Switzerland: Lauterbrunnen Valley

One of my favorite places to visit. Some of the most beautiful scenery of green grassy hills and valleys, cascading waterfalls, and snow capped alpine peaks.

Lauterbrunnen Valley, from Trümmelbach Falls

Lauterbrunnen Valley is just 12 km (7 miles) south of Interlaken and sits in the shadows of the three mighty peaks of Switzerland: "Eiger", elevation 3970 m (13025 ft), "Mönch", elevation 4107 m (13474 ft) and "Jungfrau", elevation 4158 m (13642 ft). Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), elevation 3454 m (11332 ft) sits high above the valley floor.

“Lauterbrunnen Valley is spectacular and will leave a lasting impression on everyone that experiences the natural beauty there.”

I first discovered the beauty of this area while watching a Rick Steves TV show. I have come to appreciate his travel tips and his passion for experiencing the local flavor when traveling. As a result, my wife and I traveled to Lauterbrunnen Valley three consecutive summers, each time staying at a different and unique location. The first trip we stayed in the small mountain village of Gimmelwald. The next year we stayed up the mountain in Mürren. And for our last trip we crossed the valley over to Wengen. Each of these small villages are located high in the alpine mountains above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. These villages restrict car travel, but are easily accessed via tram or train. Lauterbrunnen has a large car park at the train station for those staying in Mürren or Wengen. The Stechelberg station, just 4.8 km (3 miles) south of Lauterbrunnen also has a large car park for those needing tram access to Gimmelwald and the south end of Mürren. The town of Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible by train or car from Interlaken.

The valley is filled with many majestic waterfalls. When my wife and I first visited Lauterbrunnen it was after a heavy spring snow and we counted 27 different waterfalls cascading from the steep cliffs on our drive into Lauterbrunnen.

Rösti: Traditional Swiss dish Beef Rösti

While food in Switzerland can be a bit on the pricey side, the quality and variety are excellent. It is well worth taking time to find great places to eat. I am a proponent of TripAdvisor and have found it to be a reliable tool for selecting great places to eat, regardless of where I am traveling.

LAUTERBRUNNEN

TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

Hotels:

Hotel Oberland, Hotel Silberhorn

Restaurants:

Hotel Oberland, Hotel Silberhorn, Swiss Restaurant Weidstuebli, Flavours Cafe

Must See Places:

Trümmelbach Falls, Staubbach Falls, Lauterbrunnen Valley hike

Extended Day-Trips:

Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe), Alpine hikes

Alternate Locations:

Staying in Gimmelwald, Mürren or Wengen are great locations, though more remote (no vehicle access) but will get you up in the Alps, with great views of Switzerland's highest peaks. More will be posted about these three locations in future blogs.