An Easy Hike Through Lauterbrunnen Valley
Home to 72 majestic waterfalls, some being among the tallest in Europe at over 400 meters high, Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of Switzerland’s most magical places and is a must-see for nature lovers. It’s not just known for its dozens of glacial waterfalls, but also its hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, quaint villages, and ski slopes.
Located between the alps of the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland, today we will be taking you on a walk through this stunning valley.
This easy, flat one hour leisurely stroll is a great starting activity for everyone wanting to see the beauty of the valley, without doing a strenuous hike. It begins in the village of Lauterbrunnen, and takes you to Stechelberg, where you have the option to take a bus back into town or stroll back along the trail. The trail, made up of a paved road leading later to a dirt road has everything that Swiss dreams are made of: magnificent waterfalls plunging down the valley, cute alpine homes with colorful flowers growing from the window sills, happy cows grazing in their open pastures, and striking views of the snow covered Swiss alps in the distance. During the days where weather permits, you will likely also see paragliders flying across the valley.
The path is great for bicycles, scooters, wheelchairs, and is mostly car-free, although you will see the occasional tractor or farming-mobile pass through.
There are a few restaurants along the trail where you can stop for a bite to eat, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy among the stunning scenery. Less than a couple kilometers into the walk you’ll even find an Alp Kiosk or vending machine, which sells locally produced cheeses, eggs, meats, among other delicacies to indulge in.
The best time to visit for warmer weather is May- August. However it’s also beautiful to see the changing colors in autumn and the snowy wonderland in winter months but be prepared for cooler temperatures. Do note that in winter, some of the other trails may be closed due to dangerous snow and ice conditions.
If you have more time, you can also visit the enchanting nearby villages of Wengen, Mürren, and Gimmelwald. If you’re interested in having more adventure, then there are dozens of epic hikes you can embark upon during your time here. There is no place on earth like Lauterbrunnen Valley, and it is somewhere you cannot miss on your trip to Switzerland.