Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: 1 Day

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Lauterbrunnen valley is one of the most relaxing and naturally beautiful places in Europe. It is a must-see in Switzerland, and a fun break from the city. This area is home to the towns of Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Gimmelwald. It is also the world capital for paragliding, and an excellent place for first-timers to try this exhilarating activity. You could easily spend a week relaxing, hiking, and eating cheese in this area, but this Lauterbrunnen itinerary will take you through the best of the valley in one day.

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Table Of Contents – 1-Day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary

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1-Day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary

In this 1-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary, you will visit Lauterbrunnen, Trummelbach Falls, Gimmelwald, and Murren. The best way to tackle this day is by first walking from Lauterbrunnen to Trummelbach Falls. After you have seen the falls, continue walking the valley floor to the Stechelberg Schilthornbahn station. From there, catch the cable car to Gimmelwald. Once you have finished walking around this tiny village, catch the cable car to Murren. Once you finish strolling around Murren, walk down the main road (away from the cable car station) to the Murren BLM (train station). From here take the train to Grutschalp. At Grutschalp, catch the cable car back to Lauterbrunnen.

You can start and finish this circular route at any point, but try not to reverse the direction of the valley floor walk, as this will diminish the quality of your views. We have included a map below, but we recommend you also get one from your hotel. Check with the hotel and make sure the train and cable cars are in working order before you attempt this route. If the train or the Grutschalp cable car are out of order, just take the Schilthornbahn cable car back down from Murren to Stechelberg, then take the bus back to Lauterbrunnen from there.

Click here for an interactive map. 

Explore Lauterbrunnen ^_★★

Start the day in the city of Lauterbrunnen. This is the main city of its eponymous valley. From the train station walk through the town towards the valley (towards Trummelbach Falls). This is a good time to stock up on picnic snacks at the co-op, because you’ll ideally be eating a late lunch or early dinner in Murren. From the end of town, you’ll naturally start the valley floor walk.

Hike From Lauterbrunnen To Stechelberg Schilthornbahn Station ^_★★★

Start walking through the valley from the edge of Lauterbrunnen. This beautiful, flat, easy hike will have you walking on paved paths surrounded by fields, cows, waterfalls, and honor-system cheese fridges. You don’t need any special shoes or equipment for this hike. It is important that you walk in this direction, as this will give you magnificent views (views walking towards Lauterbrunnen are just okay). About halfway to Stechelberg, you will reach signs pointing you toward Trummelbach Falls. Follow these signs.

Once you finish at Trummelbach Falls, make your way back to the valley floor and turn left when you get back to the path you came on. Continue this way until you reach the Stechelberg Schilthornbahn cable car station. Ride this to Gimmelwald.

Trummelbach Falls ^_★★

This is the valley’s mightiest waterfall and the only one with an elevator. To get an inside look at the falls and the rock it has carved, go up the elevator and start from the top. There are several relatively dark areas with wet stairs, so tread carefully. Make your way down to the bottom of the falls, stopping for views along the way. There is only one path, so you won’t get lost. Of note, if you want to visit the falls without doing the hike from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, you can get there by bus from either end.

Cost and Hours: CHF 14 per adult, open 9:00am-5:00pm, longer in July-August, check website for details
Website: www.truemmelbachfaelle.ch/e/

Gimmelwald ^_★★★

Gimmelwald is the cutest of these towns. It is a tiny alpine village populated by goats and log cabins. It is too far up the mountain and too underdeveloped to have been very affected by tourism. Wander around this adorable town from one end to the other. Once you’re done, take the cable car down to Murren.

Murren ^_★★★

Murren is the town with the best combination of views and convenience. Wander through town, appreciating the alpine architecture and breathtaking vistas. When you’re done strolling, stop for a late lunch at Edelweiss.

Edelweiss Restaurant ^_★★★

This restaurant has the best views in town, with the valley floor plunging beneath you, and paragliders passing by every few minutes. This is a must-do in Murren, and a perfect place to take a break from this 1-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary.

Address: Rauft 1068, 3825 Mürren, Switzerland
Telephone: +41 33 856 56 00
Website: www.edelweiss-muerren.ch/en/

Paragliding ^_★★★

Paragliding is not as scary as it sounds – you’ll see when you get there. Only tandem paragliding is offered, so you’ll have someone doing all the work for you. There is not a sensation of falling when paragliding, because the parachute is constantly pulling you upward. It might be a stretch for some, but if you’re going to try paragliding sometime, we highly recommend doing it here. The flights take off near the Murren cable car station and land near the Stechelberg station. No experience is necessary.

Several companies offer these flights. Click here to check their options and find something that works for you. They have the same itinerary, and roughly the same prices (~CHF 180 per person).

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If You Have Time

Hiking Near Lauterbrunnen

With more time here, you can do some serious hiking. Pick up a hiking map from your hotel or rental. These maps are free, detailed, and easy to follow. Your hotel or host can recommend a good hike from your location if you can’t decide.

Piz Gloria

This summit with its 360° revolving restaurant serving “James Bond Brunch” is a highlight for many visitors, and can be done on the day you leave. It is very easy to get to (unlike Jungfraujoch). The same Schilthornbahn cable car that takes you to Murren and Gimmelwald will take you to the Piz Gloria (change at Gimmelwald, then Murren, then Birg).

The reason we have not included it in this 1-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary is because it’s expensive (tickets from Murren and back are CHF 85 per person), and not as good an experience as a trip to Jungfraujoch. If you’re going to only see one (which most people do), go to Jungfraujoch. If you have the time and budget to see both, throw in Piz Gloria for brunch one day. If, on the other hand, you don’t have the time or budget (at least CHF 200 per person) for the day trip to Jungfraujoch, it is imperative that you at least go to the Piz Gloria.

As with Jungfraujoch, prioritize the viewpoint, as the clouds come and go unpredictably. If it’s sunny (or only somewhat cloudy) when you arrive, go straight for the terrace and get your photos. If it’s cloudy to the point of reduced visibility, do your indoor activities first and try for photos again later.

Website: www.schilthorn.ch/en/Info/Piz_Gloria_2970_m_._9744_ft

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Practical Info – Lauterbrunnen Itinerary

Getting Around Lauterbrunnen

You do not need a car in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. In fact, cars are not allowed in Murren, Gimmelwald, or Wengen. You can take the train to get to Lauterbrunnen (or the bus within the valley floor) and cable cars to Murren, Gimmelwald, and Wengen.

Where To Stay In Lauterbrunnen

The short answer to this is either Lauterbrunnen or Murren. Lauterbrunnen is more central to surrounding adventures, e.g. Jungfraujoch. Murren is cuter and has better views. Depending on your goals, schedule, and budget, choose between one of these two towns. We recommend against Gimmelwald, as it does not have enough access to amenities, such as restaurants and stores.

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Day Trips From Lauterbrunnen

Jungfraujoch Day Trip ^_★★★

This itinerary is ideally paired with a day trip to Jungfraujoch. The hyperlinked article has everything you need to plan your visit.

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