snap a more summery shot of the rugged landscape on the Skyline Walk, an observation deck suspended over the hair-raising chasm below.
This is the only stop along the cable car route where you’ll truly be able to perceive the sheer size of the mountain, since the immense distance between yourself and the ground is sure to form a pit in your stomach!
For more adventurous types, face your fear of heights on the Thrill Walk. Encompassing a chainlink walkway hanging precariously off the imposing rock massif, this steel structure juts out over Lauterbrunnen below to create a depth-defying experience!
Crawl on your hands and knees through a mesh tunnel, creep over a precarious glass floor, and traverse a tightrope to deepen the sense of adventure as you clamber around the mountain.
#3. Mürren
The next stop down the cable car route is Mürren, a traditional Walser mountain village where the Northface Trail will serve as your top Lauterbrunnen sightseeing adventure. This walk embodies the characteristics of classic Switzerland, and if you’re only going to do one summer hike — this should be the one.
The summer hiking trails around Mürren have a little bit of everything: soaring mountain façades, wooden barns, blooming alpine meadows, and grazing cows which can be heard a mile away from the faint sound of ringing bells. If the views on the ground weren’t captivating enough, look towards the sky to see paragliders floating above!
#4. Sprutz Waterfall
While embarking on the Northface Trail, consider a detour to the Sprutz Waterfall. Take a well-marked, yet less trodden path to walk directly behind a raging waterfall.
Peacefully soak in the sounds of this roaring water while fully immersing yourself in nature—to the point where some of the fall droplets may even splash you. This dampening experience is where the fall’s name comes from, since “sprutz" refers to the splashing sound of water!
Big on waterfalls? Discover how to find the three top waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen you need to see to believe.
#5. Gimmelwald
During the last stop on the cable car route before reaching the base of Lauterbrunnen Valley, find the quaint vehicle-free village of Gimmelwald. Stroll amongst the sheep farms, charming cottages, and bed & breakfasts dotting this wholesome haven where every structure looks straight out of a storybook.
Rather than staying in a Lauterbrunnen hotel while you visit, consider lodging above the valley in the youth Mountain Hostel located here in Gimmelwald. Imagine waking up in the most charming cabin you’ve ever seen, with staggeringly enormous snow-capped mountains all around—even in the summer! In the evening, the sound of roaring waterfalls will lull you to sleep as this tranquil tune echoes throughout the quiet valley!
Even if you don’t stay at Mountain Hostel, consider enjoying a pint of beer here paired with pizza baked inside their wood-fired oven. Otherwise, pop into the Honesty Shop which depends on your integrity to leave cash in a drop box for anything taken. If you wander into Hotel Pension, you might just find a piano-led sing-along to classics like “Sweet Caroline” underway!
#6. Staubbach Falls
Staubbach Falls, the signature Lauterbrunnen waterfall, descends nearly 297 meters from the lip of an overhanging cliff onto the town below. One of the quintessential places to visit in Lauterbrunnen, nothing screams Switzerland like a snapshot in front of a green meadow with a cascading waterfall behind you!
Staubbach Falls can be enjoyed from various vantage points across town. Take pictures with this thundering wall of water next to the Cycling Coffee Shop or embark on a short hike to get a closer look.
#7 Trümmelbach Falls
After beginning this exploration of what to do in Lauterbrunnen at the top of a mountain, the final summer alpine adventure recommended for your Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland itinerary will take you underground! Trümmelbach Falls includes 10 subterranean glacial waterfalls connected via a network of walkways, tunnels, and galleries originating from the enormous drainage of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
A spectacular 20,000 liters of water flows through the caverns each second—the deafening noise produced will undoubtedly make you understand the sheer power of the water rushing by!
If you explore each of these alpine areas while visiting the valley, you will have checked the top summer Lauterbrunnen adventures off your travel bucket list!
Lauterbrunnen stands out as a premier travel destination due to its breathtaking natural beauty within the majestic Swiss Alps, and to truly enjoy each waterfall and stop along the cable car route I recommend visiting for at least two days—which you can plan for with my comprehensive Lauterbrunnen travel guide linked above!
Ideally, one day of your journey will be spent scaling the Schilthorn, and the other will be used to enjoy the town of Lauterbrunnen and nearby falls. If you only have a single day to spare in Lauterbrunnen during your Switzerland travels, select the one day agenda which aligns with your travel preferences.
No matter what your journey holds, an unparalleled outdoor experience for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike awaits!
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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