Is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting? [2024]
Is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting?
Lauterbrunnen is one of Switzerland’s most instantly recognisable destinations, but is it overrated? Is Lauterbrunnen worth the hype? We investigate - is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting?
Waterfalls at Lauterbrunnen
Open up any Switzerland trip itinerary on Google, and chances are that the small mountain village of Lauterbrunnen will be featured. With a population of just under 3,000, somehow this beautiful destination keeps tourists coming back, year after year. In this short guide, we outline why you should, and why you shouldn’t visit Lauterbrunnen.
RELATED: BLOG POST: Should I visit Lauterbrunnen or Wengen?
And also - Is Bern Worth Visiting?, Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Should I Visit Grindelwald or Zermatt?
Why Should I visit Lauterbrunnen?
Another angle of Lauterbrunnen
The mountain village of Lauterbrunnen is a visual feast. A quaint, charming Swiss village – surrounded by majestic waterfalls and a breathtaking valley – nature doesn’t get much more striking than this. I spent over a week in Switzerland and visited so many impressive places, but Lauterbrunnen was still one of the highlights.
Asher at Lauterbrunnen
Inside look at Lauterbrunnen Village
Lauterbrunnen is remarkably quiet and peaceful, even though it’s a popular tourist magnet. This pleasantly surprised me a little, as I didn’t expect this small town to retain that ‘tranquil Swiss village’ vibe after the town had blown up on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Whether it’s summer or winter, or any season in between, Lauterbrunnen is gorgeous all year. In the summer, the valley will be full of green, verdant colours. In the winter, Lauterbrunnen turns into an almost Iceland-like, Game of Thrones-esque scene.
Lauterbrunnen in Winter.
Although I visited in the Winter (and it was beautiful), I would recommend visiting in the Fall/Autumn or Summer, if possible. Because Lauterbrunnen is nestled between imposing valleys, it doesn’t get a lot of natural lighting in the winter – and this sometimes makes for dark photos. In the other seasons, the sun will shine in the perfect way, adding a shiny glow to the town.
Ralph at Lauterbrunnen.
Lauterbrunnen is also a good base for day trips. Just minutes away, you could easily visit other worthwhile destinations such as Mürren, Schilthorn, Wengen. Jungfraujoch, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald, Interlaken are also within close distance.
View from Wengen
Taking the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen
Why Shouldn’t I Visit Lauterbrunnen?
To be honest, there aren’t a lot of reasons why you shouldn’t visit Lauterbrunnen – even if it’s just for a few hours or so. Lauterbrunnen is a very quiet town, like I talked about, so if staying in uncrowded places isn’t your typical vibe – then I would avoid staying over.
There aren’t many reasons why you shouldn’t visit Lauterbrunnen.
Besides, there are so many other nearby busier places to stay, such as Grindelwald, Wengen and Mürren. From these towns, you can take a day trip out to Lauterbrunnen, and then come back to a busier setting before it gets too dark.
Grindelwald Town
If you’re wondering if you should visit Lauterbrunnen instead of other famous sights in Switzerland, like Zermatt, Zurich, St Moritz, Geneva and Montreaux, this would be a matter of personal choice. What kind of scenery appeals to you? Do you like busy places or quieter ones?
Zermatt, Switzerland
There’s not a whole lot to do in Lauterbrunnen itself, apart from walking around the town and maybe going on a few hiking/walking trails around the area. This could easily bore some travellers, which I would totally understand. Places like Zurich and Geneva are always buzzing with things to do.
Church in Lauterbrunnen
Similarly, there aren’t many restaurants, shops, café’s or other amenities, and these places also close early. This is something to take into account when deciding whether to visit Lauterbrunnen, and is it can be awfully inconvenient if you need to eat a meal past 9pm.
I visited most of the places I mentioned above on my trip to Switzerland, but Lauterbrunnen still holds a special place in my heart, so I personally would still recommend visiting.
Final Verdict – Is Lauterbrunnen Worth Visiting?
Striking mountains of Lauterbrunnen Valley
Yes, I think Lauterbrunnen is definitely worth visiting. Unless you’re not a nature lover and absolutely despise quiet and peaceful places – in which case, maybe you should rethink visiting Switzerland entirely – you will thoroughly enjoy witnessing Lauterbrunnen’s beauty.
PS: If you’re in the area, you should also consider visiting Wengen, as its just a short train ride away from Lauterbrunnen.
Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen
Decided to visit Lauterbrunnen? There are a handful of accomodation options around, but they sell out fast - so you have to book early! Here are handpicked hotels and accommodations for you.
Budget: Valley Hostel
The Valley Hostel is budget-friendly and cozy. Featuring clean and comfortable hostel rooms and views to die for, this a great choice for those looking to save money.
You can take a closer look at the Valley Hostel by clicking here.
Mid-Range: Chalet Rosa B&B
The Chalet Rosa B&B is another great choice in Lauterbrunnen. Hidden away just below a stunning waterfall and featuring homey private rooms and delicious breakfast - this is a fantastic choice for visitors.
You can take a closer look at the Chalet Rosa B&B by clicking here.
Luxury: Hotel Silberhorn
The Hotel Silberhorn is Lauterbrunnen’s finest hotel. With its gorgeous views from the bedroom, hot tub and intricate interior, staying here is a rare opportunity to stay at a luxury hotel on a budget.
You can check out Hotel Silberhorn by clicking here.
How to get to and from Lauterbrunnen
The easiest way to get to Lauterbrunnen is by using Switzerland’s efficient public transport system.
First, you’re have to reach Interlaken Ost station. Then, catch a train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen Station. It is a 20-minute journey and a train leaves for Lauterbrunnen every 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can also drive to Lauterbrunnen - but you must pay park next to the train station, as Lauterbrunnen is a pedestrian-only town.
If you have the budget and need to catch a flight out of Zurich airport, I would also recommend booking a private transfer. Here are some you could check out to make your journey from Lauterbrunnen easier: