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23 Awesome Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

23 Awesome Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen is one of the most stunning regions in Switzerland with a picturesque valley and a quintessential Swiss-style village. Throughout my time hiking, exploring in and nearby Lauterbrunnen, I experienced some awesome activities, villages, trails, and viewpoints so I’ve put together this Lauterbrunnen Travel Guide. In this article, I will detail all of the top activities and things to do in Lauterbrunnen to help you plan your trip.

A path leading to a village in switzerland.

3 POPULAR LAUTERBRUNNEN ACTIVITIES

23 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

Some of the activities on this list are right in the heart of Lauterbrunnen, but a couple of the hikes and activities are near Lauterbrunnen but not quite in the center of the region. I was based in Murren, Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, and Grindelwald when I did all of these hikes and activities but reached all of the trails by public transport so you will be able to reach any of these activities or trails if you are based in Lauterbrunnen or one of the nearby towns.

After all the activities (at the end of the post), I’ll share with you details about how to get to Lauterbrunnen, a summer v winter comparison and other handy travel tips for Lauterbrunnen. 

GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!

a red and yellow train traveling through the mountains.
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Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.

EXPLORE LAUTERBRUNNEN VILLAGE

If you are staying in Lauterbrunnen, it is likely you will explore the village and the entire valley but if you are just visiting this information will help you figure out the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen Village.

Lauterbrunnen really is a quintessential alpine village with the classic chalet-style houses amongst green fields with a backdrop of some of the world’s most famous mountains. However, it is the waterfalls in the valley of Lauterbrunnen that are the highlight of this region. Lauterbrunnen is actually known as the ‘Valley of 72 Waterfalls’.

There are several small trails and hikes within the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Staubbach Falls and Trummelbach Falls, which I go into detail about later in this blog post. 

In the main street of Lauterbrunnen there are lots of cafes and bars for hanging out. One of the most popular things to do in Lauterbrunnen during the summer is to head to the mini-golf course or the swimming pool! There’s even a tennis court for the summer months but in the winter everything is covered in snow in a winter wonderland. Simply walking around the village is one of the top things to do in Lauterbrunnen and a great way to soak up the atmosphere.

PARAGLIDING OVER LAUTERBRUNNEN

I did the paragliding experience in Interlaken but the Lauterbrunnen Paragliding experience is even more epic. You take off on the ridge above Lauterbrunnen and fly through the valley with precision before landing in Lauterbrunnen.

I watched people take off quite a few times and it honestly looks awesome. You will float high over the Swiss Alps on this paragliding adventure from Lauterbrunnen. Flying tandem with an experienced pilot, soar over the alpine landscape of the Schilthorn and the Lauterbrunnen U-Valley.

No experience is necessary; participants of all abilities can do this activity. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lauterbrunnen is included. If you want to check out and book this activity in advance you can click the link below for one of the most popular things to do in Lauterbrunnen.

Click to book this activity now: Paragliding Experience in Lauterbrunnen

VISIT THE FAMOUS JUNGFRAUJOCH ‘TOP OF EUROPE’

One of the most popular things to do near Lauterbrunnen is to take the day-trip from Lauterbrunnen on a train excursion to Jungfraujoch. At 3,454 meters, the Jungfraujoch is known as the ‘Top of Europe’. While it isn’t the highest point in Europe it is where you will find Europe’s highest railway station and post office.

The trip from Lauterbrunnen is breathtaking as you take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg and then on to Wengen and then to Jungfraujoch. It is a 90-minute journey but it is scenic and more of a relaxing sightseeing experience rather than a long transit. Book your ticket now: Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’ via Train & Attraction Pass

Once you arrive at Jungfraujoch you can visit the ice sculptures in the Ice Palace or enjoy the Jungfrau Panorama, which is an iMax-style theatre. The Sphinx Observatory is an international research station where visitors can take in an incredible view of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding Alps. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Lauterbrunnen.

From May to October, you can try tubing, skiing, sledding, and snowboarding or even test out the Zipline if you are up for some activities. If not, sit back and enjoy the view from the multiple viewing platforms with a coffee and meal from the restaurant. If you want to check out and book this activity in advance you can click the link below, which includes activity entry and round-trip train ticket discount from Lauterbrunnen.

Click to book this activity now: Jungfraujoch ‘Top of Europe’ via Train & Attraction Pass

MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

The Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald is one of the most epic adventures in Switzerland. Traverse ladders and steps on the edge of a cliff overlooking Lauterbrunnen, but don’t worry you are strapped in with a harness!

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

I’ve added the instructions to get to the start of the Murren Via Ferrata below.

  • From Interlaken, you will need to catch the train Lauterbrunnen
  • Once in Lauterbrunnen take the Grutschalp cable car, which is right next to the train station. This will take you all the way up to Grutschalp station where you can switch onto the historic, Murren Railway.
  • The Murren Railway is one of the most scenic rides in Switzerland with views of Eiger and the surrounding peaks along the journey.
  • Once you arrive at the Murren Train Station turn left out of the station and walk for 10-minutes past Hotel Edelweiss and you will arrive at the sports chalet on your right and Intersport on your left for the hiring of the gear.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE MURREN TO GIMMELWALD VIA FERRATA

TAKE THE CABLE CAR TO THE ‘007’ SCHILTHORN (PIZ GLORIA) VIEWPOINT

If you are in Lauterbrunnen or Murren, this is the viewpoint of all viewpoints. At 2,960 meters of altitude, the Schilthorn is one of the best views in the region accessible by cable car. It is possible to hike up to the Schilthorn as detailed later in this blog post, but for this option, we will discuss the option of booking a ticket on the Schilthorn Cable Car. The Schilthorn viewpoint is one of the must-do activities in Lauterbrunnen.

The Schilthorn viewpoint is famous because it was depicted as a lair in the 1969 James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and even today, it is very Bond-themed at the summit as a bit of an extra tourist attraction on top of the view itself. I hiked up to Schilthorn and took the cable car down. At the summit, you have epic views of the ‘Big 3’, which are Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau (another epic viewpoint). There’s a full-service restaurant at the top where you can get lunch and drinks while you take in a view that is perfect year-round and actually quite magical in the winter.

Click to book this activity now: Cable Car Roundtrip to Schilthorn: Piz Gloria & Bond World

VISIT THE ICONIC LAUTERBRUNNEN CHURCH

One of the most famous landmarks and popular things to in Lauterbrunnen is to visit the iconic church. It’s a typical alpine church, full of charm but relatively modest. The interior has been kept brilliantly with stunning stained windows and very intricate details. It’s definitely worth a stop and can be a great focal point for photos with the right framing and the waterfall in the backdrop.

TRUMMELBACH FALLS SHORT TRAIL

Trummelbach Falls is Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall and is one of the highlights in Lauterbrunnen Valley, which is also known as the valley of 72 waterfalls. Trummelbach Falls is among the most famous of those 72 waterfalls At 20,000 liters of water per second, this roaring waterfall is an impressive sight. The hike from to town center of Lauterbrunnen is just .5 kilometers but it can be added on to part of a loop trail all the way up through Gimmelwald and Murren. This is one of the easiest hikes in the region and one of the shortest things to do in Lauterbrunnen.

Photo by Sanjay Austa

30-MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER OVER LAUTERBRUNNEN & JUNGFRAUJOCH

You are only in Lauterbrunnen once right!? This is one of the most epic things to do in Lauterbrunnen but also one of the more expensive. On this helicopter experience, you will take off from Lauterbrunnen on a tour that is unlike any other. You will fly over the famous Swiss mountains Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.

Enjoy the amazing world of the mountains from an aerial perspective and even have the chance to land on a glacier. If you want to check out and book this activity in advance you can click the link below.

Click to book this activity now: 30-Minute Scenic Helicopter Flight over Lauterbrunnen

TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE: THE BEST VIEW OF LAUTERBRUNNEN

Tanzbodeli is one of my favorite hikes in the Lauterbrunnen region because it provides the best 360 degrees of the entire mountainscape. On a clear day, it feels as though you are at the center of the Jungfrau region and you can see all of the glacier-laden peaks. On a gloomy, cloudy day, it is equally impressive as you are seemingly inside a cloud, on top of the world. We had bits of both on our journey to Tanzbodeli and Obersteinberg from Gimmewald.

  • Hike Distance: 13.9km Total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli to Obersteinberg to Stechelberg. The total distance from Gimmelwald to Tanzbodeli was 6 steep kilometers in 2 hours.
  • Hike Duration: 4 hours of moving time but total time was 7 hours including an hour at the summit, an hour at the Obersteinberg Hotel, and other stops.
  • Hike Difficulty: The trail is not technically difficult although there are parts where you will clamber up rocks. No drop-offs are ever apparent on either side of the trail. Dirt path most of the way. Relatively simple hiking although the incline is quite steep and air does get thin. Physically challenging but relatively safe.
  • Hike Incline: Total elevation throughout the hike 1100-meters.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: TANZBODELI & OBERSTEINBERG HIKE: THE BEST VIEW OF LAUTERBRUNNEN

VISIT THE NEARBY TOWN OF INTERLAKEN

The beauty of Lauterbrunnen is that it’s quite central to Interlaken, Grindelwald, Murren and Wengen. You are within an hour of all four of those spots on a comfortable train ride. I highly suggest one day to head down to Interlaken, which is another beautiful town. I stayed in Interlaken for two weeks as my hiking base and actually wrote a pretty big blog post about all of the hikes near Interlaken you might be interested in: 15 AWESOME HIKES NEAR INTERLAKEN

Aside from the incredible hiking in the region the town is quite stunning and sits next to Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. The most popular activity in Interlaken is to take the cable car up to Harder Kulm for an amazing viewpoint and cafe at the top, which looks back down over the town.

Interlaken is just 12-kilometers away from Lauterbrunnen so it’s a perfect day-trip to check out one of the most popular spots in Switzerland although don’t feel obliged, there are plenty of things to do in Lauterbrunnen itself!

MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE (PIZ GLORIA)

The hike from Murren to Schilthorn is challenging with 1600m of altitude climbed throughout the trail to the Piz Gloria summit where James Bond ‘007’ was filmed. At the summit, you can reward yourself after the long hike with a warm bowl of soup at the revolving restaurant, which lets you take in the 360-degree panoramic views as you enjoy your meal. From Interlaken, you will want to leave quite early to give yourself enough time to do the hike and get back for what is a very possible day-hike from Interlaken.

It’s 12.9km Total distance from Murren to Schilthorn mountain summit. If you want to hike down you will need to add a few more kilometers but we caught the Schilthornbahn down to Murren, which was a nice way to return after a long day on the legs.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: MURREN TO SCHILTHORN HIKE

TAKE THE TRAIN FROM WENGEN THROUGH TO EIGERGLETSCHER

One of my favorite little train trips in the world actually happened by accident. Up in Wengen, I took the train in the wrong direction, and from Wengen to Eigergletscher, I accidentally enjoyed one of the best train rides in Switzerland with huge monolithic mountains towering over the journey the entire way. Whether it is in the winter or the summer make sure you grab a window seat and enjoy the ride! To get to Wengen from Lauterbrunnen you can take the train also or you might pair this train ride with a to or from transit to the Eiger Trail!

 

BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

Baregg Hut (Bareghutte) is perched on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the lower Grindelwald Glacier. It’s just a 3km walk from Pfingstegg and is a great place for an overnight stay and a basecamp to hiking to the Schreckhorn Hut (Schreckhornhutte). I caught the train from Interlaken to Grindelwald and began from there and returned the next day but it is just as simple to make the 1-hour journey from Lauterbrunnen to the start of the Baregg Hut hike.

The trail follows along the edge of the cliff, alongside the Lower Grindelwald Glacier… or at least where the glacier used to be. This hike shows you exactly how much the glacier has receded in the last century and a half. I arrived at the hut in the late afternoon and dropped my gear off in the dormitory, got changed, and went outside to enjoy the scenery.

The hike from Baregg Hut to Schreckhorn Hut is a bit more challenging than the route from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut. It’s a 12km round-trip hike back to Baregg with over 1000m of incline. 

Aside from the ladders and cables, you do have to climb 1000+ meters, which is a challenge in itself so definitely gear up for an adventure! The views of the glacier that are within touching distance throughout the trail make it all worth it!

The distance from Pfingstegg to Baregg Hut is just 2.75km. However, the next day the hike to Schreckhorn and return to Baregg Hut is 11.8 kilometers and then the 2.75km return to Pfingstegg. So all up for this expedition it is 17.3km.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: BAREGG HUT HIKE WITH OVERNIGHT STAY & HIKE TO SCHRECKHORN HUT

EXPERIENCE THE SKYLINE WALK AT BIRG

Most people who visit Lauterbrunnen go to the Schilthorn but make sure you stop off at Birg, which is a cable car stop halfway to the Schilthorn. At 2,677m high, there is quite a unique attraction here at Birg called the ‘Skyline Walk’. A viewpoint has been built with a clear floor and beneath the floor is a vertical drop of hundreds of meters so it is quite exhilarating.

There is also a 200-meter long cliff walk built into the side of the cliff called the ‘Thrill Walk’. So, if you are up for a great viewpoint and an adrenaline rush make sure to stop off at Birg on your way from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn.

THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

The Eiger Trail hike is one of the most popular routes in Switzerland because the path leads hikers directly under the world-famous Eiger North Face Wall, which is renowned as one of the toughest climbs in the world.

The distance from Eigergletscher Train Station to Alpiglen along the Eiger Trail is 6.5km. The hike takes about 2.5 hours although if you went straight through without taking photos or stopping it would be well under two hours. It could be run in well under an hour.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE EIGER TRAIL HIKE: EIGERGLETSCHER TO ALPIGLEN

STAUBBACH FALLS HIKE

One of the most popular short hikes near Lauterbrunnen is the Staubbach Falls trail, which is just 6 kilometers but very highly rated. The out and back trail takes you from Lauterbrunnen town out to this stunning 300-meter tall waterfall. It’s actually the third highest waterfall in all of Switzerland, which makes it all the more impressive and one of the most unique things to do in Lauterbrunnen.

The waterfall got its name based on the mist that sprays off from the waterfall as it crashed down to the ground. This trail can be combined with the nearby Trümmelbach Falls if the adventure is a bit too short with just one waterfall.

A path leading to a village in switzerland.
A rainbow over a waterfall in switzerland.

THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

The Rotstock Via Ferrata is an epic climb right next to the famous North Face Wall of Eiger. Using a harness, stairs, and metal stairs you can climb 400m of incline to the 360-degree panoramic viewpoint.

For those who don’t know what a Via Ferrata is, it’s basically a series of ladders, steps, and rock climbing that leads you up a wall. You are wearing a harness and clip into a strong wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. From that point, you are always clipped in with at least one clip.

The total hike distance was 5km from the start of the Eiger Trail and up to the summit and then back down to Eigergletscher Station.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: THE ROTSTOCK VIA FERRATA AT EIGER, GRINDELWALD

VISIT THE CHARMING MURREN VILLAGE (ABOVE LAUTERBRUNNEN)

Murren is one of the most scenic towns in all of Switzerland and visiting this charming village becomes one of the top things to do while in Lauterbrunnen. To get to Murren from Lauterbrunnen, you can either hike or catch the train with most people opting for the train rather than the very steep hike. 

Murren is a traffic-free village that sits right on the edge of a cliff. The views on the edge of the cliff look-out over the ‘Big 3’, which are Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. I stayed in the Edelweiss Hotel in Murren and our balcony looked out over the drop-down to Lauterbrunnen Valley below. It’s one of the all-time top hotel locations I’ve ever stayed in.

So what is there to do in Murren? Well there are lots of hikes in Murren if you are up for an adventure. The highlight of those hikes is the Murren Via Ferrata, which just has to be seen to be believed. It’s a series of ladders and climbing maneuvers on the side of the cliff, which you make your way along (while hooked in). I did this one and it’s one of the top things I did near Lauterbrunnen and Murren.

If you are looking for something a little less strenuous than hiking, climbing, or hanging on cliff-edges there are a number of beautiful cafes in Murren and on a sunny day in Summer or a cozy, snowy day in Winter it is truly picturesque. 

Most visitors to Murren take the cable car to Birg and/or Schilthorn to visit the lookouts but I cover that in other sections of this blog post so I won’t go into detail about those other than to say the launch-off pad for those in Murren.

VISIT WENGEN VILLAGE

I actually stayed in Wengen for a couple of nights and found it to be the most laidback village in the entire region. Like Murren, it is car-free and above Lauterbrunnen on a small plateau on the cliff. It’s quite small with lots of quintessential Swiss chalets, boutique coffee, and cake stores and just had a very cozy atmosphere.

We played minigolf in the town center, enjoyed lots of scenic coffees, and really soaked up this traditional town. There’s a number of hikes you can do from Wengen and even a few cable car trips to viewpoints but for me, it was the village atmosphere that made it so memorable.

When you are in Wengen, taking the return-trip cable car to Mannlichen is a must! This gives you some of the best views in the region.

Book your ticket now: Wengen to Männlichen: Panoramic Cable Car Roundtrip

HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

Gleckstein Hut (Glecksteinhutte) sits above Grindelwald with incredible views down into the valley, while dramatic glaciers loom behind in the mountains. It’s an incredible place to stay the night and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. A few hundred meters above the Gleckstein Hut is the Chrinnerhorn summit, a peak accessible without mountaineering experience but with epic views down towards Gleckstein Hut and over Grindelwald.

The suggested duration is 3 hours and 50 minutes according to the sign but I went up in 1 hour and 34 minutes and came down the next day in 58 minutes. The path is a red and white trail rating but has a few exposed areas. There is cable wherever the trail is exposed. 1,100m of incline will challenge many but there were quite a few older hikers making it up the hut so a slow and steady approach will mean most are capable. 

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO GLECKSTEIN HUT AND CHRINNENHORN PEAK

E-BIKE CYCLING TOUR IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

One of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen and one of the most enjoyable ways to get around is on an e-bike. While not too common in other parts of the world, the Swiss love their e-bikes. On this 6-hr tour through Lauterbrunnen Valley, you will pass by the ‘Valley of the 72 waterfalls’ and visit traditional alpine villages. You will get to walk behind Staubbach waterfall, admire the glacial waters of Luetschine River, and witness the mighty Trümmelbach falls, then finish your adventure with a delicious picnic lunch of Swiss specialties.

The beauty of his tour is that the e-bike does most of the work so you can enjoy all the sights without having to put in an enormous physical effort. If you want to check out and book this activity in advance you can click the link below.

Click to book this activity now: 6-Hour E-bike Tour of Lauterbrunnen Valley

HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

Bachalpsee is one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Switzerland, surrounded by wildflowers and adorned with an incredible backdrop of glacial mountains. The beauty of the Bachalpsee Lake is that because there is a cable car to First, it just a one-hour trek from the First station to the lake, despite being located at 2,265m in altitude.

Bachalpsee is one of the most spectacular lakes in Switzerland and probably one of the most incredible lakes you will find on a hike near Interlaken. It’s relatively easy to get there with the cable car or you can refer to an earlier hike on this list: Schynige Platte to First if you want to take the long adventurous route.

After the cable car to First, the hike from First to Bachalpsee was 3km one way and you will need to hike back so 6km in total.

Want more details and photos? View the full blog post here: HIKING TO LAKE BACHALPSEE FROM GRINDELWALD/FIRST

HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN

FROM INTERLAKEN

  • Lauterbrunnen is just 12-kilometers from Interlaken and the trains run regularly from both town centers taking about 20-minutes. You can purchase your ticket at the station but I suggest having a Swiss Travel Pass (I used the Flexible option) or Swiss Half-Fare Pass to save money on trains throughout your Switzerland Vacation.

FROM ZURICH

  • The train from Zurich takes just under two hours to reach Lauterbrunnen. You will transfer in Bern and Interlaken Ost. You can purchase your ticket at the station but I suggest having a Swiss Travel Pass (I used the Flexible option) or Swiss Half-Fare Pass to save money on trains throughout your Switzerland Vacation.
a red train traveling through a lush green forest.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN FOR EACH BUDGET

If you want to see the world-famous Staubbach waterfalls in Switzerland, then head to the village of Lauterbrunnen! Seriously, this is one of the most iconic places to stay in Switzerland.

You are literally in a valley with huge cliffs on either side and massive waterfalls flow down into the valley. Definitely an inconic spot in Switzerland. It’s home to 72 waterfalls, and this village is the portal to Jungfrau Region so yes it’s pretty close to the resort town of Interlaken and Murren. This area is situated on a stunning valley surrounded by massive cliffs and features numerous icy waterfalls in the winter.

Several accommodation options are ranging from hotels to hostels and apartments. Here are my three best picks in terms of mid-range, value, and budget.

Hotel Staubbach (Mid-range): Imagine yourself waking up with a waterfall view– how enchanting! This family-run hotel offers stunning views of Staubbach Falls and the valley in the heart of Lauterbrunnen. The hotel rooms are immaculately spotless with comfy beds and private and shared bathrooms.

Apart from the spectacular views, another thing that I love about this place is the staff as they are super helpful and when it comes to breakfast, it’s heavenly especially the coffee. Definitely the best hotel in Lauterbrunnen!

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Hotel Staubbach.

Hotel Silberhorn (Value): For me, the Hotel Silberhorn is actually more luxurious than the luxury hotels but it is priced lower for some reason. This is by far my number one pick for where to stay in Lauterbrunnen. As you can see in the photos below, it is super modern, has epic natural light and views from the room and all the amenities are new. It is set next to the train station, this family-run hotel offers cozy rooms and a sun terrace where you can chill and unwind after a long day of exploring numerous waterfalls. 

There is a cable car that runs past the hotel and it’s just a stone throw away from the train station. If you are lucky enough, you can get a room with an excellent waterfall view. And wait until you meet their staff. They are very welcoming and helpful to every guest. Location wise, I’d say this hotel is highly recommended!

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Hotel Silberhorn.

Valley Hostel (Budget): Let your adventures begin at this budget accommodation in Lauterbrunnen! Not only this hostel gives you budget-saving rooms but also it’s very handy when it comes to location– very near to the train station. With superb reviews on booking.com, I can understand why it’s the most popular budget accommodation in Lauterbrunnen. Just look at that pool! From the balcony, you can enjoy the best view of the waterfall and valley while having your morning coffee.

The hostel also has a garden, a ski storage room, and laundry facilities. If you want to save your money for your adventures, cook your meal in their communal kitchen. This is by far the best hostel in Lauterbrunnen! 

Click Here to check the best current rates and availability of Valley Hostel.

SHOULD YOU VISIT LAUTERBRUNNEN IN THE WINTER OR SUMMER

When it comes to thinking about which is the best season for travel in Lauterbrunnen there are pros and cons to either season but ultimately they are both great for travel in this region. The major attractions are set up for use in both seasons like the Schilthorn viewpoint, Jungfraujoch, and train access.

However, if you are into hiking, I would advise you to visit before the snow hits as many of the trails do close in the winter due to safety. I visited in the summer and it is an awesome experience being up in the mountains. However, I did have an urge to return in the winter to experience the winter wonderland the snow creates in the village.

I hope you enjoyed this Lauterbrunnen travel guide with all of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen. If there are any things to do in Lauterbrunnen you think I need to check out on my next visit, please comment them below!

SWISS TRAVEL PASS or HALF-FARE CARD

OPTION 1: Buy the Swiss Half Fare Card: Switzerland trains, buses, and cable cars are EXPENSIVE! I found the best way to get around cheaply was to buy the Swiss Half-Fare Card before I arrived. It gives you 50% off every regular train, bus, and even many cable cars. It only costs $150 USD but pays itself off in just a few days with many train tickets in Switzerland costing close to $100 alone. If you are staying for more than 5 days, I suggest buying the Swiss Half-Fare Card.

OPTION 2: Buy the Swiss Travel Pass: The second option is to get the Swiss Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited train, bus, and (many) cable car rides but it’s pretty expensive at around $100 USD per day so if you don’t travel each day it isn’t worth it.

OPTION 3: Buy the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass: The final (BEST) option is to get the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass, which allows you to buy 8 days’ worth of transit but you can choose the night before if you want to activate the next day. That way you don’t need to travel every day to get your money’s worth, you can just activate the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass on the days when you are doing sizeable transits. My advice is to book the Swiss Half-Fare Card or the FLEXI Swiss Travel Pass in advance before your trip so it’s ready to go when you arrive.

GET A SWISS TRAVEL PASS!

a red and yellow train traveling through the mountains.
a person holding a smartphone with a map and a qr code.

Enjoy UNLIMITED train, boat, and bus rides in Switzerland for up to 15 days. Click to book a flex Swiss Travel Pass or choose the Consecutive Swiss Travel Pass.

The Swiss Travel Pass starts at $260 for 3 days. Click here to check if it’s available on your travel dates.

MY SWITZERLAND HIKING GUIDES

I spent 100 days hiking in Switzerland and created a guide for different regions around the country. You can click on one of my Switzerland hiking guides below to help you plan your trip.

MY SWITZERLAND TRAVEL TIPS

Urjoomund Habeeb

Thursday 1st of February 2024

Trying to find the best way with train to get from Venice, Italy to Murren BLM. HELP!

Janet Schwarz

Thursday 27th of October 2022

Great blog, great videos. Have been sharing with your YT channel with friends. FYI the "Stairway to Heaven" has been closed and a 1k fine for being caught hiking the trail. Traveling to Switzerland for the month of May in 23 so this blog is a great help. Thanks Jackson and stay radical!!!

Sally

Friday 15th of October 2021

So glad to find your blog! I have been to Lauterbrunnen three times now but always in the summer months. Now I live full time in Germany and am thinking of spending Christmas there alone (well, with my dog!). Question: Being from Colorado, I am really into snowshoeing... are there trails that are NOT closed that are open to this activity? AND, another question... If you lived in Germany and could go anywhere in Europe for Christmas, where would YOU go? Thanks!

Naj Robredillo

Wednesday 12th of August 2020

Im glad i found your blog. Been Reading about This a week ago and here we Are now at The exactly location from Where you were totaly worth to visit! We love it here?

rsh

Tuesday 14th of July 2020

Your blog is such a big help for me, wonderful photos! ;-) me and my husband are planning to go to Lauterbrunnen this coming October. Unfortunately there are no available flights from Germany - Bern , Switzerland. Anyway thanks for the summarization of your journey in Switzerland.

Jackson

Wednesday 15th of July 2020

Oh awesome! Glad it helped plan your trip for when it is possible!