Hiking in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
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Planning a trip to Lauterbrunnen? Here are our top picks...
Stay: Hotel Silberhorn
Experience: Paragliding over Lauterbrunnen Valley
Day trip from Interlaken: e-bike ride with picnic
Located right in the centre of Switzerland in the mighty Jungfrau Region is the stunning Lauterbrunnen Valley. Tucked amongst the towering Swiss Alps, this lush green valley of waterfalls of picture-perfect wooden houses is one of the most serene and beautiful spots on earth.
It’s the ideal place to get out into nature, and the hiking in Lauterbrunnen is nothing short of spectacular. Below are a few of my favourite hiking trails in Lauterbrunnen to get you started.
Just keep in mind a few things before you go:
Always take your rubbish with you, Switzerland is kept meticulously clean by its residents and fines for littering are hefty.
Stick to the marked paths and avoid damaging alpine flowers and local wildlife.
Keep your distance from cattle - though they may seem tame, cows are dangerous animals and have been known to kill humans.
Camping and fires are only allowed only in designated areas.
Always be mindful of changes in weather when out in the mountains.
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1. Trummelbach Falls Short Trail
Lauterbrunnen is known as the valley of waterfalls, with an impressive number of them cascading down the cliff sides - 72 to be exact. One of the most impressive is Trummelbach Falls, Europe's largest subterranean waterfall.
From Lauterbrunnen it’s an easy stroll through the picturesque town towards Trummelbach, past lush pastures with grazing cows and their jingling bells. The underground caverns can be accessed by lift, with a maze of viewing galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms to see the thundering falls from every angle.
With up to 20,000 litres of meltwater from the glaciers passing through the falls every second, it’s no wonder you can hear this cascade well before you see it.
If you’re walking to Trummelbach from Lauterbrunnen make sure to add on the Staubbach Falls trail. The impressive 300-metre drop waterfall is just outside of the town, and it’s the third-highest waterfall in Switzerland.
Length: 3.5 km one way
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 33 metres
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2. Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald
If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure that doesn’t require too much stamina, choose to go on the Via Ferrata from Murren to Gimmelwald. The obstacle course of ladders, steps, and rock traverses clings to the vertical cliff wall in places, offering outstanding views of the valley below.
It’s completely safe as you are wearing a harness throughout, clipping into a strong safety wire at the start of the Via Ferrata. You can choose to hire a guide, but the course is easy to do on your own with a little common sense and a dash of bravery.
In places, you can see straight down into the Lauterbrunnen Valley 500-metres below. The final section crosses the Nepal suspension bridge, a slip of metal dangling between two sheer cliff faces.
There are Via Ferrata tours available from Murren from 159 CHF, or rent equipment for around 25 CHF from Intersport Stager - you can return the gear for free via the cable car at the end point in Gimmelwald. To get to the start, either take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp then hop on the train to Murren, or hike up via Gimmelwald.
Length: 2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 - 4 hours
Elevation gain: 300 metres
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3. The Murren to Schilthorn climb
Make your way up to Piz Gloria and sip drinks at the 360-degree revolving restaurant, recognisable as the filming location for James Bond.
The hike starts with an easy dirt trail from Murren to Rotstockhutte, with around 400 metres of elevation gain. From here it starts to get steep, in a few kilometres the track heads straight up the mountain gaining 1000 metres of elevation. Though the trail has a sharp incline, it feels safe with few exposed areas and great views of the valley below.
After catching your breath at the top, catch the Schilthornbahn back to Murren, where you can find cable cars or trains or hike back down to Lauterbrunnen. There’s also the family-friendly Thrill Walk halfway up at Birg if the summit is too intimidating.
Length: 12.9 km
Difficulty: Challenging
Duration: 6 hours
Elevation gain: 1600 metres
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4. The Eiger Trail
One of the most visually impressive hikes in the area is the Eiger Trail that runs from Eigergletscher Train Station down to Alpiglen. The trail is mostly downhill, and can be combined with several other top sights in the region.
To start the trail has a gentle 200 metres of incline, with breathtaking views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. After 2 kilometres you will reach a viewing area where you can see the Eiger North Face Wall.
This section of the Alps is world-famous as one of the toughest climbs in the world, and you may even be able to pick out climbers attempting the wall from this spot.
To get to the start point, take a train from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg (38 minutes), then take the Jungfraubahn to Eigergletscher (5 minutes). The hike ends at Alpiglen where you can return to your starting point or visit other sites like Grindelwald or First.
Before starting this hike, make full use of your train ticket by visiting the “Top of Europe” at Jungfraujoch.
Length: 7 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: : 2 to 3 hours
Elevation gain: 200 metres (mostly downhill)
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Last Updated 26 March 2024
