ITINERARY LAUTERBRUNNEN IN ONE DAY – TOP ACTIVITIES
Welcome to Lauterbrunnen, the most beautiful valley in the Swiss Alps! If you’re looking for an adventure-filled one day in Lauterbrunnen, this post is for you.
Here you will find out about how to explore Lauterbrunnen in one day – an itinerary plus travel tips. I can’t help but come back to Lauterbrunnen again and again – it is, after all, one of the most impressive places in Switzerland. Every time I visit, I am taken aback by its sheer beauty, no matter if it’s during the winter or summer months. And here, I want to share more about my experiences of visiting Lauterbrunnen for a day, and its top activities.
So, this 1-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary is amazing for any time of the year.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR ONE DAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN
Before jumping to your Lauterbrunnen itinerary for one day, here are a few things to know, because if you’re planning to visit Lauterbrunnen, it’s important to be prepared.
Lauterbrunnen is situated in the Bernese Oberland Region (Jungfrau Region) of Switzerland and it is known for its impressive 72 waterfalls, lush meadows, and cliff walls.
The village of Lauterbrunnen itself lies along the valley floor at an elevation of 900 meters (almost 3,000 feet).
The official language in Switzerland is German, so brush up on your German phrases before heading off! And if you don´t speak German… no worries, people speak English, too.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted across the country but some small restaurants or shops may require cash – so make sure to carry some Swiss Francs with you. I sometimes forget to bring some cash and thus cannot enjoy a coffee in some of the smaller restaurants/stalls.
Lauterbrunnen has a train station and several shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. So, though Lauterbrunnen is small, you will find enough places to eat. If you are looking for more budget-friendly options, there are grocery stores in the area where you can buy food and supplies.
HOW TO GET TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
Lauterbrunnen is a bit remote, though still easily accessible – it just takes a bit longer than getting to destinations like Interlaken.
BY CAR:
Driving to Lauterbrunnen is an easy journey of around 3 hours from Zurich. It takes about 20-30 minutes from Interlaken.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Wherever you are, the best bet is to get to Interlaken Ost Station first and then take the train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen. The journey takes around 20 minutes and is scenic!
Yes, it is that easy. From the Zurich train station, it takes about 3 hours, but there are quite some scenic rides in between.
The train ride to Lauterbrunnen is free from either destination with a Swiss Travel Pass.
DISCOVER LAUTERBRUNNEN WITH A SWISS TRAVEL PASS
I highly, highly suggest using a Swiss Travel Pass for your travels (if you get around primarily by public transport). Here are some benefits of a Swiss Travel Pass:
- Unlimited travel within Switzerland on trains, buses, lake boats & selected gondolas/funiculars – including scenic routes like the Glacier Express & Bernina Express & Mount Rigi
- You can get up to Mürren for free with the Swiss Travel Pass – whether you get the gondola/train via Mürren or the gondola via Stechelberg.
- Access to over 500 museums across Switzerland are included.
- Huge discounts on mountain railways and cable cars – up to 50% off!
- Flexibility to plan your own custom itinerary without buying separate tickets for each journey.
- Use it as a digital pass, or print it out
- Instant activation if wanted- no need to wait in long lines at ticket machines or rail stations.
- Save money on travel costs compared to buying individual tickets for each journey.
- Enjoy stress-free and worry-free travel around Switzerland.
GET YOUR SWISS TRAVEL PASS HERE
DISCLAIMER: If you plan your Switzerland trip for the summer, you’ll have plenty of time to cross off that extra item on your itinerary! Lauterbrunnen’s long days will make sure you can add an extra activity to your Lauterbrunnen itinerary. Find out more about the best time to visit Switzerland.
HOW TO SPEND ONE DAY IN LAUTERBRUNNEN ITINERARY
So let’s start with the activities for your one day in Lauterbrunnen. I added my favorite places and activities, but I do think, anyone will love them.
MORNING: EXPLORE VILLAGE CENTER & STAUBBACH WATERFALLS
Start with the village of Lauterbrunnen.
The village is home to attractions, such as the Staubbach Falls. Once you get out of the train station/car, you will just walk towards the village center.
It is just a 3-minute walk before you see it! The Staubbach Falls drops almost 300 meters from a hanging valley (which is almost 1,000 feet). Those impressive falls leave me speechless whenever I see them.
Take a stroll to the waterfall, and you’ll be graced with some beautiful Swiss chalets along the way. Capture all of their scenic charm by stopping at one or two viewpoints for those perfect photo moments!
Walk behind this stunning waterfall in the summer! Nothing quite beats experiencing the sheer power and beauty of standing right in its midst!
Don’t forget your walking shoes as you tackle the 10-15 minute uphill trek. Whether you’re young or old, the trail’s well-maintained terrain makes it easy to explore – however, it is an uphill walk, so there is some physical exercise required.
After a few days of heavy downpours walking behind the waterfall is an aquatic paradise. But if you visit after a week with no rain, you might actually be a bit disappointed: There won’t be much water falling over you then.
Once you’ve explored everything, take a pit stop at one of the eateries in town for some tasty grub and refreshments.
- TIP: There are a couple of water fountains – bring a water bottle with you, and just refill it. Yes, you can drink that water. No, it is not dangerous – it is totally safe and actually quite delicious mountain water. Just check if there is a sign that tells you it is not drinkable – then, of course, do not refill your bottle.
NOON: HEAD TO GRÜTSCHALP & MÜRREN
From Lauterbrunnen train station, hop onboard the jumbo-sized gondola and ascend up to Grütschalp Station! Don’t worry about running late – the gondola runs multiple times an hour. This short gondola ride is always one of my favorites – the views are to die for.
- TIP: You’ll be soaring up above Lauterbrunnen Valley with spectacular views, so make sure you stand on the right side of the gondola – it’s your ticket to some amazing panoramas.
At Grütschalp station, the train is already waiting to whisk you away on your next adventure: Mürren (or Muerren/Murren).
Murren is a picturesque mountain village located high up in the Swiss Alps, around 1,650 meters above sea level. The village is a popular destination amongst tourists and hikers due to its breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Grütschalp to Mürren train ride (or hike) is one of my favorite train rides in Switzerland at any time of the year.
The Swiss Skyline is a stunning, panoramic view of the Swiss Alps – namely of the three mountain peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau and during this train ride, you can see all these magnificent mountains perfectly framed.
After this magical 20-minute train ride, you’ll be almost disappointed when it’s over! Believe me – the trip is THAT good.
- TIP: Grab a seat and make it snappy, cause this one won’t linger – aim for the right side in your travels to get an optimal view.
- TIP: Also, the windows are normally open, so it might not be bad to dress in layers.
- Both, the gondola and train ride are free with a Swiss Travel Pass.
From Mürren train station, it is just a 10-minute walk away – the charming village of Murren, but be prepared for your legs to work as you trek up slightly!
Given the high altitude, you might experience a winter wonderland even in spring!
Explore quaint alleyways with traditional wooden chalets and enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding in the winter or hiking in the summer.
Mürren is the perfect spot for a stroll and awe-inspiring views, but if you’re looking to switch things up on your next vacation there are still plenty of activities – which we will talk about later!
Now’s the perfect time to take a break and treat yourself – whether you want some gourmet grub at one of the local restaurants or make your own picnic, this backdrop will help turn it into an amazing experience!
It’s been 3-4 hours since you touched down in Lauterbrunnen but it does not end here.
But how to continue your day in Lauterbrunnen? Why not check out some of these cool ideas I’ve got for how to spend your day?
AFTERNOON OPTION 1: SCHILTHORN
Finally, no trip to Murren would be complete without a visit to the Schilthorn mountain!
Schilthorn is a 9,744-foot mountain peak (2,970 meters) located in the Swiss Alps and is known for its spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains.
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!
Then continue your journey to the top of Schilthorn. The summit also houses the famous “Piz Gloria” revolving restaurant – a unique experience that makes Schilthorn an unforgettable destination.
Don’t miss out on all the James Bond fun! The Schilthorn cable car was featured in the 1969 movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, and you can even visit the James Bond Walk of Fame, which is a museum dedicated to Mr. 007 himself. It also houses memorabilia from the film and offers an interactive tour of the mountain peak.
Take in the breathtaking views while you indulge in some delicious food at the revolving restaurant – what more could you ask for?
Activities include skiing, snowboarding in the winter, hiking in the surrounding trails, or simply taking in the incredible views year round.
The ride from Muerren to Schilthorn comes with a 50% discount if you have a Swiss Travel Pass.
Ready to finish up your amazing adventure at Schilthorn? You have a couple of options! Hop on the gondolas for an incredible ride back down to Mürren. But why not choose something extra special and go with the alternative option – it’s guaranteed awesome too!
In the village center of Mürren, you’ll find another gondola. So, this time take yourself for an exciting ride with this alternative route straight over Stechelberg! The gondola views are – once again – awesome!
From Muerren to Stechelberg, you can also use your Swiss Travel Pass, so you do not pay any extra fees.
STECHELBERG TO LAUTERBRUNNEN
Once in Stecherlberg, you don’t need your hiking boots but I hope, you will wear comfy shoes. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside for 90 minutes or hop on the bus and it will drop you off at Lauterbrunnen’s train station…or anywhere in between if that suits you better!
- The walking path from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen is open all year round.
AFTERNOON OPTION 2: HIKE FROM MÜRREN TO STECHELBERG / VIA FERRATA
If you prefer a different activity than getting up the “James Bond mountain” and rather be more active, I recommend hiking from Mürren to Stechelberg via Gimmelwald.
One of the easiest, and yet most scenic hikes I have done in Switzerland was from Mürren to Stechelberg via Gimmelwald. This route is also extremely popular amongst climbers.
But if hiking alone is not enough for you, add some more thrilling activities in Lauterbrunnen to your itinerary. The via Ferrata (protected climbing route) from Mürren to Grimmelwald is one of the best-known routes.
From Gimmelwald, continue walking down towards Stechelberg. Though it is an easy downhill hike, you’ve worked up a sweat and earned your bragging rights for the day! This was one of my first “hikes” in Switzerland and I loved it. It is rather easy and downhill – perfect for beginners.
Duration about 3 hours. If you continue your walk from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen add an extra 90 minutes or so. Alternatively, you can also take the bus from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen (included in the Swiss Travel Pass).
The trail Gimmelwald-Stechelberg is open from the beginning of May to the end of October.
- TIP: Before you lace up those boots, make sure the trail is open and ready for adventure. Mountain weather can be tricky – one minute it may seem sunny and warm, but soon enough a snowstorm might roll in! To stay safe (and dry!), equip yourself with rain gear and an extra layer of warmth just in case.
AFTERNOON OPTION 3: VISIT THE TRÜMMELBACHFÄLLE
If you’re a waterfall enthusiast, here’s your chance to make all those #ChasingWaterfalls posts worthwhile! Lauterbrunnen is the perfect spot for any water worshiper with its many cascades and streams.
So, first, get down to Stechelberg (either via hike or gondola) from Mürren. From there, walk towards the Trümmelbachfälle (30 minutes) Trummelbach Falls – or take a bus.
This incredible 10-tiered glacier waterfall cascades down the side of a mountain. It is the only glacier waterfall of its kind in Europe, and it is quite a sight to behold. The sheer power of the falls is awe-inspiring and there are plenty of great viewing spots for you to take some incredible photos!
In summer months, with its thunderous roar, Trümmelbachfälle is sure to take your breath away – in more ways than one!
- Just open from April until November (depending on the weather conditions).
- The entrance fee for adults is 14 CHF, and 6 CHF for kids between the age of 6 and 16 years.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LAUTERBRUNNEN IN ONE DAY – ITINERARY
Despite the limited time, one day in Lauterbrunnen is filled with awe-inspiring sights, from the dramatic Staubbach Falls cascading down the cliffs to the picturesque valley views.
The possibilities are endless in Lauterbrunnen! From the jaw-dropping scenery of Schilthorn to the adventurous Thrill Walk, from gourmet restaurants to strolls, and from alternative mountain routes to quaint train journeys – this one-day Lauterbrunnen trip you won’t soon forget.
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