Why the Lauterbrunnen Valley is so special
Lauterbrunnen lies at 795 metres at the bottom of a valley with almost vertical rock walls. According to Lauterbrunnen Tourism, 72 waterfalls pour down the cliffs; the best known, the Staubbach Falls, drops about 300 metres right next to the village.
On the terraces above sit the car-free villages of Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald, reached by cogwheel train and cable car. From Mürren a cable car climbs to the Schilthorn at 2,970 metres. The valley is 22 minutes by train from Interlaken Ost, so you can visit on a day trip or stay for several days.
The best places in the Lauterbrunnen Valley
Waterfalls on the valley floor, villages on the cliffs and a summit above the clouds.
Staubbach Falls
About 300 metres of falling water next to the village, with a path into the rock in summer.
Trümmelbach Falls
Ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain, with up to 20,000 litres per second.
Mürren
The cliff-top village at 1,650 metres, gateway to the Schilthorn.
Wengen
The village on the sunny terrace, with the cable car to Männlichen.
Gimmelwald
A tiny village of about 100 people between Stechelberg and Mürren.
Schilthorn
Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant and the Thrill Walk at Birg.
Our picks
Hand-checked tours and tickets.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in Swiss francs (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
72 Waterfalls Valley e-bike tour
A guided e-bike day with a Swiss picnic and entry to the Trümmelbach Falls.
Check availability →
Paragliding over the Lauterbrunnen cliffs
A tandem flight with a licensed pilot over the valley and its waterfalls.
Check availability →
Guided day trip to Grindelwald, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen
A guided coach day from Zurich with a stop in Lauterbrunnen.
Check availability →Lauterbrunnen tours and activities
Cable car tickets, day trips, paragliding and adventure activities in the valley, with live prices and availability.
How the valley fits together
Cars stay in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. From there, trains and cable cars take you up.
To Wengen
The Wengernalp railway climbs from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen in 11 to 12 minutes, every half hour, and continues to Kleine Scheidegg.
Wengen →To Mürren via Grütschalp
A cable car rises to Grütschalp in 4 minutes, then a train runs along the cliff edge to Mürren. Together about 18 to 20 minutes.
Mürren →To Mürren and the Schilthorn via Stechelberg
Bus 141 runs to Stechelberg at the end of the valley. From there the cable car reaches Mürren directly in 4 minutes and the Schilthorn in 24.
Schilthorn →On the valley floor
A flat path leads 6.8 kilometres from Lauterbrunnen past the waterfalls to Stechelberg, in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Hiking in Lauterbrunnen →Plan your Lauterbrunnen trip
The practical details that make a day in the valley easier.
Park at the station
The car park at Lauterbrunnen station costs CHF 18 for 8 hours, the one at Stechelberg CHF 8. Lauterbrunnen Tourism names Park+Ride in Matten near Interlaken as the cheapest option.
Getting to Lauterbrunnen →Check the pass rules
The Swiss Travel Pass and the Jungfrau Travel Pass cover the trains to Wengen and Mürren. The Schilthorn cable car is only 20 percent cheaper with the Jungfrau Travel Pass, but free with the Berner Oberland Pass.
Schilthorn prices →Time the waterfalls
The waterfalls are strongest in spring and early summer, with the snowmelt. The Trümmelbach Falls close for the winter on 9 November 2026.
Best time to visit →Leave the drone at home
Drones are banned in the whole valley, including Wengen and Mürren. Wild camping is not allowed either, but the tap water is drinkable.
Where to stay →Lauterbrunnen Valley: frequently asked questions
Is the Lauterbrunnen Valley worth visiting?
Yes. Few places combine sheer cliffs, dozens of waterfalls and car-free mountain villages in such a small area, and all of it is reachable by public transport within half an hour of Interlaken.
How do you get to Lauterbrunnen?
By train from Interlaken Ost in 22 minutes, every half hour. Take the front part of the train, as the rear part goes to Grindelwald. By car, park at Lauterbrunnen station or in Stechelberg.
Can you drive to Wengen or Mürren?
No. Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald are car-free. Leave your car in Lauterbrunnen for Wengen, or in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg for Mürren.
How much does the Schilthorn cost?
In 2026 the return trip from Stechelberg to the Schilthorn costs CHF 115, or CHF 57.50 with a Half Fare Card and CHF 45.70 with a Swiss Travel Pass. With the Berner Oberland Pass it is free.
Is the Staubbach Falls free?
Yes. The Staubbach Falls are free to see from the village. The path up to the gallery in the rock is only open in summer, from May to October.