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Roadtrip Switzerland | Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken

I drove during my roadtrip in peace through Switzerland to Lauterbrunnen. Meandering down the narrow, winding roads, the snow-capped mountains loomed in front of me, the sun came out and I saw the beautiful, world-famous Staubbach waterfall. I was impressed, it just made me emotional. A beautiful landscape or a beautiful sunrise sometimes does that for me and there are only a handful of destinations in the world that could fuel this feeling. I was a bit shocked myself, I was traveling alone and would have loved to share this with my other half!

De wereldreizigers.nl 4x4 camper in the parking lot with the Staubbach waterfall behind it
De wereldreizigers.nl 4×4 camper in front of the Staubbach waterfall

I was excited. This was my home for the next week and I couldn't wait to explore among all that beauty. In this article I will tell you about my experiences in the beautiful Swiss region of Lauterbrunnen. I hope to inspire you with this so you know what you can do in Lauterbrunnen and also which ones bucket list activities you can undertake. This is the perfect place to cross off a few!

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About Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen, the valley of the 72 waterfalls, lies at the foot of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. Located 13 km from Interlaken in the Jungfrau region, Lauterbrunnen is the perfect base from which to explore this area. It is one of the most stunning places I have ever visited.

The valley in which Lauterbrunnen is located from a higher point about 5 kilometers away
The valley in which Lauterbrunnen is located from a higher point about 5 kilometers away
Lauterbrunnen - Staubbach waterfall
Lauterbrunnen – Staubbach waterfall

A deep valley carved into craggy mountains standing almost straight on either side, the scenery is dramatic. From the vertical cliffs, 72 waterfalls cascade down into alpine meadows dotted with chalets. Behind the steep cliffs you can see the peaks of the high mountains behind. It doesn't really matter from which angle you look at Lauterbrunnen, it is an unreal beautiful place on this earth. Bucket list worthy, that's how beautiful it is.

Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen

1. Schilthorn

Schilthorn is famous for the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty's Secret Service which was recorded there. Ride the cable cars to the top of Lauterbrunnen and Murren and visit Piz Gloria Revolving Restaurant at 2970 meters. You have a beautiful view of mountain peaks and glaciers. Here you will find more information about the various mountain peaks, viewpoints and trains that go there.

2. Staubbach Falls

Located just outside the village, Staubbach Falls plunges 300 meters into the valley below. The Staubbach Falls are just across the road from Camping Jungfrau. The sound of the roaring water a little further on was wonderful to fall asleep to and to wake up to.

The World Travelers 4×4 at the Staubbach waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls
Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls

It also makes for great pictures, it doesn't really matter from which side you photograph this beautiful waterfall. It is beautiful from every angle, both near and far.

3. Murring

Visit the scenic traditional village of Murren. Murren can only be reached by the funicular from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg and is a stop on the way to Schilthorn. It is a car-free village and the highest village in the Bernese Oberland. To get there, take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp and then the train to Murren. The entire journey takes less than 30 minutes. After exploring Murren, take another cable car to the village of Stechelberg. From Stechelberg you walk through the valley back to Lauterbrunnen in about an hour. If you don't feel like walking (although I highly recommend it), there is a bus every 30 minutes.

4. Day trip to the Top of Europe

I spent a day at the Top of Europe at 3454 meters above sea level and visited the high-altitude building jungfraujoch. It houses an ice palace, a restaurant and viewing platforms. If you want to experience a winter wonderland, even in summer, this is the place to go. Through this link I bought a day pass (120 euros in low season, 200 euros in high season), which allowed me to travel freely in the region for a day on all trains, ski lifts and gondolas. The price also includes access to the ice tunnel and Jungfraujoch viewing platform. It's a hefty amount, but in retrospect it was well worth the money. Below you will experience further why it is worth your money.

You travel by train to the Top of Europe and Grindelwald with the Jungfrau railway. This departs from Lauterbrunnen with a cogwheel train to Kleine Scheidegg. Once you get there you can already see the Top of Europe in the distance. On the far right at the top of the mountain in the photo below.

Kleine Scheidegg Train Station with the Top of Europe in the Distance
Kleine Scheidegg Train Station with the Top of Europe in the Distance

The route up is indescribably beautiful. The train winds its way up and in the meantime I'm amazed. To then see a full-fledged train station at this dizzying height is astonishing. I quickly take some pictures while my hands are already freezing. There is a strong wind and it is -12.

5. Jungfraujoch | Top of Europe

So I'm not there yet. From here we have to make another climb, straight through the mountain, via the 7 km long Eiger tunnel to the top. It's an amazing journey and once there you look down over the Aletsch Glacier and to the German and Italian Alps. The view is truly spectacular. I decided to share some cookies with some tough birds who brave the wind and cold here. It resulted in some unique photos and videos, I felt completely one with these animals that confided in me completely and simply came to eat from my hand.

View Jungfraujoch | Top of Europe

To give you an idea of ​​how grand this place really is I have included the video of the site and feeding the birds below. Set the video quality to 4K if you have the option.

You can barely see or hear it on the video, but it was really cold up there. There was a strong wind this day of approximately 40 kilometers per hour and the temperature had now passed -16. You could stand in the sun on the side where the birds were, out of the wind and still enjoy it. The other side simply couldn't be held for more than a minute. In the video I walk there briefly, but really enjoying it was simply not possible on this side.

6. Ice Palace Jungfraujoch

I ate a sandwich in the restaurant with a view and then decided to explore the ice cave, officially called “Ice Palace Jungfraujoch at the Top of Europe' to enter. It's quite crazy to imagine that you are walking through ice that has been there for thousands of years.

Ice Palace Jungfraujoch
Ice Palace Jungfraujoch

Then it was time to travel to Grindelwald by gondola.

7. With the Eiger Express gondola to Grindelwald

The quintessential mountain village of Grindelwald is spectacular and I highly recommend a visit if your itinerary allows. When you travel from Jungfraujoch to Grindelwald you can take this gigantic gondola, the Eiger Express, from the Eiger glacier. It is the largest and most modern gondola in the world and spans over 6 kilometers in just 15 minutes.

View of Grindelwald from the gondola
View of Grindelwald from the gondola

The photo above seems high, but at this point you have actually almost arrived at the bottom of Grindelwald. To give you an idea of ​​the bizarre scale and heights of these means of transport, I recommend that you watch the Timewarp video below that I made with my GoPro. We start on the Eiger Glacier in the clouds and race down (and back up). What I find so striking and beautiful is the change in colors in the landscape. The gray and bleak height makes way for the green and colorful valley.

8. Paragliding in Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken

Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken are places where many paragliders love to visit. The bizarrely steep cliffs make it the perfect place for paragliding. You regularly see them coming down on both sides! Unfortunately I just couldn't see the jumps themselves from the campsite where I was staying. I had been quietly watching this for a few hours. I was captivated by the absolute beauty, silence and the absolute adrenaline and freedom they must experience during these types of jumps. It is a bucket list activity which I decided should also be on my own bucket list. If you're wondering what paragliding in Switzerland usually costs: around 180 euros. Here you can find more information about paragliding in Lauterbrunnen and/or Interlaken and also book.

Update November 2023: It paragliding over the Alps has now been crossed off my bucket list! ✅

9. Helicopter flight and landing on a glacier

And about bucket list activities spoken… During my stay in Lauterbrunnen I noticed that one helicopter after another took off and landed in the valley. They often transported wood or other heavy equipment, but after a quick Google search I soon found out that many of these flights are also recreational.

Also read: Bungee jumping | 10 spots to fall down at

I really wanted to take a helicopter flight one day, that has been a dream of mine for years, and preferably in a unique place. So I wanted to experience the epic views, glaciers and mountain peaks of Switzerland from above. I decided to contact the three different providers of helicopter flights in Lauterbrunnen. After calling and emailing back and forth (in which I explained, among other things, that I... Wereldreizigers.nl am), I was called early on Saturday morning with the message that I had to be there within 30 minutes. There was a spot left in one of the helicopters and I was allowed to board for a small amount. Yes! I packed my things and headed straight for it.

Helicopter flight from Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken
Helicopter flight from Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken

This unique bucket list activity was so cool that I dedicated an entire blog to it, including beautiful 4K footage of the flight. Below you can find the link to the relevant article.

Also read: Helicopter flight + landing on glacier in Lauterbrunnen | Bucket list activity ✔️

10. Kayaking on Lake Brienz near Interlaken

A lot less extreme than the previous activities, but definitely no less fun! The Brienzersee near Interlaken is bizarrely beautiful. I spent two days there and ate my breakfast on a bench (peanut butter crackers, yes!), next to the beautiful flowers of this beautiful lake as the sun came up.

Lake Brienz near Interlaken
Lake Brienz near Interlaken
Lake Brienz near Interlaken

At the end of the morning, the ducks and swans soon made way for various water sports enthusiasts, including kayakers and suppers. I didn't have time to do this activity myself but it looked beautiful and wonderfully relaxing from the side. Kayaking with such a view of a mirror-smooth lake! You can kayak on Brienzersee for 3 hours for about 80 euros, here to book.

11. Schoenbuehel Viewpoint

Another beautiful place to visit is Lungernersee. I especially think the viewpoint (seen below in the photo) is fantastic. I just stood here for an hour just after sunrise with a cup of coffee, sitting on the roof of my camper. You can find the exact location on Google Maps via this link.

Schoenbuehel viewpoint (Aussichtspunkt Chälrütirank) with a view of the Lungernersee, about 30 minutes from Interlaken
Schoenbuehel viewpoint (Aussichtspunkt Chälrütirank) with a view of the Lungernersee, about 30 minutes from Interlaken

12. Free natural wonders – nice walks

Many people come to this region for hiking. The trails are extensive and the views are unprecedented. It doesn't really matter which mountain you climb or which lake you look at. Each and every one of them is beautiful!

Keep in mind that you must be prepared to walk in this region. Even if you're not really a hiker and you don't look for it. You will also have to walk several meters between the many trains, cable cars and gondolas. Many meters. It's part of the deal, so to speak. However, I hope that you will not skip a visit to Switzerland, and this region in particular. This place is worth visiting for its sheer natural beauty alone. It really won't disappoint you!

The Staubbach Falls from afar
The Staubbach Falls from afar

I mean, personally, I could have just sat at the campsite in front of my RV. Or on a heated terrace. Tasting wine, drinking beer, eating cheese and gazing at the awe-inspiring view – and still being completely satisfied. After all, I am easily satisfied. But oh how glad I am that I took the time to really explore the region. With sore feet and muscle pain that haunted me for days, I look back on a unique experience that I will never forget. Switzerland, I'll be back! ❤️

Practical Information

Where to stay

A variety of accommodation options are available in Lauterbrunnen. Whether you go for luxury or something very basic, there is something for everyone. Also #vanlife travelers and motor home owners can be found in this region. I've collected some great suggestions below to suit most tastes and budgets.

Hotels & B&Bs

There are a number of hotels to choose from in Lauterbrunnen, varying in budget and style. Below the best in terms of price / quality / rating according to Booking.com.

  • Hotel Silverhorn – conveniently located near the train station. A four-star hotel with an excellent choice of room types. Here can be booked via TUI and here through Booking.com
  • Hotel Oberland – A family-run hotel, conveniently located 5 minutes from the train station and near the Staubbach Falls. Here can be booked via Booking.com.
  • Hotel Staubbach – A simple but rated 9.0 hotel / B&B located on the edge of the village near the Staubbach waterfalls. Here can be booked via Booking.com.

Camping & Hostel Jungfrau

I myself stayed with the 4×4 motorhome at Camping & Hostel Jungfrau and loved it. From Camping & Hostel Jungfrau you can look straight at the Staubbach waterfalls. Now that's a wonderful thing to wake up to! You can view prices and book via this link.

Photo of Camping Jungfrau with a view of the Staubbach waterfall
Photo from Camping Jungfrau with a view of the Staubbach waterfall

The campsite has plenty of places for travelers with caravans, campers and tents and also offers a range of bungalows, mobile homes and caravans on site. There are also shared rooms, so it is actually a kind of campsite, hostel and holiday park in one. It is also located directly on the river and the rippling water has a wonderfully relaxing effect.

In addition, in the summer months there is a Hostel Holiday Lodge on the campsite for groups up to 60 people and a Chalet for groups up to 100 people. The site also has a shop/newsstand, a restaurant and other facilities such as a launderette. Everything you need for a multi-day stay.

Switzerland is not cheap

When planning your trip, keep in mind that Switzerland is not cheap. If you have the opportunity, take groceries with you because even the groceries are pricey for Dutch standards.

During my stay I had enough budget to do fun things, but it all ticked a box. Petrol and diesel are a lot more expensive here than in the Netherlands. In the mountains, with these prices, you easily use 100 euros of fuel per day with a camper like mine, which gets 1 in 8 on the highway but consumes 1 in 5 or 6 in the high mountains of Switzerland.

An additional 100 euros per person for a day on the train and cable car, or 35 euros per day for a basic overnight stay at a campsite. Dining out? Then calculate about 1,5 to 2 times the amount you are usually used to in the Netherlands.

No, Switzerland is not cheap. But still I thought the trip through Switzerland was worth every euro. It is a unique country with bizarre landscapes and authentic villages. It's as if mother nature has saved all the best for you and put it all together in this region. The region of Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken takes the cake and you definitely want to go here once in your life.

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Chris

Owner of Wereldreizigers.nl † Discover the world!
- Full-time blogging world traveler.
- Writes about travel, photography, sustainability and gadgets.
- Likes to discover extreme and unknown places.

0 comments

  • Good afternoon Chris,

    We are going to Lauterbrunnen next week and have just read your nice article, great!

    Do you remember the name of the ski day pass for the Jungfraujoch and where to buy it?

    We would like to hear from you.

    • hey marco,

      That's a good prospect! But pooh, I can't remember exactly what it's called, but you can buy it in many places. At the train station and the gondolas I saw them at the sales points, I had already bought it then, just at the campsite where I was staying.

      If I were you, I'd just ask on the spot at your hotel or at your campsite, they'll probably know how to help you.

      Have fun in advance!

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