Between powerful waterfalls, charming alpine villages and towering mountain peaks, everything about this Swiss valley in the Bernese Alps is unforgettable.
Lauterbrunnen is a place of awesome natural scenery. The picturesque valley is bordered by the towering peaks of Drattehorn, Butlasse, Jungfrau and the Eiger. Explore flowering meadows and alpine villages, ski through the snow-capped Bernese Alps and witness the powerful cascades of spectacular waterfalls.
Lauterbrunnen’s name translates as “many fountains” in German, alluding to the 72 waterfalls scattered throughout the alpine area. Hike to the Staubbach Falls, which sends water cascading down a drop of almost 1,000 feet (305 meters). Walk through tunnels and walkways to get to the Trummelbach Falls. These are subterranean waterfalls tucked inside a mountain.
You don’t have to be a rock climber or experienced hiker to reach some of the area’s mountainous heights. Go on a train ride up to the Jungfraujoch. Your journey will take you through miles of tunnels that have been cut into mountains. The end of the line is the highest railway station in Europe, situated at 11,332 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level. While you are here, admire the mountain views from the observation deck of the Sphinx Observatory and visit the ice palace.
Another mountaintop must-see is the Schilthorn. Take a series of cable cars to the summit and dine in the revolving restaurant. The Schilthorn was a location in the 1969 James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
No matter when you visit Lauterbrunnen, there are always lots of outdoor pursuits to enjoy. During the winter, ski on its miles of slopes and along cross-country trails, go on toboggan runs and travel along winter hiking routes. In the summer, hike or bike numerous trails that wind through the valley.
Sail across Lake Thun and try water skiing on Lake Brienz. Then explore their attractive lakeside villages. At Lake Thun, tour the medieval Oberhofen Castle and its park which sit by the water's edge.
Reach Lauterbrunnen by flying into the international airport at Bern, approximately 41 miles (66 kilometers away). Make the rest of the journey by car. Stay in traditional alpine villas with gorgeous lake and mountain views.
