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If you are looking for a hike that captures the best of the Swiss Alps in one full day, this Lauterbrunnen hike is for you! I would even say it may be one of the best hikes in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland!
- Hike through the postcard perfect villages of Murren and Gimmelwald.
- Ride a gondola up to the Schilthorn for breathtaking panoramic views of the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.
- Get your adrenaline pumping with the Birg Thrill Walk.
- Stroll through the Lauterbrunnen Valley lined with vertical cliffs and 72 waterfalls.
This hike has it all!
Table of Contents
The Inspiration for This Lauterbrunnen Hike
My childhood bank
When I planned my trip to Lucerne, I knew I wanted to spend at least one day exploring the Swiss Alps.
For as long as I could remember, I’d dreamed of seeing real Swiss chalets, just like the small wooden one I’d kept on my shelf since childhood. The idea of these charming mountain homes nestled in the Alps had always captivated me.
But as I started researching, I realized that the Alps weren’t exactly around the corner from Lucerne. The distance from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen was significant, and I wasn’t sure if I could fit such an adventure into a day trip.
Then, I stumbled upon a post by Matt and Sarah from Two Outliers about their day trip from Interlaken. It sounded like I could actually make a Lauterbrunnen hike fit into a day trip from Lucerne!
But doubts started creeping in. This would be a full day with a lot of moving parts and several steps. Was I biting off more than I could chew? I wasn’t sure. The only way to find out was to try. So, I tried.
And I DID IT!!! I actually did it. I spent one glorious day hiking in the Alps, riding gondolas up to the mountain peaks, and wandering through real life storybook towns filled with Swiss chalets!
Keep reading for all the details, including the hiking route, on this dream come true day!
Walk through the adorable Lauterbrunnen village!
Lauterbrunnen Hike Overview
Starting with a gondola ride from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, the adventure begins with panoramic views of the towering Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
As you hike along the well-maintained trail to Mürren, you’ll pass by traditional Swiss chalets, hear the soft tinkling of cowbells in the distance, and be tempted to stop every 10 feet to soak in the jaw-dropping scenery.
The hike continues with a gondola ride up to the Schilthorn, where you’re treated to 360-degree views of the Alps, including the iconic peaks that dominate the landscape.
After descending back to Murren, the trail leads you to the peaceful village of Gimmelwald, a quieter, more rustic counterpart to Mürren, where you can experience the slower pace of life in the Alps.
The final leg of the journey takes you through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, a flat, easy walk where you’re surrounded by sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls, including the famous Staubbach Falls.
Yes, this is one of the gondola rides!
Alternating Gondola Rides and Hiking
This unforgettable hike in the Swiss Alps combines stunning gondola rides with almost 8 miles of scenic hiking through some of the region’s most picturesque landscapes.
I’ll explain each one in more detail below but here’s a quick rundown of the different steps:
- Gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp
- Hike from Grutschalp to Murren (2.8 miles)
- Gondola from Murren to Schilthorn
- Gondola from Schilthorn to Murren
- Hike from Murren to Gimmelwald (1.8 miles)
- Gondola from Gimmelwald to Stechelberg
- Hike from Stechelberg to Lauterbrunnen (3 miles)
The 7 Steps of the Route in Detail
Like I mentioned earlier, this is a hike with a lot of moving parts. But it really is an easy to follow route and the alternating gondola rides break up the hiking into smaller chunks.
1. Gondola from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp
Time in the Gondola: 5 minutes
Cost: 9.40 CHF ($10)
Cost with the Swiss Travel Pass: Free
After arriving at the Lauterbrunnen train station, there’s a short walk up the hill to the cable car station. The gondolas depart every 30 minutes and only take five minutes to get to Grutschalp.
Being in the gondola is a mix of excitement and awe as the valley below spreads out like a scene from a fairytale. The iconic peaks of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Mönch keep you company along the way.
On the path to Murren.
2. Hike from Grutschalp to Murren
Hiking Time: 1-1.5 hours
Distance: 2.8 miles
Walk out of the Grutschalp station, go to your left, and you’ll see a gravel path. That’s the trail you’ll take to Murren.
Hiking from Grutschalp to Mürren is one of those unforgettable experiences that feels like stepping into a postcard. With every turn, you are rewarded with stunning views of the mountains.
You’ll pass by traditional Swiss chalets, and every so often, you may even see cows grazing in the meadows, their bells tinkling softly in the background. It’s hard not to stop every few minutes to snap a photo or just stand still and soak in the beauty.
The Town of Murren
Arriving in Mürren feels like you’ve been transported into another world. This car-free village perched on the cliff’s edge is simply charming. The streets are dotted with little shops and cafes overlooking the mountains.
Mürren offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. It’s one of the most picturesque villages in Switzerland, known for its traditional Swiss chalets – just like my little wooden bank!
The town of Murren
3. Gondola from Murren to Schilthorn
Time in Gondola: 20 minutes each way
Roundtrip Cost: 85.60 CHF ($96)
Roundtrip Cost with Swiss Travel Pass: 42.80 CHF ($48)
The gondola station in Mürren is located at the southern end of the village, near the Hotel Alpina and close to the railway station.
You’ll find signs directing you to the gondola station, which is well-marked and easy to locate. Look for the word Schilthornbahn on the signs.
The gondola ride from Mürren to Schilthorn is in two stages. First, you’ll take the gondola from Mürren to Birg, and then you’ll transfer to another gondola to reach Schilthorn.
The ride itself is smooth and offers incredible panoramic views! As the gondola rises, Mürren becomes a tiny speck below, and the surrounding mountains seem to grow larger and more imposing.
The scenery is nothing short of spectacular. As you climb, you’ll see the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains dominating the skyline, their snowy peaks (even in the summer!) piercing the blue sky.
It’s such a surreal experience, watching the world below shrink away as you glide upward, suspended in the air.
The Birg Thrill Walk
Birg
Time needed: 30 minutes
Cost: Free- Included in the cost of the gondola ticket
At Birg, you can step out of the gondola and explore a bit before continuing to Schilthorn. There are fantastic views along the Skyline Walk, a transparent walkway that lets you look straight down into the valley below.
If you’re really feeling adventurous, an even better view is along the Birg Thrill Walk, a cable walkway that clings to the side of the cliff!
Walking on either of these paths with the valley far below is a bit nerve-wracking but absolutely worth it for the adrenaline rush and the views!
Schilthorn
Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Free- Included in the cost of the gondola ticket
The final leg of the gondola ride takes you to the summit of Schilthorn at an impressive 2,970 meters (9,744 feet). As you step out, the first thing that hits you is the 360-degree panoramic view.
On a clear day, you can see as far as Mont Blanc in France and Germany’s Black Forest. The scenery is so stunning it feels almost unreal, like you’re standing in the middle of a painting.
If you’re a James Bond fan, one of the highlights at Schilthorn is the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, famous for its role in the movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
One of the observation decks at the top of Schilthorn.
4. Gondola from Schilthorn back to Murren
Time in gondola: 20 minutes
Cost: Free- Included in the roundtrip ticket price
When you’re ready to leave Schilthorn, make your way to the gondola and ride it back down to Murren. It will stop again in Birg, giving you a second chance for the Birg Thrill Walk that you were too scared to do the first time.
Once back in Murren, look for the signs pointing to Gimmelwald. You’ll follow the signs to get to the trail.
Now that’s a restaurant with a view!
5. Hike from Murren to Gimmelwald
Hiking time: 45 min-1 hour
Distance: 1.8 miles
The trail is well-marked and mostly downhill. It’s a mix of dirt trails and paved sections, with a few steeper parts, but nothing too challenging.
As you leave Mürren, the trail gently descends through lush alpine meadows and past picturesque farms.
The views are consistently breathtaking, with the mountains towering in the background and the valley stretching out below. Along the way, you might encounter locals working in the fields or see cows grazing in the pastures. Such a quintessential Swiss experience!
The Town of Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald, like Murren, is a small, car-free village that’s often described as one of Switzerland’s hidden gems. It has a more rustic feel compared to Mürren though, with fewer tourists and a slower pace of life. The village is incredibly charming, with traditional wooden houses, narrow paths, and stunning views at every turn.
In Gimmelwald, you’ll find a handful of guesthouses, a small store, and a few local farms where you can buy fresh cheese and other local products. One of the highlights of visiting Gimmelwald is simply wandering through the village, taking in the quiet beauty and enjoying the feeling of being far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
One of the rail cars passing by alongside the trail.
6. Gondola from Gimmelwald to Stechelberg
Time in gondola: 5 minutes
Cost: 6 CHF ($7)
Cost with Swiss Travel Pass: Free
As the gondola departs from Gimmelwald, you’ll immediately notice the dramatic drop-off as you descend into the valley. The ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the lush forests, steep cliffs, and the impressive Mürrenbach Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland, cascading down the rock face.
The Town of Stechelberg
Stechelberg is a small, tranquil village located at the southern end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Nestled at the base of towering cliffs, Stechelberg feels like a hidden corner of the world, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Once you arrive in Stechelberg, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the towering cliffs of the valley, with the sound of waterfalls echoing in the distance.
The mountain shadows make it seem later than it really is. This was about 4pm in the summer.
7. Hike from Stechelberg through the Lauterbrunnen Valley
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Distance: 3 miles
This hike is relatively easy, mostly flat, and takes you through a landscape that feels like it’s been pulled straight from a storybook.
As you leave the Stechelberg gondola station, you’ll go to the other side of the parking lot and follow a well identified path. The path runs along the valley floor, with sheer cliffs rising dramatically on either side.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley
One of the highlights of this hike is the constant presence of waterfalls. There are 72 waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and you’ll see some of them along the way.
The most famous of these is the Staubbach Falls, which you’ll see as you approach Lauterbrunnen. At nearly 300 meters (984 feet) high, it’s one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe and an iconic sight in the valley.
You’ll also pass through small patches of forest, cross over wooden bridges, and walk alongside the river that flows through the valley.
Once you reach the town of Lauterbrunnen, you’ll just follow the signs back to the train station.
Congratulations, you’ve just completed the best Lauterbrunnen hike!
How much time do you need?
You should allow a minimum of 6 1/2 hours to complete the steps of the Lauterbrunnen hike as listed. I wanted to give myself a buffer and planned for it to take 8 hours.
This was a long day with a lot of moving parts, and I certainly did not want to feel rushed.
It ended up taking me 7 hours to finish the hike, an hour less than I had planned.
If you’re not staying in Lauterbrunnen, remember that you’ll also need to factor in travel time. For me, that meant I’d need to add in 5 hours for the round-trip train ride from Lucerne.
I need to practice my selfie skills. LOL
Detour to See Trummelbach Falls
After the gondola from Stechelberg lands in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and you begin the hike through the Lauterbrunnen Valley (Step 7), check your time. This final hike through the valley will take about 1.5-2 hours.
If you find that you will have a couple extra hours to spare, you can detour to Trummelbach Falls.
The falls are a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls that are hidden inside the mountain, cascading down with incredible force through a narrow gorge.
Sadly, I didn’t get to experience this marvel of nature. The falls close at 5:00 PM and I was too late. Next time.
To get to Trummelbach Falls, you will see a directional sign about an hour down the path through the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Just follow the sign. The entrance fee is around $18.
I caught an early train from Lucerne.
How to get to Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is easily reached with a 30-minute train ride from Interlaken. I was coming from Lucerne though, not Interlaken.
I Googled “train from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen” and up popped the train schedule showing me exactly when the train leaves and from what platform.
One way, it was going to take 2 1/2 hours to get from Lucerne to Lauterbrunnen.
This would be a long day, but I was going to hike in the Swiss Alps! THE ALPS!!!!
Tip: If you have the Swiss Travel Pass, this $24 train ride is totally free.
FAQ
What if I start but can’t finish?
If you find that you can only complete part of this Lauterbrunnen hike, don’t worry. There are public buses in Murren, Gimmelwald, and Stechelberg that can take you back to Lauterbrunnen.
What are the hiking trails like?
All the trails are clearly marked with signs and trail markers. The majority of the trails are made up of gravel or packed dirt but there are some stretches that are paved. All of them though are wide and in excellent condition.
This Lauterbrunnen hike involves moderate inclines and declines, especially when approaching or leaving the villages. However, the trails are not overly steep, which makes them easy on the knees. You’re hiking about 8 miles though, so make sure you’re wearing proper shoes that will support you through the day.
How do you purchase gondola tickets?
Purchasing tickets for the gondola rides can be done at the gondola stations. They all take credit card and there is no need to purchase them before you go.
I had the Swiss Travel Pass and the only ticket I had to purchase was for Schilthorn. With the Swiss Travel Pass the ticket was discounted 50%.
What are the gondola rides like?
Also known as cable cars, gondolas in the Swiss Alps are a quintessential part of the mountain experience.
All of the ones on this trip were modern and spacious. They were very smooth rides, and I felt safe in each one. And yes, they run like clockwork!
The gondolas do go up pretty high though and some of them were quite full of people. So, if you’re afraid of heights or claustrophobic, be prepared.
When is the best time to go?
The best time to go is in the late spring. This is when the snow and ice from the winter has melted away and the water flow will be at its greatest. Meaning you’ll see the waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley!
I went at the end of August and unfortunately the usually impressive Staubbach Falls wasn’t much more than a leaky faucet.
My childhood bank
Are you dreaming of an adventure that combines breathtaking views, peaceful alpine meadows, and the charm of a traditional Swiss village? Then this Lauterbrunnen hike is calling your name. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
Resources to Book Your Trip
Book Flights
I like using Skyscanner to find flight deals. It searches hundreds of airlines and booking sites so you can compare prices, dates, and even airports in one place.
Find a Place to Stay
Booking.com is my go-to for hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. I like being able to read reviews and filter for places with free cancellation.
Book Tours and Activities
I recommend GetYourGuide and Viator for walking tours, food tours, and day trips. Check the reviews and group size to find an experience that suits you.
Stay Connected
I use Airalo for mobile data when I travel, especially for maps and booking rides. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIMs before buying.
Book an Airport Transfer
Welcome Pickups lets you arrange your airport transfer before you leave home. Having that first ride sorted can make arriving somewhere new feel a little easier.
Choose Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is one option to compare when shopping for travel insurance. Read the coverage details and exclusions to make sure the plan fits your trip and your needs.
4 comments
Lisa’ just returned from our trip. You directions were appt on and we had a fantastic day. We arrived early so didn’t have to battle the crowds there in Lauterbrunnen later in the day. Than you for the great informative!
Thank you so much for letting me know! I’m glad the directions were helpful and that you had such a fantastic day. Great idea arriving early, too. Happy you enjoyed your trip!
Thank you for your detailed info. We will be in Lucerne in a couple weeks and i had already planned a trip like this for a day. This fills in details nicely. I really appreciate your thoroughness and taking the time to document it for others!
Thank you. It was about this time of year when I went, too. You will love it!