Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls | The Top 9 You Can’t Miss!
Lauterbrunnen is one of the most stunning areas in the Swiss Alps with 72 thundering waterfalls in and around the Lauterbrunnen Valley, beautiful green meadows, fresh air, and a quieter village atmosphere. From personal experience, I can say if you are a nature or water lover, these Lauterbrunnen waterfalls are a must for your visit to Switzerland.
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Visiting 72 waterfalls in one trip is well… that’s a lot of water and travel time. Narrowing down which waterfalls are the most epic is tough, each one is unique in its own way and worth seeing.
I’ve broken this post down into which waterfalls are the best to visit, what to wear when to visit, and FAQ. Time to jump in!
Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland that was formed by glaciers many years ago. The limestone cliffs, alpine meadows, and dramatic scenary will pull you in the longer you are there.
Fun fact: Lauterbrunnen means “only sources”, and with this, it refers to the 72 waterfalls that come down from the mountains to the valley.
9 Best Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls to Visit
These are the top 9 waterfalls that I would recommend if you are visiting Lauterbrunnen for 2-3 days.
wouldn’t recommend trying to knock out each of the 72 falls, and instead take time and be in the moment to soak (literally) in all of the beauty.
1. Trummelbach Falls
These surging waterfalls are the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are accessible underground by lifts, galleries, tunnels, paths, and platforms. These powerful waterfalls carry the meltdown of the glaciers from the Jungfrau down to the valley.
2. Staubbach Waterfall
The most iconic waterfall in all of Lauterbrunnen is Staubbach Falls. This waterfall is the third tallest waterfall plunging at 297m high. This is an easy waterfall to visit and accessible for many by a short walk from the train station or designated parking area.
3. Talbach Falls
Located towards the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley is Talbach Falls. This waterfall shoots through down through rocks into the valley and is a sight to see.
Talbach Falls makes the list for being an intriguing phenomenon and the ability to get close to the waterfall.
Note: Please be cautious if you do get closer due to the slipperiness of the staircases that lead up to the top.
4. Mattenbachfälle
One of the highest waterfalls in the world is fed with melted snow and ice from the glaciers Silberhorn and Gisenengletscher.
From the ground, you will be emersed by the high-standing beauty of this Lauterbrunnen waterfall. The cliffs are steep and have layers of vegetation with water cascading over the rock. At the bottom of Mattenbachfälle is lush greenery that adds to this captivating destination.
5. Staldenbachfall
You will find this waterfall on the right side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley standing around 300m high.
Fun fact: Staldenbachfall is fed by the Staldenbach River and the Silberhorn glacier, resulting in this big tumbling waterfall.
6. Wasserfall Sprutz
One of the most special Lauterbrunnen waterfalls is Wasserfall Sprutz. You will be able to walk behind the waterfall, walk along the flower meadows, and experience the steep descent (be careful it is a wee bit slippery!).
7. Mürrenbach Falls
At 417m high, Mürrenbachfall stands tall at Switzerland’s highest waterfall. This waterfall cascades down the cliff in five different sections creating a magnificent site. One of the fun things to do while visiting this waterfall is to take the Schilthornbahn Cable Car to get an entirely different view of the falls and more!
Note: Keep an eye out for BASE jumpers in the area and please respect their space if you see them landing in nearby fields.
(This is for experienced personnel and I am not recommending that readers take part in this activity.)
8. Spissbachfall
Spissbachfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland standing at 280m high. This waterfall is intriguing because the flow varies a lot by season.
Travler’s Tip: I would highly recommend visiting Spissbachfall in the early summer to see the snow melt flowing down while being able to view it in the warmer weather too.
9. Reichenbach Falls
Reichenbach Falls may be last on this list, but it is still one of my favorite falls. Once you are in the canyon it is a nice walk through the trees and over bridges, where you can view crystal clear water and stunning views.
The walk to the top of the falls is steep, and this is not a leisurely walk like some of the other waterfalls. You can opt-in for the funicular (for a fee) that will take you to the top of the falls and stop at the viewpoint.
Fun fact: You may have heard about this waterfall from the fictional significance as this was the place of Sherlock Holmes’s dramatic death.
🔥 Similar Switzerland Posts:
Is Switzerland Worth Visiting? 21 Reasons to Visit
Switzerland Itinerary | 14 Day Guide from a Travel Expert
What to Wear to Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls
Now that we have covered the best 9 waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen to visit, let’s tackle what you should wear.
- Packable Waterproof & Windproof Rain Jacket
- Essential T-Shirts
- Toasty Socks
- Ultimate Waterproof Boots
- Warmest Gloves
- Insulated Down Jacket
- Eco-Friendly Waterbottle
- Windproof Rain Pants
Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls: FAQ
Before I visited Lauterbrunnen, these were some of the questions that I had. Once I was there and talked to other tourists, they had a lot of the same questions. I hope some of your questions can be answered here. 😊
⭐ How to get to Lauterbrunnen?
There are three different modes of transportation to get to Lauterbrunnen. You can take a train, rent a car, or take the bus. The train would be the easiest method of transportation that allows you to relax and take in the scenary.
The bus will take a bit longer, but you are still able to get to Lauterbrunnen. If you travel by car, this can be done at your own pace and not have to worry about taking a bus or train.
⭐ Can you swim in Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls?
No, these waterfalls are not made for swimming.
⭐ What is the Biggest Waterfall in Lauterbrunnen?
The highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland is Staubbachfall Falls.
⭐ Are there Accommodations in Lauterbrunnen?
Yes! There are hotels, hostels, and Vrbo in the area.
⭐Can you visit Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls Year-round?
You can visit the waterfalls year-round, however there are certain times of the year to consider when planning a trip.
Traveler’s Tip: April to September will be the best time to view the falls because the snow is melting, meaning more water will flow. However, the summer months are typically busy with tourists.
Lauterbrunnen Waterfalls Wrapped Up
From the majestic Staubbach Falls to the hidden gems like Trümmelbach Falls, there’s no shortage of natural wonders to marvel at in this Swiss paradise.
Wear comfy shoes – you’ll be doing some walking and maybe even a bit of hiking. Don’t forget your camera – you’ll want to capture every breathtaking moment.
Lauterbrunnen’s waterfalls are sure to leave you spellbound. So go ahead, chase waterfalls, make memories, and let the magic of Lauterbrunnen sweep you off your feet!
Happy Trails,
Mindful PNW Travels
