Best Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen in One Day
Lauterbrunnen Village lies in the heart of the Jungfrau region and is a "must-see" destination in Switzerland.
It is one of the best day trips from Interlaken for lovers of the great outdoors, with the bonus that it is only 20 minutes away by car or train.
With snow-capped mountains, chocolate-box wooden chalets, and views that will take your breath away, this traditional Swiss village is one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland, and we visited it on our Europe Road Trip.
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Best Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland's most charming villages, making it a paradise for photographers, hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Swiss flags hang proudly from timbered buildings, and artisan shops sell beautiful Swiss crafts. Lauterbrunnen's cafes and restaurants will entice you with the aromas of fresh coffee and fondues!
Immerse yourself in your surroundings and admire nature's beauty in the countryside around the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Best Waterfalls to Visit in Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen translates in German to “Loud Springs”; once you have visited one of these thunderous waterfalls, you will understand why!
Lauterbrunnen’s magical waterfalls and sensational landscape inspired Rivendell, the home to the elves in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit novels written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
As film buffs, we are always keen to visit spots featured in movies, like Hobbiton in New Zealand, and locations that have had an inspirational impact.
Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken were the settings for the 1969 James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
Trummelbach Falls
Trümmelbach Falls is unique in Europe as the only accessible mountain with ten internal glacial waterfalls.
It is easy to navigate, as a tunnel lift, a series of walkways, and handrails make it accessible and well lit.
Cave areas can get very wet underfoot as the glacial melt from the mighty Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau falls at 20,000 litres of water per second!
Wear waterproof jackets and footwear, and prepare to be deafened by the roar of the water as it rushes past vertical rock faces up to 400 meters high.
Depending on weather conditions, Trümmelbach Falls are open daily from April to November, from 9 to 5 p.m., and in July and August from 8.30 to 6 p.m.
It is always a good idea to check that the falls are open before setting out, rather than being disappointed when you arrive.
Staubbach Falls
Staubbach Falls is Switzerland's highest waterfall and the most well-known in Lauterbrunnen's "Valley of 72 waterfalls." Explore its cascading waters from a purpose-built viewing point set into the rock face.
During the high season, the waterfall is illuminated in the evening.
Best Hikes in Lauterbrunnen
Hiking routes in and around Lauterbrunnen will take you through the beautiful Swiss landscape, offering breathtaking mountain views.
Yellow signs in town mark the different trails you can take, from easy to difficult.
Lauterbrunnen Loop Trail
Since you're in the great outdoors, it only seems right to take at least one of the area's hiking/walking trails.
The most popular is a loop hike up to the traffic-free village of Mürren and on to Gimmelwald, then back down to Lauterbrunnen. This way, you will see three of Switzerland's quintessential alpine villages in one day.
You may prefer to take the cable car up and only hike back down, as it is an intense hike. The Restaurant Winteregg lies close to Mürren and offers a stop for refreshment amidst the best alpine landscape of mountain streams, meadows and pine forests.
If you prefer this idea, take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp (5 minutes), then hop on the 15-minute train to the start of the hike in Mürren.
The flower trail in Allmendhubel via Blumenthal (Flower Valley) is an easier walk for all ages. Spot 150 different mountain flower species on this hour-long walk.
The funicular connects Murren and Allmendhubel. The funicular operates year-round but may close for maintenance on scheduled dates. The tourist office should be able to help you with the dates.
Whatever you do, the views are out of this world, and you will feel like bursting into a rendition of The Sound of Music! For information on all the best hikes in Lauterbrunnen, head to the Lauterbrunnen tourist office and pick up a leaflet to guide you.
Journey to Jungfraujoch "The Top of Europe"
The most popular thing to do in Lauterbrunnen is take the cogwheel train ride to Jungfraujoch. The journey takes 1.5 hours.
From the moment you step aboard this charming form of transport, the views are incredible as it gently climbs to the top of the mountain. Arrive early, as there are many activities to try at the top of Jungfraujoch.
Book your ticket online, especially during summer.
On the ascent, keep an ear out for the cowbells ringing as the cows graze on the side of the mountains - the epitome of everything associated with the charm of Switzerland.
A mandatory stop halfway up the mountain is a delightful place to take a break for coffee, lunch or maybe apple strudel before boarding another train to take you to the Top of Europe.
Kleine Scheidegg is at the foothills of the Eiger - the most treacherous mountain in the world. The Eiger is perpetually cast in shadow and hosts its own weather system. Its ice and limestone sheer rock face challenges even the most experienced mountaineer.
If you want to stay in Kleine Scheidegg for a while before continuing up to Jungfraujoch, you can explore the walking and hiking trails. We set off on a walking path, which took around 45 minutes, and I have to say the views were fantastic.
Jungfraujoch - Arriving at the Summit
Going to Jungfraujoch is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do as a tourist in Lauterbrunnen.
Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest-altitude railway station at 3,454 metres above sea level, and it's like a different world when you step off the train.
With snow at the summit, it's hard to believe you are above Lauterbrunnen, where the valley floor below is swathed in sunshine and dotted with lush green fields.
Get accustomed to the high altitude - it affected us for about the first 10 minutes after we arrived. I felt quite dizzy and nauseous and had to sit down for a while.
Jungfraujoch is open year-round, and there is plenty to do and see on the top of Europe. Allow yourself at least 1-2 hours, and keep hold of your belongings.
We put our camera down, forgot it, and then had a mad dash to retrace our steps and find it. Everything turned out fine in the end, as someone had handed it in, but at high altitude, the last thing you want is to rush around and stress out!
Guided Tours to Jungfraujoch
Top Things to Do at Jungfraujoch
Sphinx Observatory Deck - Views across the Aletsch Glacier. There is a vertical drop here, so hang on to your belongings!
Ice Sculpture Exhibition - Discover statues carved from the glacial ice.
Alpine Sensation Multi-Sensory Show - History of the miners who built the railway.
Lindt Chocolate Factory - The famous Swiss chocolate brand.
Snow Park - Sledging, skiing, snowboarding, snow-tubing, and zip-lining across the glacier.
Glacier Plateau - Views stretch across the Jungfrau and Silberhorn peaks.
Restaurants and Shops
Best Restaurants in Lauterbrunnen
Airtime Cafe
A great place to stop for lunch, freshly brewed coffee and desserts; this is Lauterbrunnen's best cafe.
Swiss Restaurant Weidstuebli
One of Lauterbrunnen's best restaurants, offering a traditional Swiss feel close to Staubbach Falls. A great place to enjoy a hearty meal after walking or hiking.
Reviews for Swiss Restaurant Weidstuebli
Restaurant Baren
The best restaurant in Lauterbrunnen for vegetarian and vegan dishes, serving Swiss and European cuisine in a cosy setting.
Hotel Oberland Restaurant
With an extensive menu and an outdoor garden space for dining during the warmer months. Soups, salads, pizzas, pasta, meat and fish dishes and traditional Swiss dishes of fondues and röstis are all available.
Reviews for Hotel Oberland Restaurant
Silberhorn Restaurant
Set in Wengen village, this is one of the area's best restaurants. It offers Swiss cuisine with the beautiful Swiss Alps setting as a backdrop.
Reviews for Silberhorn Restaurant
Best Hotels in Lauterbrunnen
Availability and Rates for Accommodation in Lauterbrunnen
The Best Way to Get to Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken
By Car or Taxi: We had our car with us for the 15-minute drive from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen. Plenty of parking is all around town. Once you are in Lauterbrunnen, you will travel on foot, by train or cable car.
By Rail: From Interlaken, hourly trains depart from Interlaken East Train Station to Lauterbrunnen and take 20 minutes. Information can be found here for train stations in the Jungfrau Region.
By Bus: From Interlaken, the bus takes about 20 minutes.
Want to Visit Nearby Towns in the Jungfrau Region?
Schynige Platte is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Jungfrau region and is famous for its beautiful Alpine garden of over 650 plant species.
To reach Schynige Platte, take the train from Interlaken Ost to Wilderswil and hop aboard the cog railway from Wilderswil to Schynige Platte. The cog railway operates from May to October only, and the journey to the summit takes just under one hour.
At the top, you will find a restaurant with breathtaking views and plenty of hiking trails.
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
Please Pin for Future Travel to Switzerland
Are you looking for further travel guides for Switzerland? Please check out the following articles:
15 Stunning Day Trips From Interlaken to Discover the Best of Switzerland
5 Most Beautiful Castles to Visit on Lake Thun, Switzerland
6 Most Beautiful Cities in Switzerland Worth Visiting
Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Thanks for your travel inspiration! Did you do this all in one day?! What is a good one day plan for a day trip here from Interlaken?
🙂
Hi Nancy,
I recommend you go to Trummelbach Falls as they are pretty amazing, then take the train up to Jungfraujoch (no trip to Interlaken would be complete without taking the train from Lauterbrunnen to the top). As I mention in the post the train stops halfway so it is nice to spend a little time here and go for a walk (trails are marked). Get back on the train and head to the top of the mountain where there are various things to see and do (as mentioned). After you have spent time there head back to Lauterbrunnen for traditional Swiss fondue to finish off your day. Please note the trains to the top of the mountain and back down go slow and take time out of your day (but the scenery is amazing). This is the same itinerary I did on my trip to Lauterbrunnen and had a lovely day. Hope this helps and have a fabulous time.
Hello!
We will be staying in Interlaken for one night March 14. We plan to arrive early via train (from Lucerne) I really want to see the village of Lauterbrunnen and maybe do short hike. Is this reasonable, or should we stick around Interlaken? Also, interested in kayaking on lake (weather permitting) and/or Harder Kulm? I think we have to leave early next day to catch the Golden pass express to Montreux due to shortened schedule. 🙁
Basically, looking for suggestion of best use of our time for views/beauty/ etc.
Thanks!
Schannon
Hi there Schannon
So firstly Interlaken train station is around 20 minutes from Harder Klum so I would take the funicular up there first and enjoy the stunning views and grab a coffee. Once back down you can make you way to Lauterbrunnen which is around 30 mins by taxi or take the train there. You will have time to do both of these places but if you want to do a hike and perhaps see the waterfalls and a spot of lunch then you might not have time to do the lake kayaking. Lauterbrunnen is a must see and you will love it. Have a great time Angie
Hey Angie, a lovely post of Lauterbrunnen - thanks for sharing.
Which month was it that you visited Interlaken, as I'm just seeing sunshine and blue skies in your photos which are gorgeous. From most of the websites, it seems that May-Aug would be the best months to go since they will be the warmer months I'm reading that they are the wettest months too. What was your experience with the weather and any tips to share?
Hi Allison, Im glad you found this post informative. I travelled to Lauterbrunnen in July and there was no rain, just blue skies and sunshine. It is so easy to do as a day trip either in a car or by train from Interlaken. I would recommend Airtime cafe for light bites in town and maybe if you want to do some hikes stay overnight in Lauterbrunnen so that you are not rushed. The Top of Europe is worth booking. When you get to the top and see the thick snow it is quite unbelievable that below you are grassy hills and wildflowers! I hope that you get there in the future, it really is a beautiful Swiss village.
Thanks for the quick reply and your recommendations. I will base myself in Interlaken and have day trips to visit other villages in the region just like you did I think. Just got to work out if getting the Swiss Pass would be cost effective. I've checked out your other blogs which are all very informative and useful so thanks a lot!
Glad I was of help in your decision making. Have a great trip to Switzerland.
I went to Switzerland for my honeymoon and stayed at Interlaken. I must say all Swiss villages are very charming and I too loved Lauterbrunnen village a lot. Even visiting Jungfraou is great here. All destinations in Switzerland are very beautiful.
We based ourselves in Interlaken and travelled out from there each day. Every part of Switzerland is so stunning.
Such a dramatic landscape with with rolling hills and steep cliffs, you can understand why it's the inspiration for many a film setting, and with all that lush landscape and fresh water, I'm sure the local cheese is to die for.
Well, I can vouch for the cheese fondues! Probably ate one too many.
At first I imagined this to be in Sweden, not Switzerland! This looks incredible!
Wow, I've not thought about Switzerland for such a long time..this brought back so many memories of a little hike I took out from Interlaken. I never travelled much of Switzerland but with reminders like this it puts it back on my radar.
Yes, despite the sometimes annoying attitude and the skyhigh costs - Switzerland is beautiful! I would love to hike through this breathtaking sceneries on your pix right now!
Wow, this looks so picturesque, would love to visit. Although I have to admit Cable cars terrify me lol. I have saved this post because I really need and hope to start travelling again soon.
I was also terrified of cable cars until I went on a glass-floored one in Hong Kong!! I'm ok now!
A lovely and a comprehensive post - hope to be able to visit when the world offers an opportunity for us to do so.
It is the perfect place to escape to for some peace and quiet and to re-connect with nature.
I have never been to Switzerland, and the thought has not really crossed my mind before either... but maybe I should look into going there, it really looks beautiful 🙂
What a gorgeous place with so much to do! I've not really explored much of Switzerland but I think Lauterbrunnen will be top of my list when I do!
Hi Angie, I am looking to travel to this region next year once the world of travel is back on the cards.
I have booked marked this post as it has everything I know I want to do and some I didn’t but now want to 🙂
Thank you 🙏
The Jungfrau region is pretty spectacular and also near to other European countries so it is easy to incorporate into a road trip which is what I did.
I hope you get there Donny
Endless charm! Would welcome an opportunity to wander here!
It was so beautiful.