LAUTERBRUNNEN DAY TOURS THAT YOU WILL LOVE
Lauterbrunnen is one of the places that attracts me magically. This place is out of the world – incredibly beautiful. Lauterbrunnen is a picturesque village located in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. With its breathtaking scenery and numerous outdoor activities, it makes for the perfect spot to explore the Swiss Alps.
So, whenever I am in Switzerland (2-4 times a year), I try to visit Lauterbrunnen. But Lauterbrunnen is not just a beautiful place to visit; it’s also an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area.
If you are looking for the best day trips from Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, this post is for you. Here are my tips for places to visit near Lauterbrunnen – including my tips for how to get around, where to stay in Lauterbrunnen, and more.
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FAQ: DAY TRIPS FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN
Here are some quick tips – so you can enjoy the best day tours from Lauterbrunnen to the fullest.
How to Get Around For Day Tours From Lauterbrunnen
🚘 CAR
While it is possible to get around Lauterbrunnen by car, I want to mention that there is limited parking, and the streets can be narrow and challenging to navigate. Make sure to book a hotel with (free) parking.
Some of the best day trips from Lauterbrunnen are mountain excursions that you cannot drive up to, so you need public transportation or use the local cable cars and funiculars.
🚊 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The best way to explore Lauterbrunnen and the surrounding area is by public transportation. The Swiss public transportation system is highly efficient, and some regular trains and buses connect Lauterbrunnen to other towns and attractions in the area.
If you get around via public transport, I highly suggest getting the amazing Swiss Travel Pass.
🎟️ The Swiss Travel Pass allows you to travel on any public transportation in the country, which includes trains, buses, boats, and even some cable cars.
Plus, it comes with discounts at select attractions and restaurants. The pass is available for purchase online or through a Switzerland tourism office.
- Fast and efficient transportation: The Swiss Travel Pass provides access to a comprehensive network of public transport options, including trains, buses, boats, and some cable cars. You can easily get from one destination to another without having to worry about renting a car or finding parking.
- Cost savings: The Swiss Travel Pass offers discounts on some of Switzerland’s top attractions, such as the Jungfraujoch, and Schilthorn Mountain.
- Convenience: With just one pass that covers all of Switzerland’s public transport options, you don’t have to worry about carrying around different tickets or passes for each journey.
- Flexibility: You can purchase a pass that covers travel for 3, 4, 6, 8 days, or up to 15 days. This makes it easy to customize your itinerary and explore different regions of Switzerland.
- Your ticket is digital, but you can also print it!
GET YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE
🥾 WALK
Many scenic walking and hiking trails in the Lauterbrunnen Valley are only accessible by foot, Just make sure to bring your hiking boots.
🛏️ Where to Stay For Amazing Day Activities in Lauterbrunnen
Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen for day trips? Here are some recommendations for your trip to Lauterbrunnen.
The Chalet Rosa is located in a 360-year-old building! Cozy and welcoming, the rooms offer a view of the surrounding waterfalls. The rooms feature ensuite bathrooms and larger family rooms are also available. ➡️ Have a look at the prices.
Quite basic but unique, the Alpine Base Hostel is located slightly outside of the center and right in front of the stunning Staubbach waterfalls. A few rooms have bunk beds and a few king-size beds, plus there is a shared kitchen. ➡️ Check out the Alpine Base Hostel.
The Valley Hostel is in the city center of Lauterbrunnen and, guess what? It has a view of waterfalls! The rooms have bunk beds or king-size beds and host from 1 to 4 people. The bathrooms and the kitchen are shared. ➡️ Find the best prices for Valley Hostel here.
MOST AMAZING DAY TOURS FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN – SWITZERLAND
So, now let me introduce you to some of the best tours from Lauterbrunnen that you can either do on your own, or book guided tours for.
1. Jungfraujoch
Jungfraujoch: Visit the highest railway station in Europe and take in spectacular views of the Aletsch Glacier, Bernese Alps, and more from its observation deck at almost 3,500 meters (about 11,000 feet)!
Not only is it an amazing feat of engineering, but Jungfraujoch also offers a wealth of attractions and activities. This includes the Alpine Sensation, the Ice Palace, several viewing platforms (from which you have a fantastic vista of the Aletsch Glacier), a Lindt museum, and more.
In the summer months, explore the breathtaking alpine meadows and glacier valleys or take in the spectacular views from its many observation decks. At The Snow Fun Park, you can even do winter sports in the summer.
In winter, the opportunities for winter sports like skiing and snowing are endless.
Jungfraujoch is definitely a very special place. However, I should mention it is also expensive (normally above 200 CHF/$220). Check out my guide about Jungfraujoch for more info to decide if you want to visit Jungfraujoch.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Get from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg and then you have to change trains. The ride is one of the best train rides in Switzerland, so do not mind that the whole journey (one-way) is about 2 hours in total.
ℹ️ TIPS: The trip to Wengen is free with your Swiss Travel Pass. From Wengen to the top of Junfraujoch you get a 25% discount with a pass.
2. Interlaken & Harder Kulm
Interlaken is probably one of the most famous destinations in Switzerland – you might have even passed it on your way to Lauterbrunnen.
Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the gorgeous lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz – it is a must-see in Switzerland. From stunning views of the surrounding Alps and glistening nearby lakes, this area offers a little something for everyone!
Explore Höhenmatte Park with its lush green spaces perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls. On sunny days, you´ll see plenty of paragliders above you – making this park even more special (as if the views of Jungfrau Mountain were not amazing enough).
At Harder Kulm Mountain, you can find adventure – hike up to the summit while taking in spectacular views along the way or take the funicular. There’s also paragliding, biking trails winding through alpine forests plus even more activities. Check out my guide for Interlaken and the best 50 activities to do there.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a train to Interlaken Ost – it is a scenic 20-minute train ride. At Interlaken Ost Station, you´ll find the Harder Kulm funicular station.
ℹ️ TIPS: The train ride to Interlaken is free with your Swiss Travel Pass. You´ll get a 50% discount
3. Lake Brienz & Giessbach Waterfalls
Lake Brienz & Giessbach Falls is a picturesque spot offering stunning views of the lake and nearby mountains, as well as access to one of Switzerland’s most beautiful waterfalls. This day trip is perfect if you prefer a more relaxing day.
The best part about visiting this stunning spot is that you can take a boat tour up to the base of Giessbach Falls – you can even get out there and do a short uphill hike to walk behind the waterfalls. These spectacular waterfalls cascade down 500 meters and create a stunning mist that envelops the lake.
Additionally, adventurers can try their hand at paddleboarding, sailing, or kayaking on Lake Brienz – and a boat cruise on Lake Brienz is a great activity to just sit back, and enjoy those views!
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a train to Interlaken Ost – it is a scenic 20-minute train ride. Then take a boat from there and enjoy the Lake Brienz cruise (in the winter, there is just a very occasional boat cruise).
ℹ️ TIPS: The train ride to Interlaken is free with your Swiss Travel Pass.
4. Grindelwald and Grindelwald First
Grindelwald is the place to go if you enjoy stunning views and fun activities.
Grindelwald and Grindelwald First are best known for their stunning Alpine scenery, breathtaking views of Eiger Mountain, and easy hikes.
The best way to experience all that this area has to offer is to get up Grindelwald First Mountain. Once at the summit, get to the Bachalpsee Lake – one of the most beautiful Swiss lakes. This easy 1-hour hike takes you along winding cobblestone paths with stunning mountain views and lush forest scenery.
Up on Grindelwald First, you can enjoy some skiing, and snowboarding in the winter months, or hiking and mountain biking in the summer. Grindelwald First is also known as the Top of Adventure, as there are many activities like the Cliff Walk, First Glider, and more.
Back in the village of Grindelwald, take a stroll through the charming mountain village of Grindelwald and enjoy dinner before heading back to Lauterbrunnen.
Check out my one-day Grindewald itinerary for more info – and if you visit Grindelwald in the winter, check out my winter guide.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a train to Zweilütschinen and then change to a train to Grindelwald – these two train rides take a total of about 50 minutes. To get up to Grindelwald First, you need to get a cable car from Grindelwald village.
ℹ️ TIPS: The train ride to Grindelwald is free with your Swiss Travel Pass, for the cable car ride to Grindelwald First you enjoy a 50% discount with the Swiss Travel Pass.
5. Murren Village and Schilthorn Mountain
Before getting up to Schilthorn Mountain (more on that further below), make a stop in Mürren along your way. Murren (or Mürren in German) is a beautiful mountain village located in the Bernese Oberland region.
Lined up with picturesque old wooden chalets, as well as its traditional Swiss restaurants and shops- this village is located at the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by breathtaking views and natural sights from every angle!
And the best of it, it is also one of the very top places to visit near Lauterbrunnen as it just sits above it.
Then continue your trip from Muerren to Schithorn.
A trip to Schilthorn is actually a great day trip from Lauterbrunnen for anyone appreciating good mountain views, including views of the incredible Swiss Skyline, some 007-action, and hikes.
Get your thrills on the Schilthorn journey with a daring stop at Birg. Take in spectacular views from above as you bravely explore the Thrill Walk – its steel structure clinging to rock walls and wriggling under observation decks, topped off by awesome obstacles like rope crossings, tunnels, and glass floors!
Fancy yourself as a secret agent? Then you should definitely visit the Schilthorn for an unforgettable 007 experience! You’ll feel like Bond himself wandering through some of his iconic movie settings – On Her Majesty’s Secret Service – and getting to play with all sorts of funky spy gadgets.
Who knows, maybe you can even find your own trusty Q who will give you mission briefings and provide top-notch weapons along the way!
Marvel in awe at the incredible Swiss Skyline, consisting of three majestic mountains – Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling walk on ‘Thrill Walk’- an adventurous pathway along rocky massifs on your way to Schilthorn. There is quite a lot to do on Schilthorn, so do not miss out on it.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp and from there take the train. It takes less than 30 minutes to arrive in Mürren (and what an amazing train ride it is). From Mürren village center, take 2 more gondolas to get up Schilthorn.
ℹ️ TIPS: The gondola and train ride to Mürren is free with your Swiss Travel Pass. You´ll get a 50% discount for the Mürren- Schithorn trip (instead of 88 CHF, you will pay 44 CHF for adults).
6. Schynige Platte
Here is one more amazing mountain excursion I recommend taking from Lauterbrunnen. Schynige Platte – best known for its stunning Alpine scenery and breathtaking views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau Mountain (the Swiss Skyline).
This day trip destination offers plenty of activities including hiking through the lush meadows and pastures of Schynige Platte, visiting the beehive-like mountain hotels, or simply taking a stroll and admiring the breathtaking views.
Take advantage of the Schynige Platte railway which takes you on a journey along winding mountain paths, through an Alpine wonderland.
Along the way, soak up fantastic views of Jungfrau Mountain, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz from one of the best views in the region. With its stunning scenery, activities to suit all levels, and historical attractions, Schynige Platte is one of the best Lauterbrunnen day trips.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a train from Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil station. It is a scenic 25-minute train ride. From there, take the funicular up Schynige Platte.
ℹ️ TIPS: The train ride to Wilderswil is free with your Swiss Travel Pass. You´ll get a 50% discount for the Mürren- Schithorn trip.
Keep in mind, that the Schynige Platte funicular just operates just in the summer months.
7. Lake Thun & Thun & Spiez
With its majestic mountain views, blue-green waters, and quaint villages, Lake Thun is the perfect destination to explore.
Take a day trip to the charming town situated at the north end of Lake Thun and explore Thun´s Old Town, its castles, shops, and other attractions.
If time allows, visit also Spiez village – take in stunning lake vistas along with delicious dining options while there!
And if you’re feeling brave enough dive into some exciting water activities such as kayaking or stand-up paddling on the lake before taking one of those famous boat trips around town that will leave lasting impressions long after your visit ends! Check out my detailed guide on Lake Thun and Thun for more info.
ℹ️ HOW TO GET THERE FROM LAUTERBRUNNEN: Take a train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost and then get to Interlaken West (walk or take another train). There, hop on the boat towards Thun. You can get out at any station (like Spiez, St.Beatus Caves, etc.) The boat cruise from Interlaken Ost to Thun takes longer than the train ride but is a great alternative. On your way back, you can also hop on the train.
ℹ️ TIPS: Whether you get to Thun (or any village in between) via boat or train – it is included in your Swiss Travel Pass. Also, the entrance to Thun Castle is included.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON PLACES TO SEE NEAR LAUTERBRUNNEN
Lauterbrunnen is an amazing destination for a day trip with plenty of activities and attractions. From breathtaking mountain scenery to some of the best hiking trails, there are endless possibilities when it comes to exploring this beautiful region.
Whether you’re looking for a unique cultural experience or simply want to relax in one of the many charming cafés, Lauterbrunnen promises something for everyone.
And not only this – it makes a great base to explore the surroundings. Be sure to make the most of your stay by planning a day trip from Lauterbrunnen – I hope, my tips have inspired and helped you plan your trip.
READ MORE:
➡️ Best day trips from Interlaken
➡️ Top places to stay in Switzerland