The waterfall at the edge of the village
The Staubbach Falls are the best known of the waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Lauterbrunnen Tourism gives the drop as about 297 metres; other sources round it to 300. According to Lauterbrunnen Tourism, the falls are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.
The water turns into a fine mist on its way down. That is where the name comes from: Staub means dust. Lauterbrunnen sits at 795 metres, so the whole drop is visible from the valley floor.
Name, Goethe and what to expect
A short history and the practical facts in one place.
Why it is called Staubbach
The brook disperses into mist as it falls, so the name literally means dust brook.
Goethe's poem
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his poem “Gesang der Geister über den Wassern” (Song of the Spirits over the Waters) here.
It costs nothing
You can see the falls from the village for free. You do not need a ticket for the view.
Spray and rock
Ice and falling rock are the reason access is closed in winter. Respect any closures.
Lauterbrunnen tours and activities
Cable car tickets, day trips and guided activities in the valley, with live prices and availability.
The gallery path and the seasons
The falls run all year, but the path into the rock does not.
A path leads up to the Staubbach gallery, a path into the rock. It is only open in summer, from May to October. Outside that period the path is closed.
| Period | Waterfall | Gallery path |
|---|---|---|
| Spring to early summer | Strongest, fed by meltwater | Open from May |
| Late summer to October | Visible | Open until October |
| November to April | Visible, often frozen | Closed (ice and falling rock) |
In winter the falls are often covered in ice and the cliff is dusted with snow, which makes a different picture from the summer one. You see it from the village; you do not walk up to it. See also the best time to visit Lauterbrunnen for the full seasonal picture.
Best time to see the Staubbach Falls
Come in spring or early summer for the most water. The snow melts above the cliff and the falls carry their full volume. If you want to walk to the gallery, plan for May to October.
Winter visits work too, as long as you accept that the path is closed and you view the frozen falls from a distance.
How to find the Staubbach Falls
You do not need a map. The falls stand next to Lauterbrunnen and are visible from the village.
By train
Take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen in 22 minutes, every half hour. Take the front part of the train, as the rear part goes to Grindelwald. The falls are visible from the village.
Getting to Lauterbrunnen →By car
Park at the Lauterbrunnen car park next to the station (CHF 18 for 8 hours) or at the church car park (CHF 12 for 8 hours). Then walk into the village.
Combine it with other stops
The Trümmelbach Falls are a short bus ride up the valley and run inside the mountain. A flat path leads on to Stechelberg.
Trümmelbach Falls →More to do
For a full day in the valley, see the list of the best things to do.
Things to do in Lauterbrunnen →Staubbach Falls: frequently asked questions
How high are the Staubbach Falls?
Lauterbrunnen Tourism gives about 297 metres; other sources say about 300. The two figures describe the same waterfall.
Is it free to visit the Staubbach Falls?
Yes. You can see the falls from the village without paying.
When is the gallery path open?
The path to the gallery in the rock is open in summer, from May to October. It is closed in winter.
Can you visit the Staubbach Falls in winter?
You can see the falls all year, but in winter they are often frozen. Access to the path is closed because of ice and falling rock, so you look from the village.
Why is it called Staubbach?
The water turns to fine spray as it falls, like dust. Staub is the German word for dust.
What is the best month to see the falls?
Spring and early summer, when meltwater gives the falls the most water. The path to the gallery opens in May.