Where to Find the 8 Best Views of Lauterbrunnen
One of the most accessible and scenic destinations within Switzerland’s incredible Jungfrau region is the small town of Lauterbrunnen.
Tucked in a narrow valley, the town is surrounded by dramatic cliffs with thousand-foot waterfalls, while snow-capped mountains preside over the scene in the distance.
Unsurprisingly, with all this beauty, there’s no shortage of incredible views of Lauterbrunnen and its surroundings. And, after two visits to Lauterbrunnen, I’ve discovered plenty of perfect spots for marveling at the scenery and snapping photos to treasure forever.
Read on to see where you too can find all the best views of Lauterbrunnen.
TIP: This map contains the locations where you’ll find the viewpoints listed in this blog post. To save it to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the map’s name. You can then find and use the map from your Google Maps app by going to “Saved,” then “Maps.”
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting In Old Cities in this way!
1. Wengen
Perched atop one of the cliffs on either side of Lauterbrunnen is the tiny, car-free town of Wengen. Not only is Wengen super charming in its own right, but it also offers incredible views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
You can reach Wengen by train or by hiking. If you take the train, be sure to sit on the right side of the train going up to Wengen (or the left side going down). You’ll get amazing views like this:
From Lauterbrunnen’s train station, the train takes approximately 11 minutes to reach Wengen. If you choose to hike instead, give yourself at least two hours: while you may complete it more quickly if you’re in good shape, it is a steep hike. (Wengen is located ~1500 feet above Lauterbrunnen.)
When you reach Wengen, walk a couple steps up the hill from the train station and take a left onto the main road. You’re heading for Wengen’s Evangelical Reformed church, which is a 5-minute walk from the train station.
Look for the break in the hedge behind the church and follow the steps down to the small viewing area (“Wengen Aussichtspunkt“), where you’ll find incredible views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and some of the surrounding mountains.
If you look closely, you’ll be able to see some Lauterbrunnen landmarks such as the little church and the switchback stairs leading up to Staubbachfall, the valley’s most famous waterfall.
Check current prices and timetables for the train to Wengen here.
2. Staubbachfall Viewpoint
Though it’s one of the most iconic views of Lauterbrunnen, this spot doesn’t actually have an official name — I’ve labeled it “Staubbachfall Viewpoint” only because that’s what it’s called on Google Maps.
To find this location, you have two options:
(1) On the main road through town, look for the two stone balls across from Hotel Schützen and walk down the small path beside them. The viewpoint is shortly down the hill.
(2) Take the main road past the church. At the sharp curve just down the hill from the church — right before you cross the bridge — is a small walking path leading directly away from the church. Follow that path up the hill for a minute or so to reach the viewpoint.
If you’re hoping to get photos here without other people in them, I recommend visiting this spot early in the morning, or otherwise being prepared to exercise some patience. It’s no secret location, and you’re likely to encounter other photographers and selfie-seekers (not to mention people walking on the path just because). You may need to wait a while for a clear shot.
3. Staubbachfall
Most of the great views of Lauterbrunnen incorporate the stunning Staubbachfall. Tumbling nearly 1000 feet (or 300 meters) over a dramatic cliff, Staubbachfall is the most famous of the many waterfalls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and provides a striking backdrop for many views of the area.
But you can also find views from behind the falls! A short series of switchback steps lead from the road to a small viewing area behind the spray, where you can see both the town and the surrounding mountains through the falling water.
Staubbachfall is free to visit.
4. The Main Drag
Lauterbrunnen is a (very) small town, with one main stretch of commercial activity. With the mighty Staubbachfall visible from most of the street, and classic Swiss buildings lining the way, there’s no shortage of beautiful views as you meander from the train station at one end to Staubbachfall at the other.
I like this spot, in front of Hotel Jungfrau:
5. Across the Bridge
To find beautiful views with fewer crowds, cross the bridge in front of the church, then take an immediate left onto the street heading north (directly away from the church). There, you’ll find quiet streets with lovely views looking back toward town and the mountains beyond.
I hope you’re always respectful while you’re traveling, but take extra care here: this is a quiet residential area. Don’t disturb their peace.
6. Cable Car to Grütschalp
As you can see below, the views from the cable car to the Grütschalp railway station — located high above Lauterbrunnen, and across the valley from Wengen — aren’t likely to be your clearest possible views. (Hello to whatever it is that’s reflected in the gondola windows in my photo. My own hands? Somebody else’s clothing? Who can say.)
However, if you’re looking for more views from high above the valley, don’t miss this one. Try to position yourself in the front right corner of the car (when facing the valley) for your best chance to see the heart of town from the air. (And yes, that’s Wengen directly across from you!)
For my advice on what to do when you get to Grütschalp, check out this post:
How to Spend One Day in Lauterbrunnen
7. Trümmelbach Falls
Trümmelbach Falls, located approximately 3 kilometers from the heart of town, is a unique series of waterfalls located inside a mountain. Glacier runoff from the mighty peaks overlooking the valley drains through these falls, which are extremely powerful.
When visiting Trümmelbach, you first ride a steep funicular that takes you up inside the mountain, and then you walk back down to the valley, passing the waterfalls on the way. While most of the Trümmelbach experience is within the mountain, the steps and walkways leading back down will also take you past some views of the valley and the town of Lauterbrunnen.
Check operating hours and current pricing for Trümmelbach here.
8. Hotel Staubbach
On my most recent trip to Lauterbrunnen, I stayed at Hotel Staubbach, which was a great choice. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable, and every room has access to one of several balconies overlooking the church, waterfall, and valley beyond. After a long day of hiking, we enjoyed resting our feet and admiring the view from the balcony.
The hotel also offers a great continental breakfast, with more beautiful views from the dining room. Like the balconies, which stretch across the entire south face of the hotel, the dining room windows look toward Staubbachfall.
Check availability for Hotel Staubbach here:
Bonus: Cable Car to/from Mürren
Okay, this one is actually a view of Stechelberg — a teensy tiny village further down the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
If you take my advice and hike to Mürren (another small town perched high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley), you can return to the valley via cable car. Through the sort of blurry windows of the gondola, you’ll find a view of the glacial runoff that becomes a river rushing through the Lauterbrunnen Valley, plus the small settlement of Stechelberg.
Note that, like the journey to Wengen, you can choose to hike to and/or from Mürren rather than riding the gondola. I’ve heard the views are also great on that hike (and you would avoid the blurry gondola windows).
Check current prices and timetables for the cable car here.
More Information About Switzerland
pin this post
