The Lauterbrunnen Valley is the Switzerland of postcards and journey brochures. One of the simplest ways to see it’s on trails that wind above and under its vertical rocky partitions. Right here’s our information to the very best hikes close to Lauterbrunnen.
By: Mark Barnes |
Revealed: 5 Apr 2024
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is essentially the most dramatic valley in Europe. Its 400m excessive vertical cliffs are minimize by as much as 72 waterfalls plunging in the direction of the flat inexperienced valley ground. Above the rocky partitions rustic wood chalets and villages are backed by 4,000m excessive snow-capped mountains.
It’s the Switzerland you see in postcards and journey brochures.
The central hub of the valley is the city of Lauterbrunnen, from the place a myriad of cable automobiles and trains join a maze of trails.
There’s a appropriate hike for all ranges of health. Some trails permit for straightforward walks alongside the valley ground. Others are more difficult, heading above the cliff partitions to discover the excessive mountain peaks.
These are our high hikes close to Lauterbrunnen organised by way of straightforward, medium and difficult treks. We’ve got included maps, route directions, and suggestions for getting that excellent photograph.
WHERE IS LAUTERBRUNNEN?
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is simply south of Interlaken in a mountainous area of Switzerland referred to as the Bernese Oberland. 5 miles lengthy and infrequently greater than half a mile large, the U-shaped valley has a flat base surrounded by vertical cliffs as much as 400m excessive.
The city of Lauterbrunnen sits on the entrance to the valley and is usually served by trains from Interlaken. Cable automobiles and funiculars head up the valley partitions to cities that sit atop the cliffs offering easy accessibility to some superb hikes.
This put up covers all the very best walks close to Lauterbrunnen. Nonetheless, there are many different nice hikes close to Interlaken and throughout the Bernese Oberland area. Specifically, don’t miss the Oeschinen Lake Panoramaweg.
MAP | BEST HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
The under map accommodates every of the routes for our favorite hikes close to Latuerbrunnen. Every hike is colour-coded. All the small print are included within the descriptions additional down on this information.
Methods to use this map / Click on on the highest left of the map to show the checklist of places, then click on on the places to show additional info. Click on on the highest proper nook of the map to open a bigger model in a brand new tab or the star to avoid wasting to your Google Maps.
EASY HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
Our 6 straightforward hikes close to Lauterbrunnen are below 7 kilometres and could be finished in lower than 2 hours and quarter-hour. Most are flat or downhill, and people which can be uphill have not more than 150 metres ascent.
MODERATE HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
Our 2 average walks are 6-7 kilometres lengthy and require a bit extra ascent or descent or strolling via snow. They take between 2 hours and 4 hours to finish and are extra bodily demanding.
CHALLENGING HIKES NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
Our 2 difficult hikes are each over 10 kilometres taking about 5 hours to finish. The Männlichen to Alpiglen hike is nearly within the average part, so effectively value a go if you need a problem, however not an excessive amount of of 1.
1 – STAUBBACH FALLS
The Staubbach Falls gives probably the most iconic pictures within the Swiss Alps. This magical wisp of water plunges 297 metres over the vertical valley partitions, making it the third-highest waterfall within the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
The quick hike begins at Lauterbrunnen Prepare Station and heads to the bottom of the falls. From right here you get a real appreciation of the sheer measurement of the cliff face because the water drops in the direction of you.
The hike is a straightforward 1km every approach alongside the highway and nearly totally flat. Nearly all the best way is paved, nonetheless the ultimate 200m is alongside a mud observe permitting you to get nearly instantly below the spray.
Tip | Simple hike for the day you arrive within the valley. Most of it may be finished with a stroller.
ROUTE DETAILS // STAUBBACH FALLS
Distance – 2 kilometres (1.25 miles) | Time – half-hour | Elevation – 50 meters (165 toes) ascent and descent | Problem – Simple | Begin & Finish – Lauterbunnen Prepare Station | Map – Orange & Pink path
2 – JUNGFRAU EIGER WALK
This can be a nice little path to do on the best way down from the Jungfraujoch. It solely takes half-hour and it’s all downhill.
The hike begins at Eigergletscher Station from the place you possibly can nearly contact the tongues of snow and ice coming down the rocky faces of Mönch and Jungfrau.
The hike descends passing an enthralling wood mountain hut that friends over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Take a shot on the synthetic lake of Fallbodensee, earlier than making your technique to Kleine Scheidegg.
At Kleine Scheidegg you may get the prepare again to Lauterbrunnen.
Tip | Maintain a watch out for photograph alternatives of the Jungfraujoch prepare as you stroll down.
ROUTE DETAILS // JUNGFRAU EIGER
Distance – 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) | Time – half-hour | Elevation – 260 meters (850 toes) descent | Problem – Simple | Begin – Eigergletscher | Finish – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Inexperienced path
3 – TRÜMMELBACH FALLS
The Trümmelbach Falls (April to November 9 am to five pm), are Europe’s largest subterranean waterfalls. Carved by glacial meltwater from the Mönch, Eiger, & Jungfrau mountains, as much as 20,000 litres per second crash via the tunnels.
Deep contained in the valley partitions the ten roaring falls have been accessible by a sequence of lifts, tunnels, and platforms. It takes about 1 hour to hike the metallic walkways and discover the falls.
There’s a charge to enter and infrequently a queue ready for the raise. However the sheer energy of the falls is a sight to see.
The best entry level is Trümmelbach bus cease, 7-minute bus trip from Lauterbrunnen (each half hour throughout the day). From the bus station it’s simply 250 metres to the doorway and raise.
Tip | Convey a raincoat and footwear with good grip.
ROUTE DETAILS // TRÜMMELBACH FALLS
Distance – 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) | Time – 1 hour | Elevation – 140 metres (460 toes) descent | Problem – Simple | Begin & Finish – Trümmelbach Bus Station | Map – Purple path
4 – GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN
This straightforward path ascends the balcony between Grütschalp and Mürren.
The trail goes out and in of bushes, revealing glimpses of the gorgeous Lauterbrunnen valley.
There are grand views throughout to the city of Wengen and as much as the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.
The stroll ends in Mürren the place car-free lanes encompass cute wood chalets.
Tip | That is a straightforward and nice stroll, however it’s also possible to get lots of the identical views on the prepare that runs between Grütschalp and Mürren. So, you can save your power for one more hike.
ROUTE DETAILS // GRÜTSCHALP TO MÜRREN
Distance – 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) | Time – 1 hour and half-hour | Elevation – 150 metres (490 toes) ascent | Problem – Simple | Begin – Grütschalp | Finish – Mürren | Map – Gentle gray path
5 – MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL
A beautiful straightforward hike close to Lauterbrunnen, the Männlichen Panorama Path has actually magnificent views.
It begins on the Männlichen Cable Automobile Station, which has an ideal view of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Staubbach Waterfall.
The path heads in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg with the trio of snow-capped giants – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in entrance of you and the city of Grindelwald in your left.
The trail is well-signed and really straightforward to comply with. As you make progress, the 1,800m excessive daunting north face of the Eiger turns into increasingly more imposing.
Simply earlier than reaching Kleine Scheidegg cease at Restaurant Grindelwaldblick for a break. Head as much as its watchtower for probably the most scenic views in Switzerland.
Tip | From Männlichen cable automotive an non-obligatory detour takes you to the Männlichen summit. The views from listed here are even higher. It’s a little increased, so it has a greater angle wanting down the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Add 500 metres every approach and 120 metres of ascent and descent to incorporate this detour.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN PANORAMA TRAIL
Distance – 4.6 kilometres (2.85 miles) | Time – 1 hour half-hour | Elevation – 160 metres (525 toes) descent | Problem – Simple | Begin – Männlichen | Finish – Kleine Scheidegg | Map – Blue path
6 – LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY WALK
The Lauterbrunnen Valley is presumably essentially the most lovely valley in Europe. Its sheer-sided partitions are minimize by 72 waterfalls, a few of which drop as much as 400 metres.
This straightforward hike begins at Stechelberg Bus Station, and follows the valley ground between Stechelberg and Lauterbrunnen. There’s nearly no ascent or descent making it a really nice stroll in gorgeous environment.
The hike passes very near the 2 falls talked about above – Trümmelbach & Staubbach Falls. An important half day trip is to hike this Lauterbrunnen Valley Stroll, stopping off on the two falls on route.
ROUTE DETAILS // LAUTERBRUNNEN VALLEY
Distance – 6.8 kilometres (4.25 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 120 metres (395 toes) descent | Problem – Simple | Begin – Stechelberg | Finish – Lauterbrunnen | Map – Orange path
7 – NORTH FACE TRAIL
This wonderful hike close to Lauterbrunnen could be accomplished in both route.
Going downhill from Allmendhubel to Mürren we’d rank it as straightforward. Going uphill from Mürren to Allmendhubel we’d name it average.
Both approach, the path is well-signed. Merely comply with the blue ‘North Face-Path’ markers at every junction.
The path is a superb exploration of grassy meadows dotted with cute wood chalets. Cows, pigs, goats, and horses dot the panorama as the trail meanders previous rustic barns and dealing farms.
There are grand views as much as the Schilthorn and throughout the higher finish of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Allmendhubel has a restaurant and play space. Mürren, perched on the sting of a vertical cliff is without doubt one of the extra enchanting villages in Switzerland.
ROUTE DETAILS // NORTH FACE
Distance – 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) | Time – 2 hour half-hour | Elevation – 390 metres (1,280 toes) ascent and 60 metres (200 toes) descent | Problem – Simple to Reasonable | Begin – Allmendhubel | Finish – Mürren | Map – Brown path
8 – MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE
Top-of-the-line issues to do on the Jungfraujoch is to hike to Mönchsjoch Hut. The best altitude serviced hut in Switzerland, it stands at a staggering 3,658 metres.
All yr spherical, snow and ice encompass the rocky pinnacle on which it stands.
Thankfully, it’s only one.5 miles from the Jungfraujoch Statement Deck at 3,463m. Nonetheless, mountain climbing via snow at excessive altitudes typically takes longer than you assume. We’d suggest permitting 2 hours for the spherical journey.
Heat up with a espresso at Mönchsjoch Hut.
A number of strategies for this hike:
- The high-altitude path can typically be closed so test earlier than you allow.
- It’s very chilly on the summit of this hike, (zero levels even in peak summer season) so deliver heat garments and waterproof boots.
- It will also be very sunny and the reflection off the snow could be blinding so don’t neglect your sun shades and sunblock.
- No mountaineering expertise are required, it’s only a easy walk-through snow.
Our Suggestion | This can be a nice hike to do should you already plan on taking the prepare up the Jungfraujoch. Nonetheless, the prepare may be very costly, and it’s not value paying for it, simply to do the hike.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÖNCHSJOCHHÜTTE
Distance – 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) | Time – 2 hours | Elevation – 210 metres (690 toes) ascent and descent | Problem – Reasonable | Begin & Finish – Jungfraujoch | Map – Black path
9 – MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN HIKE
This glorious hike combines three shorter trails and collects lots of the greatest views close to Lauterbrunnen.
It begins on the Männlichen Cable Automobile Station. From right here, you possibly can take an non-obligatory detour to the highest of Männlichen for wonderful views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Subsequent, the path follows the Männlichen Panoramaweg. This path traverses below the ridgeline in the direction of Kleine Scheidegg. Superb views of the three mighty peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau tower in entrance of you.
At Kleine Scheidegg the trail follows the Jungfrau Stroll, climbing as much as Eigergletscher.
From right here it follows the Eiger Path, which traverses below the mighty north face of the Eiger.
It ends at Alpiglen Prepare Station the place you may get the prepare as much as Kleien Shceidegg and again down into Lauterbrunnen.
There’s nothing technically tough on this stroll and all the paths are effectively signed. Restaurant Grindelwaldblick is our selection for lunch. It has slightly watchtower to catch the very best of the views.
ROUTE DETAILS // MÄNNLICHEN TO ALPIGLEN
Distance – 13.25 km (8.25 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 340 metres (1,115 toes) ascent and 945 metres (3,100 toes) descent | Problem – Reasonable | Begin – Männlichen | Finish – Alpiglen | Map – Blue, inexperienced, and light-weight inexperienced trails
10 – SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN HIKE
This hike begins from Piz Gloria Cable Automobile Station on the high of the Schilthorn. The rotating restaurant with 360-degree views featured within the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
The primary hour of this hike is a beautiful stroll alongside a wild rocky ridge.
Though it has steep drops on both facet, the trail is large and never too uncovered. There are a few metallic ladders and handrails to help and infrequently massive piles of rocks to guard you on one facet.
On the finish of the ridge, the trail drops steeply down the flanks of the mountain. This can be a lengthy 1,000-metre descent. The rocky path progressively turns to grassy meadows dotted with alpine flowers. The mountains of the Bernese Oberland unfold out in entrance.
The path could be tough to identify in locations so be sure you hold referring to the map.
About 90 minutes after leaving the ridge, the path reaches Rotstochhütte, an ideal spot to cease for lunch.
From right here it’s simply over 2 hours and 400 further metres of descent again to Mürren. The final a part of the hike is on a part of the North Face Path.
It’s a difficult hike that takes about 5 hours strolling, however you’ll need to depart no less than 6 hours for lunch and pictures.
ROUTE DETAILS // SCHILTHORN TO MÜRREN
Distance – 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) | Time – 5 hours | Elevation – 1,400 metres (4,600 toes) descent | Problem – Reasonable to Difficult | Begin – Schilthorn | Finish – Mürren | Map – Darkish gray path
HIKES NOT TO MISS NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
Most individuals solely spend three or 4 days within the Lauterbrunnen Valley and can’t hope to finish all of the hikes in that point. So, listed here are our high Lauterbrunnen hikes which we propose you don’t miss.
- Finest Simple Hike – Lauterbrunnen Valley (Staubbach & Trümmelbach)
- Finest Reasonable Hike – Mönchsjochhütte
- Finest Difficult Hike – Männlichen to Alpiglen
BEST TIME TO HIKE NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
September is the very best time to hike close to Lauterbrunnen.
The summer season mountain climbing season runs from mid-June to mid-October, however snow can nonetheless cowl the upper path early within the season.
The paths are at their most busy throughout the summer season holidays from mid-July to the tip of August. It’s a gorgeous time to go to when the meadows are lush and the alpine flowers blooming. However you’ll not often have a path to your self.
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