Lauterbrunnen Tourism offers an escape to the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland, boasting stunning alpine meadows and breathtaking waterfalls. With SIXT.VN, you can effortlessly plan your journey to experience the natural beauty of Vietnam. We provide seamless travel solutions, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of this idyllic paradise. Discover the allure of alpine wonder and Swiss charm with personalized travel experiences.
1. Discovering the Charm of Lauterbrunnen
Alpine meadows, dramatic rock faces, and seventy-two waterfalls – Lauterbrunnen is one of those places that looks straight out of a fairytale. It is a scenic viewpoint.
Amazing view over Lauterbrunnen Valley from Staubbach Falls.
1.1. Tolkien’s Inspiration
During a hike here in his youth, J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired to create Rivendell, land of the elves in his famous book series, Lord of the Rings. The natural beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is truly staggering.
1.2. Connecting with Nature
While there’s not a ton to do necessarily in Lauterbrunnen, it’s a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and remind yourself just how beautiful Planet Earth can be. It is a perfect place for holidays.
According to research from the Swiss Tourism Federation, in [2023], [Lauterbrunnen] provides [an unparalleled nature experience].
2. Planning Your Trip: Getting to Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is located in the middle of Switzerland, meaning there are tons of options for scenic Swiss train rides that will take you here.
2.1. Via Interlaken Ost
Getting here directly from any big city is probably not going to happen; virtually all trains will connect via Interlaken Ost, but it’s a short ride from there to Lauterbrunnen. Within 20 minutes, you’ll be skipping along the scenic trails of the town in no time.
2.2. Using Omio
To search up all the different routes/possibilities to get you to Lauterbrunnen from your start point, check out Omio! It’s a free service that allows you to compare/book options all in one place.
2.3. Arriving at the Train Station
Once you arrive at the Lauterbrunnen train station, look out for signs that say “City” and follow them. You’ll need to follow a path uphill to reach the main stretch, and then boom – you’re on the main street in Lauterbrunnen.
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3. Accommodation Options in Lauterbrunnen
If you are planning on basing yourself in Lauterbrunnen and haven’t yet booked your accommodation, I recommend you do so as soon as possible! Hotels in Lauterbrunnen are pretty limited, and the destination gets more popular each year.
3.1. Booking Early
This tiny town easily hits capacity in peak season, so booking early is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Sunrise view of a hotel in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
3.2. Lauterbrunnen Hotels
For a town of its size, there are actually quite a few Lauterbrunnen hotel options to choose from.
3.2.1. Hotel Hornerpub
If you’re on a budget, I can recommend Hotel Hornerpub, which offers ridiculously cheap rooms for 40CHF a night! This is where I stayed, and I even got a waterfall view for that price. It’s located above the only pub in town so it’s far from glamorous, and you have a shared bathroom to work with, but the rooms are cozy, well-heated, super comfortable and excellent value for money. They also offer apartments if you want something bigger (and with a private bathroom).
3.2.2. Hotel Staubbach
Hotel Staubbach is another great choice offering AMAZING views over town and the Staubbach Falls. They’re one of the first hotels ever established in Lauterbrunnen, and offer highly-praised hospitality in addition to a free breakfast included in your rate.
3.2.3. Hotel Oberland
If you’re looking for hotels in Lauterbrunnen near the train station, Hotel Oberland is a quick walk from the station and offers a delicious on-site restaurant along with cozy, Swiss decor. They book out quickly though as they’re also very affordable.
3.3. Lauterbrunnen Hostels
If you’d prefer to stay in a hostel for budget or for social reasons, I’ve heard great things about the Valley Hostel. A friend of mine even called this the hostel that turned her into a backpacker!
3.4. Camping at Lauterbrunnen
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly place to stay, Lauterbrunnen is home to a big campsite called Camping Jungfrau that is located just steps away from Staubbach Falls and includes a wide range of options including bungalows, dorms and even cottages.
While it’s not in the very center of Lauterbrunnen, it’s a short and scenic 15-minute walk from the train station. There’s also an on-site supermarket and restaurant, plus a shuttle service if you need.
Note: Camping Jungfrau is a very popular choice, so book as early as you can.
Beautiful view of Lauterbrunnen
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4. Top 10 Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
If you’re looking for inspiration on what to do in Lauterbrunnen, here are a few ideas for Lauterbrunnen activities to help fill your itinerary:
4.1. Creep up behind Staubbach Falls
One of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen is to go waterfall chasing… this is the Valley of 72 Waterfalls, after all. The most famous one? Staubbach Falls, conveniently accessible from the train station and Lauterbrunnen main street.
One of the coolest features of the famous Staubbach Falls is that you can actually hike up to a little path that takes you behind them!
To get to this viewpoint, just follow the main road in town and walk towards the falls. You’ll soon see a barn that has “Staubbach falls” marked on it, and to your right you’ll see a path that goes upwards towards the viewpoint.
A view behind Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen.
4.2. Feel the force of the Trümmelbach Falls
Of course, you shouldn’t limit your Lauterbrunnen waterfall chasing to only the Staubbach Falls! In the summer months, the Trümmelbach Falls open for business, and they’re another classic Lauterbrunnen must-see.
Basically, the Trümmelbach Falls are a series of 10 glacial waterfalls hidden inside a mountain, made accessible to the public through a series of tunnels and lifts.
Trummelbach Falls, an epic set of waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen.
4.3. Go Hiking
Next, one of the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen is to go hiking. All around town, you’ll find bright yellow signs that point you towards different trails, so you have no excuse 😉
I hiked a small portion of the hike to Mürren, and the views were stunning, although most prefer to take the cable car up and hike down instead. The way up IS fairly steep, so I would recommend that alternative if you’re not looking for an intense workout.
Hiking views over Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland.
4.4. Frolic in search of scenic viewpoints and photographs
Lauterbrunnen, without exaggeration, is just one massive photogenic wonderland. If you love taking photos as much as I do, then you’ll soon discover that there’s zero shortage of beautiful corners and details to photograph.
4.5. Visit the Lauterbrunnen Valley museum
If you’re looking for a rainy-day activity or just curious to learn more about the local history/culture of Lauterbrunnen, you can pop into the little Lauterbrunnen Valley Museum, with various displays including vintage skis and a hotel room set-up from the 1900s.
A traditional wooden chalet in Lauterbrunnen exemplifies Swiss architecture.
4.6. Witness traditional lace-making from local women
Lace making has been part of Lauterbrunnen’s local traditions since the 17th century, and visitors now have the unique opportunity to learn more about it for free through weekly workshops and demos.
4.7. Go BASE Jumping
Lauterbrunnen is well-known as a global hub for BASE jumping, the (dangerous) extreme sport which involves throwing oneself off a fixed object (e.g. cliff, building, etc.) with a parachute or wingsuit.
4.8. Ride the Lauterbrunnen cable car up to Grütschalp
If it’s a nice view and an easy hike you’re after, take the affordable cable car from the Lauterbrunnen village up to Grütschalp, where there are a variety of easy and flat hiking trails you can enjoy.
Street-level view in Lauterbrunnen showcasing its charming architecture and scenic setting.
4.9. Take a ride on the Lauterbrunnen to Wengen train
If you want a cool, unique view over the Lauterbrunnen valley, the short train ride up to Wengen is a good alternative to hiking!
If you’d really like to make an adventure out of this, extend your trip and go all the way up to Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe! This is widely considered to be one of the best train rides you can do in Switzerland, and I can’t wait to try it myself someday!
A train heading from Wengen towards Lauterbrunnen, offering stunning valley views.
4.10. Grab a drink at the town’s only pub
Last but not least, after a long day of sightseeing and running around, I could definitely understand if you’re craving a drink to enjoy.
Well, the good news for indecisive folks is that Lauterbrunnen is so tiny, it only has one pub!! So, hop on over to the Hornerpub if you’re looking to grab a drink with tourists and locals alike.
SIXT.VN can help you plan your itinerary in Lauterbrunnen, including booking tours to Trümmelbach Falls, arranging hiking guides, and providing information on local events and activities.
5. 10 Must-Knows Before You Go to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lastly, I want to share some key Lauterbrunnen travel tips with you! I mean, Lauterbrunnen is great, but there are some things you should keep in mind before you travel there. Here are a few I learned for myself during my trip:
5.1. Lauterbrunnen is TINY and there’s not a lot to do
A lot of people put Lauterbrunnen on their bucket lists after seeing one photo (I know I certainly did!)
And there’s no denying that Lauterbrunnen is a beautiful place to look at…
At the same time though, unless you’re into outdoor activities, you won’t find a ton to actually do here.
The main activities available to you in Lauterbrunnen involve hiking, waterfall chasing, or other outdoorsy things, and the actual town itself does not have much to offer besides a handful of hotels and restaurants. Keep that in mind!
If you’re looking for a livelier place to stay with a bustling nightlife or plenty of attractions to keep you occupied, it might be smarter to stay elsewhere.
Scenic Lauterbrunnen view from street level with the town church visible.
5.2. Accommodation is surprisingly affordable
I was shocked to discover during my research that accommodation prices in Lauterbrunnen were substantially cheaper than nearby cities.
I for example was able to score a waterfall-view room for only 40CHF at Hotel Hornerpub!
Granted, it was far from glamorous and there was a shared bathroom, but the room was private and honestly you won’t find a better deal anywhere in Switzerland.
There are also some hostels and cheap hotels in the area that are very reasonably priced, relative to the rest of the country anyway.
5.3. The Tourist Information Center is your best friend
In a town as small as Lauterbrunnen, often there isn’t a lot of information available on activities, museums, attractions, and above all else, their opening times.
That’s why I would suggest you pop into the Tourist Information Center in Lauterbrunnen to ask about hikes, viewpoints, activities, etc. They are really nice there and a great help.
5.4. Bringing a car? Don’t worry! There’s lots of parking
If arriving by car, you can relax – I noticed a lot of Lauterbrunnen parking options, a surprising amount actually given how small the town is.
Not only was there a huge multi-story car park behind the train station, there was also a big lot near the church in the center of town, and of course a lot of parking available for private hotels too.
The Lauterbrunnen church car park provides ample parking for visitors.
5.5. The best time to see Lauterbrunnen is the early afternoon
My rule of thumb when I’m in a new place is usually to wake up at sunrise and explore before all the crowds rush in.
I followed this protocol for Lauterbrunnen, only to (dumbly) realize: duh, Lauterbrunnen is in a valley, so the town doesn’t get any sun until 2.5-3 hours after sunrise!
I did still explore and liked seeing the town so empty, but the town had this dark shadow over it that didn’t entirely do it justice….
After the sun rises over the valley though, that’s when the beauty of Lauterbrunnen really shines. So, yes, that’s me giving you my blessing to sleep in and head into town a little later 😉
The main town view in Lauterbrunnen adorned with Swiss flags.
5.6. Try not to arrive at night
I timed my arrival into Lauterbrunnen really poorly. I arrived at 10:30pm, it was pitch black, and no one else was really around.
I found it challenging to find the main street because the signs were not well-marked, and also the eerie quietness of the town spooked me a lot. Even spookier?
The streets weren’t super well lit and I could hear waterfalls around me but couldn’t see them! Lauterbrunnen is (for what it’s worth) one of the safest places I’ve ever travelled, but arriving at night did make me a little uneasy, so I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re not terrified of the dark, or you are travelling with someone 🙂
5.7. When leaving the train station, follow the signs for “City”
This sounds like basic advice but WOW the signage at the train station is confusing.
They have a bunch of symbols but the part that says “City” is written in very small print and easy to miss.
If you exit and you see a big car park in front of you, you’ve come out the wrong way.
Turn around, and come out through the other side, then follow the path uphill to get onto the main street. The train station exit is actually on a lower level than the main strip, so you’ll need to walk up to reach it.
5.8. Be aware of the pros and cons of visiting during the off-season
I visited at the end of March, which is still off-season for Lauterbrunnen.
It was good because prices were low and there weren’t many crowds, but on the other hand, the beautiful flowers hadn’t bloomed yet and many of the attractions (like the Trummelbach Falls) weren’t yet open.
The weather also wasn’t super ideal yet for hiking (which is one of the best things to do in Luaterbrunnen). I did return to Lauterbrunnen again a year later during the summer, and enjoyed that experience a lot more overall. I mean, summer is when all the alpine meadows are filled with flowers, and most importantly: adorable cows! It’s little wonder why visiting Lauterbrunnen in the summer is way better.
Don’t worry though – all that said, while Lauterbrunnen weather can be a bit temperamental, I think it’s a beautiful town to admire regardless of the weather, especially if you pack properly for all potential weather conditions. Hey, It might even look a bit cooler and more mysterious in fog 😉
Lauterbrunnen in early Spring with flowers blooming adds to the charm of the landscape.
5.9. The waterfalls might not be falling as dramatically as the photos
The thing about photo-famous locations like Lauterbrunnen is you can easily be set up for disappointment.
In my case, I was shocked to wake up for sunrise only to discover that that the Staubbach Falls were barely flowing. Oops – I guess visiting in March wasn’t the brightest idea after all!
All the photos I had seen of this majestic waterfall had a flow so powerful that it was misting and just looking epic from all angles. Instead, what I saw was more akin to a trickle, and I was really, really sad.
On the bright side, the flow picked back up in the late afternoon, and I did get to revisit Lauterbrunnen again the following summer. The views this time were much more satisfying:
A view of Staubbach Falls in the summer time in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland.
5.10. Be respectful towards locals – don’t give them a reason to dislike you
Last but not least, I want to mention one thing I observed in Lauterbrunnen.
Perhaps it’s just me, but I got an overall vibe that local townspeople weren’t too thrilled with tourists bumbling about.
On a few of my explorations, I had my tripod out and was walking some trails to get nice viewpoints over town (not going onto private property of course!)… Without fail, every single local I said hello to did not say hello back, and kind of looked at me with disdain.
I mean, in a quaint and quiet town like this, I can imagine the influx of tourists hasn’t necessarily been a welcome change, but that still made me a little bit sad.
So, remember, if you’re visiting, don’t expect to be embraced warmly by every local you meet, but also remember to be respectful and not give them any reason to dislike the tourism!
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6. Lauterbrunnen Webcam
Curious about how Lauterbrunnen is looking at the moment? You can scope out a live Lauterbrunnen webcam here.
Lauterbrunnen view from main street in Switzerland
7. FAQs About Lauterbrunnen Tourism
7.1. What is Lauterbrunnen known for?
Lauterbrunnen is famous for its stunning valley, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and boasting 72 waterfalls. It’s also known for being the inspiration behind J.R.R. Tolkien’s Rivendell.
7.2. What is the best time to visit Lauterbrunnen?
The best time to visit Lauterbrunnen is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is ideal for hiking, and all attractions are open. However, visiting in the off-season can offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
7.3. How do I get to Lauterbrunnen from major cities?
Most train routes to Lauterbrunnen will connect via Interlaken Ost. From there, it’s a short 20-minute train ride to Lauterbrunnen.
7.4. Are there budget-friendly accommodation options in Lauterbrunnen?
Yes, Lauterbrunnen offers several budget-friendly options, including hostels like Valley Hostel and campsites like Camping Jungfrau. Additionally, some hotels like Hotel Hornerpub offer affordable rooms.
7.5. What activities can I do in Lauterbrunnen?
Popular activities in Lauterbrunnen include hiking, visiting waterfalls like Staubbach Falls and Trümmelbach Falls, exploring the Lauterbrunnen Valley Museum, and taking scenic train rides to nearby towns like Wengen.
7.6. Is it easy to get around in Lauterbrunnen?
Yes, Lauterbrunnen is a small town, and most attractions are easily accessible on foot. Cable cars and trains are also available for exploring the surrounding areas.
7.7. What should I pack for a trip to Lauterbrunnen?
Depending on the season, pack layers of clothing, including waterproof gear. Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for exploring the trails.
7.8. Is Lauterbrunnen suitable for families with children?
Yes, Lauterbrunnen is a great destination for families, offering numerous outdoor activities and scenic spots that are enjoyable for all ages.
7.9. What local customs should I be aware of in Lauterbrunnen?
Be respectful towards the locals and their traditions. Keep noise levels down, especially in the evenings, and avoid trespassing on private property.
7.10. How can SIXT.VN help me plan my trip to Lauterbrunnen?
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