The picturesque town of Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, nestled at the bottom of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, is one of those Swiss destinations that you see a photo of and bam – that’s it: your life mission is now to frolic in it.

That’s the kind of power Lauterbrunnen had over me, anyway… and so it has dutifully haunted me from the deepest depths of every Pinterest board for, I kid you not, years.

That’s why, when the opportunity presented itself for me to FINALLY visit Lauterbrunnen, I jumped, nay – I freestyle danced – for joy.

Planning my trip wasn’t easy though. I quickly realized just how little information there was about actual things to do in Lauterbrunnen, or practical tips at all (besides a healthy smattering of swoonworthy photos of course).

So here I am with the Lauterbrunnen travel guide I wish I had! In this post, you’ll find all sorts of key bits of information like what to do in Lauterbrunnen, where to go and how to make the most of your time in this beautiful little town (besides sob at how wonderful it all is)

Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland: A Quick Overview

Alpine meadows, dramatic rockfaces, dozens of waterfalls, and more… Lauterbrunnen is one of those places with so many scenic viewpoints it looks made up.

And fittingly so, it was during a hike here in his youth that J.R.R. Tolkien was inspired to create Rivendell, land of the elves in his *cough* mildly famous book series, Lord of the Rings.

And the resemblance isn’t tough to see. The natural beauty of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is staggering. And while there’s not a ton to DO necessarily in Lauterbrunnen, it’s a wonderful little place to reconnect with nature, and remind yourself just how beautiful Planet Earth can be.

Looking for more Swiss bucket list inspiration? I can highly recommend some stunningly scenic train rides like the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, as well as Switzerland’s world-famous Christmas markets.

How to Get to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Lauterbrunnen is located pretty much smack dab in the middle of Switzerland, meaning there are tons of options for scenic Swiss train rides that will take you here.

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, and within 20 minutes, you’ll be skipping along the scenic trails of the town in no time.

TIP: 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.

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 and ready to skip around like the overexcited puppy you’ll soon become.

Where to Stay in Lauterbrunnen: Accommodation Options

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.

Seriously though – this tiny town easily hits capacity in peak season so booking early is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Here are some Lauterbrunnen accommodation options for you…

Lauterbrunnen Hotels

For a town of its size, there are actually quite a few Lauterbrunnen hotel options to choose from.

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. Click here to check reviews and availability.

They also offer apartments if you want something bigger (and with a private bathroom). Click here to check reviews and availability on those.

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. Click here for prices and availability.

Last but not least, 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, so click here for prices and availability.

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!

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. Click here for reviews and availability.

The Top 10 Things to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

If you’re looking for inspiration re: what to do in Lauterbrunnen, here are a few ideas for Lauterbrunnen activities to help fill your itinerary:

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 (again, the most iconic waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen) is that you can actually hike up to a little path that takes you behind them!

Yup, that’s right – get right up close and personal to this giant waterfall. Aaand maybe bring a poncho 😉

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.

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.

While they sadly weren’t open during my visit, they’re nonetheless something I’d recommend you check out because I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.

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. Awesome right? Click here for more info.

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.

Click here for a list of Lauterbrunnen hiking trails you can try out!

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. Here is a roundup of my favourite views in Lauterbrunnen!

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.

… Okay, so it might not sound like the most exhilarating of all things to do in Lauterbrunnen, but I wanted to diversify this list a little. Sue me.

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.

You can find more details here.

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.

I’m not sure I could ever do it, but if this is the kind of adrenaline rush you’re looking for, BASE jumping is definitely one of THE Lauterbrunnen things to do.

You can click here for a guide to BASE jumping in Lauterbrunnen, written by a former local.

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.

You can click here to learn more about opening/closing times.

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!

I did this trip and really enjoyed the views as we climbed up the valley, although to be honest, there’s not a ton going on in Wengen besides the ski resort.

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!

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 😉

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 🙂

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.

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 😉

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:

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!

Lauterbrunnen Webcam

Curious about how Lauterbrunnen is looking at the moment? You can scope out a live Lauterbrunnen webcam here.

Any more questions about Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland?

I hope you enjoyed this guide to Lauterbrunnen, and that it helps you out with planning your own magical Lauterbrunnen holidays. Safe travels!