Swiss Excursion Part 3: Exploring Lauterbrunnen
After roughly two and a half hours on the train from Lucerne, we arrived in Lauterbrunnen. I’d just experienced the breathtaking views from Mount Pilatus, but nothing quite prepared me for the sheer scale of this valley. Surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, I felt like a tiny part of something immense. These mountains had been here long before me and would remain long after. It was a humbling feeling, standing in one of the most picturesque places I’d ever seen.
Lauterbrunnen is a small village in the canton of Bern, which was our next stop. Locals say it translates into the words “many springs” which could very well be true as there are a few springs flowing off the cliffs into the valleys
We arrived after dark, and unreliable GPS made finding the chalet a little challenging. Once we found it, though, we were excited to settle in: two floors, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and a hot tub that felt like a particularly good discovery.
In the morning, we sat on the chalet’s porch with coffee, watching and listening to the waterfall directly opposite. It was a serene way to begin the day. Above the valley, we could see hang gliders and parachutes descending from the mountains. The whole setting felt like something from a storybook.
Things to do:
Explore Lauterbrunnen’s Surrounding Areas and Main Village
It’s a great place to casually walk around and take in the amazing scenery including the many mountains and the wooden chalets in the center of the village.
Go See the Lauterbrunnen Church and Clock Tower Up Close
Clockwise from top: Lauterbrunnen town center; Lauterbrunnen Church; A view of Lauterbrunnen with a glacier path
Hiking
Follow the stepped path to the Staubbach Falls viewing gallery for a view across the valley from behind the waterfall. The climb was shorter than we expected, but the perspective made it worthwhile. The viewing gallery is seasonal, so check current access before planning the climb.
Photos clockwise from the top: Mountain Views surrounding Lauterbrunnen; Visitors hiking up to one of the waterfalls; A close up of the glacier waterfall
See the Annual Swiss Cow Parade
If you’re there in the fall, you can experience the annual cow festival. Watching the cows come down the mountains around the alps outfitted with wreaths and bells is pretty mesmerizing. Dates and locations vary; check the regional events calendar before planning around a parade.
Hang Gliding in Interlaken
I went hang gliding in nearby Interlaken on my birthday, and it remains one of the coolest experiences I’ve had. I’d recommend Hang Gliding Interlaken. The guides were knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and helped us feel comfortable throughout.
Day-Trip to Nearby Towns
Visit the nearby village of Murren. A quiet car-free town, if you travel to the top of Schilthorn by cable car, you’ll be presented with some amazing views of the Alps as well as Lauterbrunnen. If you’re a 007 fan like myself there’s also Piz Gloria, the 007-themed revolving restaurant, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Check the official Schilthorn site for current cableway schedules and restaurant information
Where to eat:
Since we stayed in our own chalet, we took a stroll to the Coop supermarket down the road and bought a few things to cook during our stay.
Where To Stay:
I loved staying in a chalet among the alpine meadows, with cows roaming and waterfalls nearby. Check the location of individual properties when booking, as not every chalet is in the village centre.
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Exploring Lauterbrunnen
