Choosing a base in the valley
The municipality of Lauterbrunnen includes Lauterbrunnen, Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald, Stechelberg and Isenfluh. For most visitors, five of them matter. Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg lie on the valley floor and can be reached by car. Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald sit on terraces above and are car-free.
That is the main decision. On the valley floor you can arrive by car and walk to the waterfalls. In the terraced villages you leave the car below, carry your luggage up by train or cable car, and wake up to the mountains.
The five villages compared
Times are from the official timetables in 2026.
| Village | Altitude | Car access | Getting there | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lauterbrunnen | 795 m | Yes. Car parks at the station (CHF 18 for 8 hours) and at the church (CHF 12) | 22 minutes by BOB from Interlaken Ost | Valley floor, about 800 residents, Staubbach Falls next to the village, the transport hub |
| Wengen | 1,274 m | No. Leave the car in Lauterbrunnen | 11 to 12 minutes by cogwheel train from Lauterbrunnen; about 37 to 40 minutes from Interlaken Ost | Lauberhorn races, ski area, cable car to Männlichen |
| Mürren | 1,650 m | No. Leave the car in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg | 18 to 20 minutes via Grütschalp; 51 minutes from Interlaken Ost | 430 residents, on the cliff edge, base for the Schilthorn and the Allmendhubel |
| Gimmelwald | 1,367 m | No. Leave the car in Stechelberg | Stechelberg to Mürren cable car with a stop in Gimmelwald, about 12 minutes in total | 109 residents and 178 guest beds, the quietest of the villages |
| Stechelberg | About 866 m | Yes. Car park with over 1,000 spaces (CHF 8 for 8 hours) | Bus 141 from Lauterbrunnen in 12 minutes, every half hour | End of the valley, meadows and woods, cable car base for Mürren and the Schilthorn |
Lauterbrunnen tours and activities
Cable car tickets, day trips and adventure activities in the valley, with live prices and availability.
Which village suits you
A short guide by travel style.
Lauterbrunnen: easy access
Choose it if you arrive by train or car, want to reach the waterfalls on foot and plan day trips to several places. Trains to Wengen and the lift to Mürren start here. You do not need to transfer with your luggage.
Getting to Lauterbrunnen →Wengen: skiing and views
Wengen belongs to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, hosts the Lauberhorn races in January and has the cable car to Männlichen. The cogwheel train runs from Lauterbrunnen every half hour.
Wengen →Mürren: the Schilthorn
Mürren sits at 1,650 metres. From here you reach the Schilthorn via Birg in about 15 minutes. The village has an indoor pool and an ice rink at the Alpine Sports Centre, free with the guest card.
Mürren →Gimmelwald and Stechelberg: quiet
Gimmelwald has 109 residents and 178 guest beds. Stechelberg is the end of the valley, with the cable car to Mürren. Check what is available for your dates.
Gimmelwald →Guest card and tourist tax
Pay the tourist tax with your accommodation and you receive a guest card.
| Item | Lauterbrunnen | Wengen |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist tax per night, adult | CHF 3.50 plus CHF 1.00 cantonal levy | CHF 4.30 |
| Child 6 to 16 | CHF 1.75 | CHF 2.20 |
| Under 6 | Exempt | |
The guest card comes with your accommodation when the tax is paid. In Lauterbrunnen it gives 10 percent off the Trümmelbach Falls, 30 percent off the return trip Wengen to Männlichen (CHF 43 return instead of CHF 62), a reduced price at the indoor pool in Mürren and a free ski bus (line 143) in winter. In Mürren and Gimmelwald it includes the indoor pool and ice rink of the Alpine Sports Centre, 10 percent off the Alpine Spa and fitness and a short visit to the Stechelberg power station. In Wengen it gives 50 percent off the artificial ice rink. We found no discount on the Schilthorn cable car. Camping in Lauterbrunnen costs CHF 2.80 per adult and night and CHF 1.40 per child.
When to book
No official occupancy figures are published, so use these pointers.
Summer
Hiking season runs from May to October. Gimmelwald has only 178 guest beds, so the small villages fill first. Book early for July and August.
Hiking →Lauberhorn weekend
The races run from 15 to 17 January 2027. Wengen is the race venue, so book early.
Winter guide →Late October to mid December
Many hotels and mountain huts close. You will find fewer rooms and lifts, but fewer people too. Confirm that your accommodation is open.
Autumn closures →Passes
The Jungfrau Travel Pass covers the BOB, the Wengernalp railway, Wengen to Männlichen and the Lauterbrunnen to Mürren link. The Berner Oberland Pass also covers the Schilthorn network. Count your trips before you decide.
Schilthorn prices →Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen: frequently asked questions
Which is the best village to stay in?
It depends on your plan. Lauterbrunnen is the easiest, Wengen has the ski area and the Lauberhorn, Mürren is the base for the Schilthorn and Gimmelwald is the quietest.
Can I bring a car to Wengen or Mürren?
No. Wengen, Mürren and Gimmelwald are car-free. Park in Lauterbrunnen for Wengen, and in Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg for Mürren.
How long does it take to reach each village?
From Interlaken Ost, Lauterbrunnen takes 22 minutes, Wengen about 37 to 40 minutes and Mürren 51 minutes.
What is the tourist tax?
In Lauterbrunnen it is CHF 3.50 per adult and night plus CHF 1.00 cantonal levy. In Wengen it is CHF 4.30. Children from 6 to 16 pay about half, and under 6 are exempt.
Is it better to stay in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen?
Lauterbrunnen is next to the waterfalls and the BOB station. Wengen is higher, car-free and has the ski area and views. The train between them takes 11 to 12 minutes.