Lauterbrunnen

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Jost von Allmen
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.

Hotel Jungfraublick Wengen
Hotel Jungfraublick Wengen
3 out of 5
Im Gruebi 1445A, Lauterbrunnen, BE
The price is CA $318 per night from May 17 to May 18
CA $318
CA $343 total
includes taxes & fees
May 17 - May 18
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy free WiFi, free train station pick-up, and a business center. Popular attractions Kleine Scheidegg and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (276 reviews)
"Great hotel to stay, the breakfast was amazing and the staff was beyond friendly. But even without that, the Mountain View is enough to stay here, you will wake up with the most amazing views you can think off."

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2024

Hotel Jungfraublick Wengen
Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn
Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn
3 out of 5
Wengen, Lauterbrunnen, BE
The price is CA $324 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $324
CA $347 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (477 reviews)
"Our stay at the hotel was overall a good experience. It seemed they were short staffed, specially at the breakfast buffet. Btw, try the bread. It was delicious. Other issue was that when the restaurant was closed after hours I couldn't find a vending machine or even a water fountain. It can be annoying ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Arenas Resort Victoria-Lauberhorn
Hotel Regina Wengen
Hotel Regina Wengen
4 out of 5
Dorfstrasse 1, Lauterbrunnen, BE
The price is CA $369 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $369
CA $394 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kleine Scheidegg and Eiger are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (97 reviews)
"Very friendly staff. The restaurant for dinner was very good but a bit expensive- well trained staff. The room was spacious. The heat is not turned on during this time of year. Sauna and steam access was a welcomed surprise. Close to train station."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Hotel Regina Wengen
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Haus Bel Air
Haus Bel Air
3 out of 5
Gruebi District, Lauterbrunnen, BE
Stay at this 3-star spa vacation home in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Kleine Scheidegg and Eiger ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Bright, airy, comfortable, great view from the deck, kitchen supplied very well. Would stay again"

Reviewed on Sep. 20, 2023

Haus Bel Air
(Vreneli holiday apartment) Chalet in the Gässli, 1-3 people
(Vreneli holiday apartment) Chalet in the Gässli, 1-3 people
Lauterbrunnen
Stay at this condo in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy free WiFi and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfrau are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Great stay!
"Our stay was perfect! It was exactly what we were looking for during our stay in Lauterbrunnen! Super friendly host and waking up to a waterfall view wasn’t bad either."

Reviewed on Apr. 2, 2024

(Vreneli holiday apartment) Chalet in the Gässli, 1-3 people
Vreneli by Interhome
Vreneli by Interhome
Lauterbrunnen
Stay at this apartment in Lauterbrunnen. Enjoy a garden and tennis courts. Popular attractions Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfrau are located nearby.
Vreneli by Interhome
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Lauterbrunnen

5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
5
" "5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
" "4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

KayeV
Apr. 5, 2020

Everything is walkable, small town. No elevator so make sure you can carry/lift your things to your room. Regardless, the experience is all worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jun. 14, 2019

A beautiful small village with incredible views

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Apr. 9, 2019

A lovely little town in the Lauterbrunnen Valley

Cities near Lauterbrunnen