The Land of Falling Water: The Best Waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 10, 2025 | EST. READING TIME: 7 MIN
A trip to enchanting Lauterbrunnen wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one of the 72 waterfalls cascading through this picturesque U-shaped valley.
A unique blend of natural beauty and geological wonder nestled in the Swiss Alps, this haven for waterfall enthusiasts promises a memorable journey for every nature lover.
From the iconic Staubbach Falls to the subterranean marvels of Trümmelbach Falls or even the tranquil adventure of Sprutz Waterfall, each cascade has its own story to tell. Whether you're embarking on a Lauterbrunnen waterfall hike, marveling at water roaring inside a cave, or catching a glimpse of these natural wonders right from the Lauterbrunnen train station, learn how to witness the best waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland during your trip.
Why Does Lauterbrunnen Have So Many Waterfalls?
The land of 72 waterfalls, the precise geography of Lauterbrunnen Valley shaped by centuries of natural phenomena forms the perfect recipe for endless amounts of cascading water.
A U-shaped valley flanked by the Bernese Alps, melting snow in the summer and significant rainfall streams over the edges of steep cliffs carved by ancient receding glaciers. Under the surface, permeable rock layers allow ample water to seep through the cracks and feed falls emerging from the mountainside.
Coupled with a dramatic elevation drop—from the Schilthorn peak towering 9,744 ft in the air to the base of the valley floor over 7,000 ft below—free falling spray has ample vertical to plunge and strike the ground below in a spectacular water display.
Already planning a trip to Lauterbrunnen? Check out my ultimate 2-day Lauterbrunnen travel guide detailing everything you need to know when visiting Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
What Are The Top Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfalls?
Lauterbrunnen Valley offers a few different flavors of falls, allowing you to hike to a waterfall, witness subterranean white water inside a cave, or simply admire the namesake cascade representing one of the quintessential features of town. Visit each of the three sites detailed below to check the top Lauterbrunnen Valley waterfalls off your travel bucket list:
In Town —Starting from the first chute you’ll encounter, Staubbach Falls is the signature waterfall of Lauterbrunnen Valley. Free falling nearly 297 meters from the ledge of an overhanging cliff, this substanial spray towers over the quaint village while adding an irresistible element of natural charm. This makes Staubbach Falls one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
Subtle breezes whisper through this constant stream, creating a mesmerizing, ribbon-shaped cascade. The name "staubbach" comes from the German word for dust, referencing the delicate mist created as the ethereal water descends.
In a Cave — Continuing along the bus route servicing town, the next best white waters to observe during a trip to Lauterbrunnen are the ten glacial subterranean waterfalls forming Trümmelbach Falls. Originating from the enormous drainage of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, a spectacular 20,000 liters of water flows through these caverns each second.
This figure may not sound that impressive when read on a screen, but experiencing the deafening noise vibrating through these underground caverns in person will undoubtedly make you understand the sheer power of the water rushing by.
On a Hike — If a hike to a waterfall is needed to quench your active appetite, consider riding the mountain gondola to Mürren and embarking on the Northface Trail. A detour with a moderate climb will bring you to the Sprutz Waterfall, appealing to those seeking a bit of adventure in addition to stunning scenery.
Tucked away in a forested area, Sprutz is surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs cultivating a tranquil, fairytale-like atmosphere. Offering one of the only walk-behind waterfall experiences in Lauterbrunnen, feel water droplets brush against your face when standing behind this wall of raging water!
Save money when exploring this alpine oasis with the Swiss Travel Pass. Discover the ins and outs of commuting by train, bus, and gondola in this comprehensive Lauterbrunnen transit guide.
How to Hike to a Lauterbrunnen Valley Waterfall?
FROM: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof (3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)
TO: Mürren (3825 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof → Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn via bus 141 towards Stechelberg, Hotel → Mürren via Schilthornbahn (30 min, 7 stops then 1 stop, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 16.40 CHF)
Two stops up the Schilthornbahn cable car servicing Lauterbrunnen Valley, the traditional Walser mountain village of Mürren is the starting point for the Northface Trail, which includes a detour to the interactive Sprutz Waterfall!
In this immersive experience, walk directly behind a roaring waterfall tucked away in a serene escape where you’ll hardly encounter any other people. Peacefully soak in the sounds of rushing water while keeping an eye to the sky, as you’ll likely see paragliders floating above! On sunny days, rainbows form in the mist.
Although this route is described as a Lauterbrunnen waterfall 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.
This is the most remote waterfall to discover in Lauterbrunnen, providing a tranquil, less-touristy encounter with nature better suited for outdoor adventurers.
When departing from town, ride the yellow 141 bus to the Stechelberg, Schilthornbahn stop. A quick 4 minute journey on the gondola will bring you to the first cable car stop in Gimmelwald. Transfer to the next car heading up the mountain and after 5 minutes you will reach Mürren.
Take a left out of the cable car station onto the paved Via Alpina path, walking until you see the first “Northface Trail” sign indicating you’re headed in the correct clockwise direction. The trail is extremely well-marked with sign posts stationed along the entire hike, so any time you come to a fork in the road simply follow the blue arrow pointing towards the “Northface Trail.”
Head away from Mürren as you pass quaint cottages and rustic farmhouses en route to this forest falls. After walking for 1.5 miles—or roughly 45 minutes—on the Northface Trail, you will see a fork in the road and subsequent signage indicating the direction of the Sprutz Waterfall detour. As with the rest of the trail, the route is clearly marked, so it will be fairly obvious when you need to change course to take this detour.
Pro Tip:
The detour to the Sprutz Waterfall is quite muddy and on a steep downward slope — if you’re completing this hike after it’s rained, wear hiking boots to avoid taking a tumble.
Walk for another 20 minutes on a trail through the forest almost entirely comprised of downhill switchbacks. This is a great deal if you’re planning to continue 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.
To reach Gimmelwald after you’re satisfied with your waterfall encounter, head up the steps opposite the direction you originally came from. A clear route with hand rails and arrows painted on tree trunks indicates the correct path forward.
Eventually, you’ll break out from the forest and step onto a hillside looking down at the valley below. From here, you can easily spot the charming rustic village of Gimmelwald and walk downhill on narrow dirt paths between alpine meadows to reach this destination yourself.
Seeking inspiration about what else to do in the valley? Discover the best places to visit in Lauterbrunnen to ensure you see all the top sights in this lush landscape during your summer adventure!
How to Reach a Waterfall From The Lauterbrunnen Train Station?
FROM: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof (3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)
TO: Staubbach Falls (3825 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof → Lauterbrunnen, Dorf via bus 141 towards Stechelberg, Hotel (1 min, nonstop, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 4.40 CHF)
Lauterbrunnen, Banhof is the bus stop directly outside the Lauterbrunnen train station, providing swift service to see the most notable geological wonder in town.
Hop on the yellow 141 bus before disembarking at the next stop—Lauterbrunnen, Dorf—to save yourself some walking time. If you aren’t commuting with the Swiss Travel Pass, complete the full 13 minute walk on foot from Lauterbrunnen station.
Both routes will bring you to Staubbach Falls, which can be viewed from a few different vantage points across town. This is the most accessible waterfall in Lauterbrunnen, making it incredibly easy to view for all types of travelers.
Take photos with this thundering wall of water next to the Cycling Coffee Shop or embark on a short hike to get a closer look from an observation point behind the waterfall. The 0.4-mile out-and-back path leads through a tunnel and up stairs to a lookout offering a unique perspective from behind the veil of water, taking around 30 minutes to complete.
Pro Tip:
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.
How to See A Lauterbrunnen Waterfall in a Cave?
FROM: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof (3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland)
TO: Trümmelbach Falls (Gydisdorf 341, 3824 Stechelberg, Switzerland)
TRANSPORTATION: Lauterbrunnen, Banhof → Trümmelbachfälle via bus 141 (7 min, 4 stops, free w/ Swiss Travel Pass or 4.40 CHF)
Turn the idea of water spewing from the mountaintop upside down, and instead explore a raging underground waterfall! A series of ten interconnected glacial waterfalls, visitors to dramatic Trümmelbach Falls can explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site using a system of tunnels, stairs, and elevators providing close-up views of rushing water and natural rock formations shaped over millennia.
To reach Trümmelbach Falls, take bus 141 from the Lauterbrunnen, Banhof stop to the Trümmelbachfälle stop entailing a 7 minute ride costing 4.40 CHF one way.
Alternatively, hike the same 2.2 mile route from Lauterbrunnen to the falls, with one way taking 50 minutes to walk. As you stroll through town you’ll notice yellow hiking signs indicating the direction you need to go — follow the arrows pointing towards “Trümmelbachfälle.”
Once inside, you have the option to take an elevator lift up to a point between the 6th and 7th falls. From there, continue upwards by climbing steps to view the 4 upper falls, before continuing back down to see the 6lower falls. Taking the lift when you first arrive will reduce the majority of uphill trekking required, however, you’ll still have to climb a few flights to see the glorious upper falls either way. After that, it’s all downhill!
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 16 CHF for adults and 7 CHF for children, which be paid 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.
If you’re already planning to visit Staubbach Falls, I recommend heading there first, getting your photos, and then continuing on the walk to Trümmelbach Falls. Since Staubbach Falls is conveniently on the way, you can enjoy the full length of this serene, paved trail when you’re most energized for the day.
Lauterbrunnen's waterfalls are more than just breathtaking sights; they’re a testament to the valley's unique geography and natural history. From the misty veil of elegant Staubbach Falls to the roaring underground torrents of powerful Trümmelbach Falls and the secluded allure of Sprutz Waterfall, each offers a distinctive experience.
Whether you're looking for a cascade easily accessible from the Lauterbrunnen train station, or seeking an immersive Lauterbrunnen waterfall hike, the valley is an ideal paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Plan your summer trip to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, and let the magic of its waterfalls leave you awestruck.
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