Lauterbrunnen is part of the Bernese Oberland. The village and the valley take their name from the many waterfalls in the valley – actually Lauterbrunnen counts 72 waterfalls and is located in one of the most impressive valleys in the Alps between enormous cliffs and mountain peaks. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the largest protected nature reserves in Switzerland.
“Lauterbrunnen as a village was high on my bucket list since I saw beautiful pictures and heard great stories about it and as a travel junkie, I really wanted to explore the beauty of this place”, says Daniëlle, the guest author of this post.
Getting To Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is very easily accessible by public transport (download the SBB app) from all the major cities in Switzerland.
You can also drive to Lauterbrunnen. Parking is quite well organized in Lauterbrunnen although on a busy day parking places, if not available near the church, can be found in some campsites and in the neighborhoods. Just follow the sign ‘tennis courts’ and you can park well within walking distance of the main center.
Top Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen
#1 Go waterfall spotting
Staubbach waterfall is the most visible landmark of Lauterbrunnen. To reach the waterfall you must climb around 100 meters of stairs. But keep in mind that if you stand at the waterfall, you risk getting wet. You can stop for an ice-cream on your way down and even dip your feet in a nearby stream with a view of the mountains.
A bit further is another giant waterfall – Trümmelbach where 20,000 liters of water gushes down every second. This waterfall can only be reached in summer with a tunnel elevator. Lauterbrunnen is the perfect gateway for trips in the Jungfrau region.
#2 Head To Kleine Scheidegg
A rack railway connects Lauterbrunnen with Wengen on the eastern slope of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Kleine Scheidegg (Little Scheidegg), transfer station for the ride to the Jungfraujoch.
#3 Check out James Bond Film Location
The holiday resort of Mürren is located on the opposite valley slope, which can be reached from Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. The cable car from Stechelberg continues to the top of Schilthorn at 2,971 m, famous for the 007 classic ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’, which was shot here.
Top Restaurants To Eat In Lauterbrunnen
Here are a few of my top picks:
#1 Airtime Cafe
Located right in the heart of Lauterbrunnen, this European style café is one of my favorite restaurants in Lauterbrunnen. The perfect place to stop for lunch, coffee and light bites with Free Wi-Fi. They have a wide selection for vegetarians, vegans and anyone following a gluten-free diet. The menu features sandwiches, pasta, pies, crêpes and soups and drinks from hot chocolates, smoothies and coffees to wines and cocktails. Open daily from 9am–6pm.
#2 Hotel Oberland Restaurant
Located in the center of the village, this Lauterbrunnen restaurant within the Hotel Oberland offers traditional European cuisine. With an outdoor garden space for dining in the summer months they also offer a range of drinks from smoothies to fine wines. The extensive menu offers soups, salads, pizzas, pasta, meat and fish dishes and traditional Swiss dishes like fondues and röstis. Open daily from 11.30am–8pm.
#3 Mary’s Cafe
Set on-piste just above Lauterbrunnen in Wengen Village, this is one of the top Lauterbrunnen restaurants to check out whilst out exploring the slopes on your skis or board. Mary’s Cafe is also accessible from the hiking trails. This cosy café serves breakfast and lunch as well as a range of nice beers and wines. The menu offers traditional Swiss meals all set around a cozy open fire set against the beautiful backdrop of the Alps. Open daily from 9 am – 5.30 pm.
#4 BÄCKEREI VON ALLMEN
Situated right across from the train station, this is a good spot in Lauterbrunnen when looking for something quick and inexpensive. With a selection of bread, pastries and bites, this is a great stop for breakfast or brunch. Bäckerei Von Allmen offers fresh products daily as well as freshly brewed coffee. Open daily from7am–7pm.
Where To Stay In Lauterbrunnen
Depending upon your budget and the kind of experience you’d want to indulge in, here are a few of my recommendations:
#1 Hotel Silberhorn
Conveniently located near the station and the cable car. Spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the mountain landscape. Great service, good restaurant and reasonably priced. Nice starting point for skiing and hiking. Wi-Fi and parking are free. In the bright winter garden of the Hotel Silberhorn you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature. The sun terrace offers panoramic views of the mountains and the Staubbachfall waterfall. Costs: Approx. CHF 200 for a double room including breakfast.
#2 Hotel Oberland
The charming, historic, family-run Hotel Oberland is located in the center of Lauterbrunnen, just a 5- minute walk from the train station and near the Staubbach waterfall. The hotel’s popular restaurant serves typical Swiss dishes like cheese fondue and rösti. Most rooms have a balcony with a view of the waterfall or the surrounding mountains. Some free parking spaces are available in front of the hotel, otherwise, there is public parking next to the church at an hourly rate. Costs: Approx. CHF 150 per double room including breakfast.
All in all, Lauterbrunnen lives up to all expectations. The picturesque village with a beautiful location surrounded by the impressive waterfalls and views of the Jungfrau makes this, without a doubt, a must-see destination in Switzerland, all year round.
About The Guest Author
Daniëlle van Poppel has been living in beautiful Switzerland for the past 2.5 years with her husband and two kids. She owns her own little company Prêt-à-Partir, where she offers consultancy specifically on business development topics for tourism organisations.
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