A Waterfall Paradise Amidst the Swiss Alps: LAUTERBRUNNEN
- Pelin YÜCE
- Aug 29, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 14
Today is Lauterbrunnen – Mürren and Allmendhubel day. It seems like an exciting route to climb awaits us once again. So, let's start with Lauterbrunnen...
Lauterbrunnen, a waterfall paradise nestled in the Swiss Alps, is a valley formed by glacial movements. There are exactly 72 waterfalls here, and the village's name actually comes from this. The first settlement began during the Roman period, and by the 18th century, the area gained fame as climbers started to discover it for mountaineering.
The most famous waterfall in Lauterbrunnen is Staubbach, which, at 297 meters, holds the title of Switzerland's highest free-falling waterfall. As you enter the town, the first waterfall you'll see is Staubbach. In the summer, you can even climb up the rocks to the waterfall and watch the powerful flow from behind. Another natural wonder is the Trümmelbach waterfall, which you can reach via a tunnel lift. However, it is only accessible in the summer. This waterfall, fed by glaciers at around 4,000 meters high, is one of the reasons it is so appealing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to see it, but if you visit in the summer, it’s definitely a must-see place.
The Lauterbrunnen Valley attracts tourists not only with its waterfalls but also with its hiking trails. To explore this village and take in the stunning views it offers, you only need to spend 1-2 hours following the signs. It's no surprise that these natural beauties are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
One of the best activities to do while in this village is to visit Mürren, a car-free village. Although we hadn’t done any prior research, we ended up going there simply because my husband's name is 'Müren' and after seeing the dreamlike landscapes, we visited the village a second time.
You can reach Mürren from Lauterbrunnen by taking a cable car and then a train from the station right at the village entrance. First, you take the cable car to Grütschalp, which offers breathtaking views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley from high up. Then, right where you get off, a mountain train awaits you. After a 20-minute train ride, you arrive in the village of Mürren. However, I must say that this is no ordinary journey. The mountain views you’ll see, whether summer or winter, will make this 20-minute journey feel like it’s over in seconds.
Mürren is a mountain village located at an altitude of 1,638 meters. Unfortunately, until 1891, the only way to reach this village was on foot. However, with the development of mountaineering tourism in 1891, a cable car was built. During World War I, it’s worth noting that prisoners of war were held in this village. The village, with its landscapes that make you question their reality, makes one think that even as a prisoner, you could still be lucky...
After a short stroll around this small village and some exploration, you can take a funicular up to Allmendhubel. Allmendhubel is at an altitude of 1,907 meters and is adorned with views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains, known as the three famous peaks of the Alps. There’s even a restaurant and a children's playground here. You can sip your drink at the panoramic-view restaurant and enjoy the pleasant time your child is having. Of course, you can also take short mountain walks...
If you have more time, I’d like to suggest another idea for those heading to this area. Since our time was limited, we didn’t have the chance to go, but I see these as opportunities to visit again. 😊
There is another point you can reach by cable car from Mürren. This is Schilthorn, which is at an altitude of 2,970 meters. Here, there is a restaurant offering a 360-degree panoramic view of over 200 peaks. You can dine here and enjoy the dizzying views. Let’s not forget to mention that a movie was also filmed here. On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a James Bond film made in 1969.
As I conclude my writing, I must say that this region, like all of Switzerland, is rich in must-see places. There are many villages, towns, and natural wonders to explore, such as Gimmelwald and Wengen. I hope I get the chance to see these places on my next visit...
If you haven’t read it yet, I recommend you first read my article titled "The Enchanting Villages of the Swiss Alps"
Yolda Bir Kalem, leaving a mark on every journey…
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