Welcome to Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen’s wispy Staubbach Falls inspired both Goethe and Lord Byron to pen poems to their ethereal beauty. Today the postcard-perfect village, nestled deep in the valley of 72 waterfalls, attracts a less highfalutin crowd. Laid-back and full of chalet-style lodgings, Lauterbrunnen is a great base for nature lovers wishing to hike or climb, and a magnet for thrill-seeking BASE jumpers.
Top experiences in Lauterbrunnen
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We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
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Lauterbrunnen activities
Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe Day Trip from Zurich
Board a coach at the central Zurich bus terminal and savor the scenery as you drive 2 hours south through Switzerland's beautiful Bernese Oberland to Lauterbrunnen. Here you'll hop on a cogwheel train for a ride up the Alps via the Kleine Scheidegg mountain pass.Climb up, up, up, savoring views of the towering mountains around you, until you reach Jungfraujoch. You're officially at the highest train station in Europe, at an elevation of 11,333 feet (3,454 meters)! At the Top of Europe, experience a breathtaking panorama of the Swiss Alps enveloped in eternal snow and ice.Walk through the heart of a glacier in the Ice Palace, overlook the Aletsch Glacier (Europe's longest glacier) from the sweeping Sphinx Observatory and spot the snow-capped peaks of neighboring France and Italy beyond. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at the panoramic restaurant if you wish.After your time at Jungfraujoch, ride the cogwheel train back down to Lauterbrunnen, where your coach awaits for the 1-hour drive back to Zurich. Arrive at the Zurich bus terminal in the evening.
Swiss Alps Tour: Jungfraujoch and Bernese Oberland from Zurich
Head to Sihlquai Bus Terminal near Zurich train station in the morning to meet your multilingual guide — who speaks English, Spanish and German — and board your luxury coach. Then, relax on the scenic drive through the Bernese Oberland countryside. You’ll feel as if you’ve entered a fairy tale as you stare at the sheer beauty of the white jagged mountains above Bern, a range known as the Bernese Alps. The scenery is truly mesmerizing, and it only gets better!Arrive about two hours later in Interlaken for a quick break. This famous town is situated between two lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and serves as the main transport gateway to the region's mountains and lakes. Continue to the nearby village of Grindelwald, where you’ll board the cogwheel train for a spectacular 1.5-hour ride via the Kleine Scheidegg high mountain pass to Jungfraujoch, a famous mountain pass between the Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. You’ll be treated to stunning views of the world-famous triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau along the way.After your journey, disembark at Jungfraujoch, one of Europe's highest railway stations! Standing at an elevation of approximately 11,332 feet (3,454 meters), Jungfrauoch immerses you in an Alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock. Follow your guide to the Top of Europe building, adjacent to the station accessible by an underground tunnel. At the lookout point, gaze down on the snowy peaks of Aletsch Glacier, spread out in front of you. Then, take the elevator to Sphinx Observatory for more incredible vistas from the terrace. Don't forget to walk through the tunnels of the Ice Palace, located in the heart of the glacier; it's an unforgettable experience!The Top of Europe has several restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or some refreshments (own expense). After your time here, board the train and descend down the mountains. Pass the ski resort of Wengen and disembark in Lauterbrunnen. Finally, reboard your coach for the return drive to Zurich.
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Day Trip from Interlaken
Head to the Interlaken Tourist Information Office in the late morning to meet your guide and board the coach. Sit back as you travel through the magnificent Jungfrau region to the famous mountain resort of Grindelwald.Board the cogwheel train in Grindelwald, and savor the excitement as you ride up through the Swiss Alps along the Kleine Scheidegg pass, admiring the triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on the way. When you reach the top, you’re officially at the highest railway station in Europe! Amidst a stunning high-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock, you’ll be amazed by the panoramic views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace. Spot Aletsch Glacier, Europe's longest glacier covering some 66 square miles (171 sq km), and see the snowcapped peaks of neighboring countries. Then walk through the tunnels of the Ice Palace, located in the heart of the glacier for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! After your Top of Europe adventure, board the cogwheel train for your descent down the mountains. Pass the holiday resort town of Wengen before arriving in Lauterbrunnen, where the coach awaits you for the return trip to Interlaken.
Swiss Alps Tour from Lucerne: Jungfraujoch, Bernese Oberland
Head to the Lucerne Tourist Information Office in the morning to board your luxury coach. Your multilingual guide — who speaks English, Spanish and German — will accompany you throughout your entire full-day journey. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive through Swiss countryside and the Bernese Oberland, a fairy-tale wonderland of white jagged Bernese Alps. The scenery is truly captivating, and it only gets better from here!After a 1-hour drive, stop for a break in the famous town of Interlaken, situated between two lakes to form the main gateway to the region's mountains and lakes. Then, head to the nearby village of Grindelwald to board your cogwheel train for an incredible 1.5-hour ride to Jungfraujoch. Travel through the high mountain pass of Kleine Scheidegg between the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks.When you arrive at Jungfraujoch at an elevation of 11,332 feet (3,454 meters), you’ve reached one of Europe's highest railway stations! Jungfraujoch immerses you in a breathtaking Alpine wonderland. Take the underground tunnel to the Top of Europe building and stand on the lookout point to gaze down on the snowy peaks of Aletsch Glacier. Ride the elevator to the Sphinx Observatory's terrace for more amazing panoramas, and then enter the Ice Palace to walk through the heart of a glacier; it's an unforgettable experience!Enjoy a meal or some refreshments at one of the several restaurants at the Top of Europe (own expense). Savor your last views before boarding the train and heading back down to mountains, passing the ski resort of Wengen. Disembark in Lauterbrunnen, reboard your coach and relax on the drive back to Lucerne.
Bernese Oberland Tour from Zurich
Head to the Sihlquai Bus Terminal near the Zurich train station in the morning to meet your guide — who speaks English, Spanish and German — and board your luxury coach. Relax on the scenic drive through the Bernese Oberland, touted as one of the most idyllic regions in Switzerland.After a 2-hour drive, arrive in Interlaken in the heart of the Jungfraujoch region. Break here for a quick stop in this famous town, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Then, continue driving to the nearby village of Grindelwald. Board the cogwheel train here for a jaw-dropping ride to Kleine Scheidegg, a mountain pass located at the foot of Switzerland’s most impressive Alpine panorama. Enjoy amazing views of the famous triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as you ride halfway up the mountain.The top of the mountain reaches an astounding 11,750 feet (3,454 meters) above sea level. Ideal for those who are afraid of heights, this tour only takes you halfway up, to 6,762 feet (2,061 meters). But don’t worry, this won’t compromise the scenery; from Kleine Scheidegg, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of the Bernese Alps and unbeatable views of the famous Eiger North Face, featured in films such as The Eiger Sanction starring Clint Eastwood.You’ll have several hours of free time here to explore and take in the sensational Alpine environment. This area offers something for everyone: take a self-guided hike along the easily accessible Jungfrau Eiger Walk (several seasonal trails of moderate difficulty open late June to October); snap photos of the rock and ice masses of Eiger Glacier; or head to one of several local restaurants to enjoy some regional cuisine (own expense).In the afternoon, meet your guide and board the train for the descent to Lauterbrunnen. Pass the holiday resort town of Wengen, known for events such as the Lauberhorn Races and Jungfrau Marathon. Then board the coach and return to Zurich in the evening.
Jungfraujoch 2-Day Tour from Zurich: Interlaken or Grindelwald
Day 1: Zurich — Interlaken or GrindelwaldAfter pickup from central Zurich from a central location by coach, sit back and savor the excitement as you travel through the splendid countryside to one of Switzerland's most attractive Alpine regions, the Bernese Oberland. Along the way, enjoy live commentary about the region from your professional guide.Arrive in Interlaken or Grindelwald (depending on option selected) and spend the rest of the day as you please. Your guide will equip you with detailed written information about the sights, attractions and activities available in the town of your choice.Interlaken: Uniquely located between two lakes, this popular resort town offers great shopping, attractions and outdoor activities. You can cruise on one of the lakes, take the cable car to Harder Kulm mountain or visit the JungfrauPark theme park. Grindelwald: Nestled in an impressive Alpine landscape, Grindelwald is a paradise for nature lovers. Go hiking to enjoy stunning views of the famous triple peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, take the cable car to the sunny terrace of Mt First or rent a trottibike for a fun ride through town.For dinner, each town offers a range of restaurants, from authentic local ski lodges to more trendy, modern establishments. Overnight: 3-star hotel in Interlaken or GrindelwaldDay 2: Interlaken or Grindelwald — Jungfraujoch — Zurich (B)Enjoy buffet breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a day trip to Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe. Meet your guide for a scenic drive through the Jungfrau region to Grindelwald (or meet your guide directly in Grindelwald if option selected), where you’ll hop on a cogwheel train for a ride up the Alps via the Kleine Schneidegg mountain pass. When you arrive at Jungfraujoch, you’re officially at the highest train station in Europe! The Top of Europe immerses you in a high-Alpine wonderland of snow-capped peaks. Soak up the breathtaking panorama view from the Sphinx Observation Terrace overlooking Aletsch Glacier — Europe's longest glacier — and the snow-capped peaks of neighboring countries. Then visit the Ice Palace to walk through the heart of a glacier! Stop for lunch at a restaurant (own expense) before reconvening with your guide for the train ride back to Lauterbrunnen, where the coach awaits you for the return trip to Zurich.