Lauterbrunnen Hikes: Complete Guide (Map & Instructions)

The stunning valley of Lauterbrunnen offers some of Switzerland’s most spectacular hiking trails, surrounded by 72 waterfalls and towering rock faces. This is where dreams of Alpine hiking come to life.

Lauterbrunnen, which translates to “many fountains,” is a deep U-shaped valley carved by glaciers over millennia. The valley walls rise nearly 1,000 meters on either side, creating one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Swiss Alps.

Nestled in the Bernese Oberland, this UNESCO World Heritage region is home to iconic peaks like the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. The waterfalls that cascade down the valley walls—including the famous Staubbach Falls—create a misty, almost mystical atmosphere.

The hiking trails in Lauterbrunnen cater to all levels, from gentle valley walks to challenging mountain ascents. You’ll find flower-filled meadows, panoramic viewpoints, mountain lakes, and traditional Swiss chalets throughout your adventures.

This is a place where every turn reveals a postcard-perfect view. Whether you’re watching paragliders drift down from the mountains or listening to the thunderous roar of Trümmelbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen captivates every visitor.

The valley is also incredibly accessible, with excellent public transport connecting you to trailheads and mountain villages. Many hikes start right from Lauterbrunnen village itself.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ve covered everything you need to know about hiking in Lauterbrunnen, including the best trails, how to get there, when to visit, and detailed instructions for the most spectacular hikes in the region.

BEST LAUTERBRUNNEN HIKES OVERVIEW

LAUTERBRUNNEN TO WENGEN HIKE

Start: Lauterbrunnen village
Finish: Wengen
Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Elevation gain: 500 meters
Difficulty: Easy to Medium

This classic hike is one of the most popular trails in the valley. It winds up through forests and meadows with spectacular views of Staubbach Falls and the surrounding peaks.

The trail starts in Lauterbrunnen and climbs steadily through the forest on a well-maintained path. About halfway up, the trees open to reveal stunning panoramas of the valley floor below and the waterfalls cascading down the rock faces.

As you approach Wengen, the landscape transforms into Alpine meadows dotted with traditional wooden chalets. The car-free village of Wengen sits on a sunny terrace high above the valley and offers magnificent views of the Jungfrau massif.

I love this hike because it’s accessible yet rewarding. The gradient is steady but manageable, making it perfect for families or those wanting a shorter day in the mountains.

MÜRREN TO GIMMELWALD HIKE

Start: Mürren
Finish: Gimmelwald
Distance: 3 km / 1.9 miles
Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation gain: Minimal (downhill)
Difficulty: Easy

This short but spectacular trail connects two of the most charming mountain villages in Switzerland. Both Mürren and Gimmelwald are car-free and perch dramatically on cliffs above the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

The path meanders through Alpine meadows with constant views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. In summer, wildflowers carpet the hillsides, and you’ll often see paragliders launching from Mürren.

Gimmelwald is a tiny, authentic farming village that feels frozen in time. It’s much quieter than Mürren and offers a glimpse into traditional Swiss mountain life.

This hike is perfect for all ages and can easily be extended by exploring both villages or continuing down to Stechelberg.

SCHILTHORN PANORAMA TRAIL

Start: Birg (cable car station)
Finish: Birg or Schilthorn summit
Distance: 2-4 km (various routes)
Duration: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 200-400 meters depending on route
Difficulty: Medium

The Schilthorn, made famous by the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service,” offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the Alps. The Panorama Trail circles the mountain with various route options.

You can take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen via Gimmelwald and Mürren to Birg, where several hiking trails begin. The Thrill Walk at Birg is an exciting addition—a platform that juts out over sheer cliffs.

The hike to the summit from Birg takes about an hour and rewards you with 360-degree views of over 200 peaks. The revolving restaurant Piz Gloria at the top is the perfect place for lunch.

I hiked this in early September, and the clarity of the air made the views absolutely stunning. You could see all the way to Mont Blanc.

TRÜMMELBACH FALLS TO STECHELBERG

Start: Trümmelbach Falls
Finish: Stechelberg
Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles
Duration: 1 hour
Elevation gain: Minimal
Difficulty: Easy

This gentle valley floor walk takes you past some of Lauterbrunnen’s most impressive waterfalls. Trümmelbach Falls themselves are a must-see—ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, accessible by tunnel lift.

The walk continues along the valley floor with views of numerous waterfalls cascading down both valley walls. You’ll pass through meadows and forests with the dramatic cliffs towering above you.

Stechelberg sits at the head of the valley and is the starting point for cable cars up to Gimmelwald and Mürren. It’s a peaceful spot with several mountain inns serving traditional Swiss food.

This is an excellent option for a rest day or if the weather higher up is questionable. The valley floor is often clear even when clouds shroud the peaks.

GETTING TO LAUTERBRUNNEN

BY TRAIN

Lauterbrunnen is exceptionally well-connected by Switzerland’s efficient train network. The journey to Lauterbrunnen is scenic in itself, winding through mountain valleys and past Alpine lakes.

From Interlaken Ost, trains run approximately every 30 minutes and take just 20 minutes to reach Lauterbrunnen. The line continues through the valley to Wengen and up to Kleine Scheidegg.

From Zurich, the journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes with a change in Bern or Interlaken. From Geneva, allow approximately 3 hours with changes.

If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, all trains to Lauterbrunnen are included, and you’ll receive significant discounts on mountain railways and cable cars.

BY CAR

While driving to Lauterbrunnen is possible, the village itself is car-free. There’s a large multi-story car park at the entrance to the village where you can leave your vehicle for CHF 10-15 per day.

From Interlaken, the drive takes about 25 minutes via Route 11 through the scenic Lütschental. From Zurich, allow 2 hours 30 minutes; from Geneva, about 3 hours.

Parking can fill up during peak season (July-August and January-February), so arriving early is advisable. Alternatively, leave your car in Interlaken and take the train.

GETTING AROUND LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY

Once in Lauterbrunnen, an excellent network of cable cars, trains, and buses connects all hiking destinations:

Lauterbrunnen to Mürren: Cable car via Grütschalp (20 minutes total)
Lauterbrunnen to Wengen: Train (15 minutes)
Stechelberg to Mürren: Cable car via Gimmelwald (15 minutes)
Postbus: Runs regularly between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg

The Jungfrau Travel Pass offers unlimited travel on all transport in the region and is excellent value if you’re planning multiple days of hiking.

DETAILED HIKING INSTRUCTIONS – LAUTERBRUNNEN TO WENGEN

This is my favorite introductory hike in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s challenging enough to feel like an accomplishment but accessible enough for most fitness levels.

LAUTERBRUNNEN TO STAUBBACH FALLS (15 minutes)

Start at Lauterbrunnen train station and walk through the village toward the Staubbach Falls. This 297-meter waterfall is one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe and was the inspiration for Goethe’s poem “Song of the Spirits over the Waters.”

You can walk behind the falls via a short tunnel carved into the rock face. It’s a spectacular experience, though you’ll get wet from the spray! The trail to Wengen actually starts just before the falls.

STAUBBACH FALLS TO FOREST SECTION (30 minutes)

Pick up the signposted trail toward Wengen, which begins climbing immediately through the forest. The path is well-maintained with occasional stone steps and clear waymarkers.

The gradient is steady, and you’ll quickly gain height above the valley floor. Every few minutes, gaps in the trees reveal increasingly impressive views back down to Lauterbrunnen village and across to the waterfalls on the opposite valley wall.

Take your time on this section—there’s no rush, and it’s worth stopping to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery. In summer, the forest provides welcome shade.

FOREST EXIT TO MEADOWS (30 minutes)

As you emerge from the forest, the landscape opens dramatically. You’re now in classic Alpine meadow terrain, with wildflowers in summer and traditional wooden chalets scattered across the hillside.

The path continues to climb but becomes more gradual. This is where the views really open up—the Jungfrau massif dominates the southern skyline, while you can see down the entire length of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Many of the chalets along this section have small cheese dairies. If you’re lucky, you might see farmers making Alpine cheese in the traditional way.

APPROACHING WENGEN (30 minutes)

The final section crosses several streams via wooden bridges and passes through more meadows before reaching Wengen’s outskirts. You’ll start to see more day-trippers as you approach the village.

Wengen sits on a spectacular sunny terrace at 1,274 meters. The car-free village is charming, with Belle Époque hotels, traditional chalets, and numerous restaurants and cafes.

I recommend stopping at one of the terrace restaurants for lunch or refreshments. The views from Wengen are magnificent—the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger loom large, and on clear days, you can see for miles.

From Wengen, you can either take the train back down to Lauterbrunnen (15 minutes) or continue hiking up to Kleine Scheidegg if you have the energy and time.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

BEST TIME TO HIKE IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

The hiking season in Lauterbrunnen typically runs from June to October, with July, August, and September being the most popular months.

Early Summer (June-early July): The waterfalls are at their most powerful due to snowmelt. Higher trails may still have snow patches. Wildflowers begin blooming. Weather can be unpredictable.

Mid-Summer (mid-July to August): Peak season with the warmest weather and most reliable conditions. All trails are snow-free. This is also the busiest time, so expect crowds on popular hikes. Book accommodation well in advance.

Early Autumn (September-early October): My personal favorite time to visit. The crowds thin out, the weather is often stable with crisp, clear days, and the changing colors add another dimension to the scenery.

I hiked in early September and found it perfect—warm enough for t-shirt hiking but with cooler mornings and evenings. The visibility was exceptional.

WHAT TO PACK FOR LAUTERBRUNNEN HIKES

Hiking Boots: Essential for all but the shortest valley walks. The terrain can be uneven, and proper ankle support makes a huge difference. I use mid-height boots similar to these Salomon Quest boots.

Layers: Mountain weather changes rapidly. Start with a base layer, add a fleece or light down jacket, and always carry a waterproof shell. I’ve experienced sunshine, rain, and even hail on a single hike.

Waterproof Jacket: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Alps during summer. A good quality waterproof like this Arc’teryx Beta is worth the investment.

Sun Protection: The sun is intense at altitude. Pack high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat with a brim.

Water and Snacks: Carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person. Mountain restaurants are available on many hikes, but prices are high. I always carry trail mix, energy bars, and fruit.

Swiss Army Knife: Handy for cutting cheese, opening bottles, and numerous other tasks. It’s Swiss after all!

First Aid Kit: Include blister plasters, pain relief, and any personal medications.

Map and Compass/GPS: Even on well-marked trails, it’s wise to carry navigation tools. Phone signal can be patchy in the mountains.

Camera: You’ll want to capture these views! I recommend bringing extra batteries as cold temperatures drain them quickly.

Cash: Many mountain huts and small restaurants only accept cash. Swiss Francs are the currency.

ACCOMMODATION IN LAUTERBRUNNEN

Lauterbrunnen village has numerous accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels. I stayed at the Valley Hostel, which offers excellent value with stunning views from the terrace.

For a more authentic experience, consider staying in one of the mountain villages like Wengen, Mürren, or Gimmelwald. These car-free villages have a special charm, especially in the evening when the day-trippers have left.

During peak season (July-August), book at least 2-3 months in advance. For September visits, 4-6 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Mountain hiking carries inherent risks. Follow these guidelines to stay safe:

Check the weather forecast before setting out. Swiss MeteoSwiss provides reliable mountain forecasts.
Tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time.
Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and ensure you’re off the mountain before dark.
Turn back if conditions deteriorate—the mountains will still be there tomorrow.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile Alpine environment and for your safety.
Respect wildlife—keep your distance from animals and never feed them.

Emergency services in Switzerland are excellent. The emergency number is 1414 for mountain rescue (Rega helicopter). Travel insurance covering mountain activities is essential.

MOUNTAIN RESTAURANTS AND HUTS

One of the joys of hiking in Switzerland is the incredible network of mountain restaurants. Unlike many hiking destinations where you need to carry all your food, here you can stop for hearty Swiss meals.

Expect to pay premium prices—typically CHF 15-25 for a main course, CHF 5-7 for coffee, and CHF 4-6 for a beer. But the experience of sitting on a sun-drenched terrace with those views is priceless.

I particularly recommend:

Restaurant Grütschalp for views over the valley
Hotel Jungfrau in Mürren for their terrace and traditional Swiss dishes
Pension Gimmelwald for authentic local cuisine in a tiny mountain village

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

The Lauterbrunnen Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we all have a responsibility to protect it:

Carry out all trash, including fruit peels and biodegradable items
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion
Don’t pick flowers or disturb wildlife
Use designated toilet facilities at huts and restaurants
Consider using refillable water bottles rather than buying plastic bottles

The Swiss take environmental protection seriously, and as visitors, we should too. These mountains and meadows are precious, and with care, they’ll remain beautiful for generations to come.

Lauterbrunnen offers some of the most accessible yet spectacular mountain hiking in the world. Whether you’re tackling your first Alpine trail or you’re a seasoned mountaineer, this magical valley has something to offer.

The combination of dramatic scenery, excellent infrastructure, and the warm hospitality of the Swiss mountain communities makes every hike here memorable. From the thunderous waterfalls to the silent, snow-capped peaks, from flowery meadows to ancient wooden chalets, Lauterbrunnen truly is one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

So lace up your boots, pack your layers, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in the Swiss Alps. I promise you’ll return home with a camera full of photos, legs that ache in the best way possible, and memories that will last a lifetime.