One thousand-foot waterfalls. Snow-capped Alps. Cows grazing in flower-covered meadows. Lauterbrunnen is what you think of when you think of Switzerland, that is to say, the hills are very much alive with the sound of music! Here waterfalls pour from dramatic cliffsides, while the Alps surround you on every side. The air is clean, the town is Medieval, and you really get a sense of village Swiss life that is very much in tune with nature. And with so many things to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland it's impossible to leave without wanting to see more!

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One thousand-foot waterfalls. Snow-capped Alps. Cows grazing in flower-covered meadows. Lauterbrunnen is what you consider once you consider Switzerland, that’s to say, the hills are very a lot alive with the sound of music! Right here waterfalls pour from dramatic cliffsides, whereas the Alps encompass you on each facet. The air is clear, the city is Medieval, and you actually get a way of village Swiss life that could be very a lot in tune with nature. And with so many issues to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland it’s unimaginable to depart with out eager to see extra!

I just lately went to Switzerland on a whirlwind tour, the place I visited Zurich, Lucerne, Lauterbrunnen, and Zermatt to create the right 5-day Switzerland Itinerary. And whereas I liked each second of visiting this clear, stunningly attractive nation, there was one place I visited that left the largest impression – Lauterbrunnen.

Lauterbrunnen is like stepping again in time. Every little thing feels contemporary, easy, and the beautiful fantastic thing about nature takes middle stage. Right here, you possibly can journey up the facet of mountains by cable automotive to remain on the earth’s most lovely hostel within the Alps, the place flowers bloom all summer time and the sound of cowbells fill the air. There are even some surprises which can be simply ready to be explored (like glacial waterfalls in a mountain!?).

So let’s dive in and see all issues to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland!

Psst: Planning a go to to Europe or the Switzerland space? Take a look at a few of our different posts that will help you plan your journey!

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view of gimmelwald and the alps in switzerland on a 5-day switzerland itinerary
View of Gimmelwald from up above.

Issues to Learn about Visiting Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

I had a ton of questions earlier than heading to Switzerland. Like, how do I navigate the prepare system? (Simply, fortunately!) How a lot German do I have to know? (Not a ton lot it seems.) Can I survive on cheese and chocolate alone? (Apparently sure, although my physique did begin to crave a vegetable every so often.)

How lengthy ought to I keep in Lauterbrunnen?

Since a thousand years isn’t a viable possibility, I’d say spending 5 days in Lauterbrunnen can be a wonderful strategy to see the realm whereas taking it good and sluggish. Have in mind Lauterbrunnen isn’t only a city – the Lauterbrunnen Valley space has loads of small mountain villages to discover and excursions to do, so you possibly can keep busy!

How do I get to Lauterbrunnen?

Your finest guess shall be to fly into Zurich Airport, then take a prepare about 2.5 hours from Zurich to Lauterbrunnen. You’ll be able to at all times search the prepare schedule on google maps, and the trains are immediate and environment friendly. The trains are additionally very clear and tremendous enjoyable; you’ll actually be sitting and oohing and ahhing over the landscapes as you journey to your subsequent vacation spot!

I additionally extremely advocate getting a 6-day 2nd class Swiss Travel Pass, which not solely covers trains and cable automobiles however many of the tour transportation for the various things to do in Lauterbrunnen. This cross pays for itself and takes the guesswork out of shopping for every ticket and tour tickets. It’s actually a lifesaver and a deal!

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train station with train in switzerland
The trains in Switzerland are immediate and simple to navigate!

What’s the perfect time of the yr to go to Lauterbrunnen?

Since this stuff to do in Lauterbrunnen are for warm-weather actions, the perfect time to go to Switzerland is July-October.

I visited on the finish of September and the climate was almost good – days within the mid-70s whereas some nights within the alps received into the 40s. That being mentioned, you’ll be taking an tour to the very best prepare station in Europe so that you’ll need a winter jacket and boots for the snow! September can be a good time if you wish to see the parade of cows in Lauterbrunnen (the perfect form of parade, belief me!).

Since it’s so temperate throughout this time, you possibly can anticipate to see a number of lovely wildflowers and gardens, particularly up within the Alps, the place it’s like perpetual spring. As an individual who loves flowers, I used to be blown away by the serene fantastic thing about the surroundings. It actually doesn’t get extra picturesque or pristine than Lauterbrunnen.

Do I have to study German?

Lia swore I didn’t want any German… however I believe somewhat German goes a great distance!

As an individual who loves studying languages, I’d have studied German on Duolingo if I didn’t spend two weeks frantically planning my 5-day Switzerland Itinerary. Whereas nothing unhealthy occurred by not figuring out any German in addition to greetings, I did have some lost-in-translation moments that will have been useful with a tiny little bit of conversational means.

And although I maintain saying “German”, remember that German is just one of FOUR nationwide languages of Switzerland. That’s proper – 4. The official languages are German, Italian, French, and Romansh. How about that?

Whereas Lauterbrunnen is positioned within the German-speaking a part of Switzerland, anticipate to listen to all these languages and extra! Principally study greetings in all these languages if potential – it’s like each particular person you discuss to will greet you in a different way.

Essentially the most enjoyable (and customary) strategy to say goodbye is “Tschüss“(chuus), so at the least study that!

What apps ought to I obtain for Switzerland?

I found that since Switzerland is such a small nation with solely 8.5 million residents, they really have their very own apps which makes planning and navigating the nation simpler!

Listed here are the Swiss apps I used and some others that can assist with basic touring:

  • MeteoSwiss: This Switzerland-specific climate app is much extra helpful than the conventional climate app in your cellphone. You’ll be able to search climate by space, and it’ll give data as to when precipitation is anticipated. I do know that appears like each different climate app however belief me, it’s extra correct and really helpful!
  • SBB Mobile: That is the app for the prepare and bus service in Switzerland, and could have timetables and platform numbers. This can be a good app to have in your cellphone, although I just about simply used Google Maps the complete time and it gave me the identical, correct data.
  • Google Maps: Positively obtain this when you don’t have it. It’s tremendous useful for locating locations (clearly) and provides nice strolling instructions. It’s additionally good to have if it’s essential sort in “meals” at any level. Strolling all day makes you hungry!
  • Google Translate: Except you converse German, it would be best to have this downloaded to translate phrases you don’t know. Although loads of signage and menus are in English, that’s not at all times the case, and you may even use the digicam perform to translate in real-time.

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Issues to Do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Ahhh, the hills are really alive with the sound of music within the Swiss Alps. Lauterbrunnen Valley has all of it – meadows of wildflowers, snow-capped Alps, cows will bells on… You’ll be able to wander on this pastoral paradise ceaselessly and by no means recover from the majesty of its magnificence. Under are the perfect issues to do in Lauterbrunnen!

shops and hotel in lauterbrunnen with Staubbach Falls in the background on a 5-day switzerland itinerary
Staubbach Falls almost 1000′ into the Lauterbrunnen valley.

Stroll round Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is the primary village that sits in Lauterbrunnen Valley, the place 72 waterfalls circulation from the thousand-foot cliffs on both facet of the valley (together with Trümmelbach Falls). The identify “Lauterbrunnen” means “many springs”, which isn’t any shock as you stroll across the valley listening to the sound of speeding water throughout you.

The village was first mentioned in writing in 1304, and its medieval attraction continues to be prevalent right this moment, with its chalet-style buildings with window bins over-following with colourful flowers and the tall church spire in the midst of city.

One thing you’ll discover about being in a valley surrounded by cliffs is how dramatically the sunshine modifications from one hour to a different – the complete city will be coated in shade by mid-afternoon because the solar passes by the cliff partitions. Life right here is dictated by nature and fewer by human drive, and there’s a “village time” facet to it. That being mentioned, the city of Lauterbrunnen itself is a bit “touristy”, so anticipate to see loads of memento retailers, and naturally, vacationers.

A number of the issues to take a look at within the city of Lauterbrunnen, so as from the prepare station into city are:

  • Coop Supermarkt Lauterbrunnen – Okay, it could appear a bit foolish to incorporate a grocery store as a spot to cease, however this Swiss chain is the place to replenish on Swiss chocolate to take house as a memento (or eat in your hostel), and beer (to additionally drink in your hostel). You’ll principally be getting Swiss chocolate costs with out paying for “vacationer” Swiss chocolate. Coop (pronounced “co-op”) has a number of nice Swiss snacks as properly, to not point out cheese!
  • Boutique Im Bade – Moreover bringing house chocolate, you might wish to carry house another souvenirs. A well-liked factor to get are wood, painted Swiss cows, which are literally made in Switzerland and have little bells round their necks like actual Swiss cows! Moreover that, there are the basic Swiss military knives and the girl who owns the shop is tremendous candy and useful (she helped me discover the closest “Apotheke” or pharmacy to get ibuprofen).
  • Horner Pub – Lauterbrunnen is so quaint (how quaint is it!) that they solely have one bar in the complete city. That’s proper, Horner Pub is the one late-night place to get a drink in all of Lauterbrunnen, open till 12:30am on “busy weekdays” and a pair of:30am on Friday and Saturday. After a day of exploring you understand you possibly can at all times relax and have a beer and take heed to the sound of the enduring Staubbach Falls speeding from the above cliff face.
  • Talmuseum – The Talmuseum, “Valley Museum” in English, is the place to study all about life in Lauterbrunnen, particularly because it hasn’t modified that a lot since medieval instances! Situated in a former mill of the sixteenth century, you possibly can find out about what residing and dealing would have been like tons of of years in the past, bobbin lace, alpine delicacies, woodworking, tourism, and a ski assortment. They’ve altering reveals so that you’ll at all times study one thing attention-grabbing on this residing time capsule!
  • Kirche Lauterbrunnen – The Lauterbrunnen Church is the enduring middle of city, with its tall spire reaching far above the tops of the opposite buildings. The folks of Lauterbrunnen devoted this small Gothic church to St. Andrew in 1488, and it’s an excellent place to wander round, listening to the sound of the church bells. You’ll be able to discover the close by graveyard as properly, the place the graves are decked with flowers and are in neat little rows, including to the quaintness.
  • Staubbach Falls – Staubbach Falls can’t be missed, like actually, it’s an enormous waterfall cascading from the cliffs 1000′ above down into the valley under. It’s additionally the biggest free-falling waterfall in Europe! Within the fall (September onward) the waterfall is at its fullest from glacial runoff – it’s majestic, surreal, and completely value getting a more in-depth take a look at. Hike in direction of the falls and also you’ll discover a stairway as much as a platform the place you possibly can take a more in-depth look, and really feel the mist (or “dust” which “Staub” means) in your face and physique. Think about this your baptism into Switzerland!

Hike As much as Sprutz Waterfall

Mountaineering is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Lauterbrunnen, and this hike blends beautiful views with a wonderful vacation spot. Mountaineering as much as Sprutz waterfall, is properly, a hike, we’re speaking about 700′ up and a mile to succeed in it. And although that will sound like lots – it’s definitely worth the effort – you’re going to get probably the most breathtaking views of the alps I had on my whole journey on the best way up and again. It ought to solely take about 40 minutes up (so they are saying), however plan nearer to an hour (about two for the entire journey) because it appears everybody in Switzerland is a quicker hiker than I’m (I actually watched 60-year-old Swiss girls virtually run by me). Convey a number of water and begin early!

To get there, you’ll observe the signal to Mürren outdoors Mountain Hostel (which is correct by the cable automotive station when you don’t find yourself staying there) which is able to take you up a path previous meadows and up the hill overlooking Gimmewald. Alongside the best way, you’ll undergo numerous gates to maintain these pesky cows from attempting to flee. As soon as on the prime of the hill, you’ll attain a forest of pine bushes and an indication for “Sprutz Waterfall” which you’ll observe up!

When you’ve climbed deep into the forest, you’ll see one other signal for “Sprutz” pointing left, and can observe the sound of water as you hike right down to a wonderful waterfall that spills over a cliff edge making a cascade – which you could really stroll behind!

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paragliders with the alps in the background in gimmelwald switzerland on a 5-day switzerland itinerary
Paragliders silently gliding over Lauterbrunnen Valley.

On a sunny day, the mist from the gushing water is refreshing, and from the waterfall you possibly can look past the pines, admiring the snow-covered alps whereas paragliders gently float by within the distance. Lots of people really come to this space to paraglide, and also you completely can take a tandem paragliding rideHowever not me!

When you get your fill of the beautiful waterfall surroundings, head again in the identical course you got here, taking large deep breaths of the towering pine bushes. Simply don’t be tempted to proceed ahead on the trail beneath the waterfall or else you’ll do a big loop, which is able to take you again on the primary path in the end however will add fairly a little bit of time to your journey.

As you allow the forest, you’ll be handled to probably the most beautiful view of Gimmelwald under and the alps looming like titans within the distance. Sit on the first bench you discover and benefit from the views and have a snack. You earned it!

Discover Trümmelbach Falls

As I’ve talked about, Lauterbrunnen is house to loads of waterfalls. You’ll be able to hear water speeding within the distance from just about wherever you’re. However what about waterfalls… inside a cliff face?

Situated only a fast bus journey away from city, Trümmelbach Falls are subterranean glacial waterfalls, the place over 5000 gallons of chilly glacial runoff per second surges down by the boulders to swimming pools under. The impact is chilling, misty, and magical – you possibly can really feel the uncooked drive of nature simply ft out of your fingertips.

It takes at the least half-hour to discover the falls, from taking the carry up contained in the mountain (an journey in itself) to winding your means again down by tunnels, paths, and platforms taking within the speeding water, however you might simply spend for much longer right here. With every set of stairs you climb and tunnel you cross by, you’ll discover a new stream of relentless, stunningly turquoise glacial water gushing downwards. It’s as pure and clear as water can get.

The expertise is thunderingly loud, since you’re actually in caves the place water is plummeting down, and the bottom is fairly moist, so put on good footwear and a heat jacket. There may be additionally a small charge to get in, however completely value it for the distinctive and fantastical expertise.

After your superb, life-changing hike by a watery mountain, cease in Restaurant Trümmelbach, which is the constructing proper subsequent to the street. This little self-serve cafe has your fundamentals – scrumptious little sandwiches, fries, and contemporary meringue. I received a cucumber and cheese sandwich, a tasty raspberry meringue, and a cup of espresso and sat outdoors, having fun with the ever-regal presence of the Alps. That is how you reside your life to the fullest!

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Swiss Käsespätzle at Restaurant Weidstübli in lauterbrunnen on a 5-day switzerland itinerary
Swiss Käsespätzle at Restaurant Weidstübli was my favourite factor I ate on my journey to Lauterbrunnen.

Eat atRestaurant Weidstübli

Whenever you get hungry after climbing or wandering by subterranean waterfalls (which you’ll!), it’s time to go to Restaurant Weidstübli, a standard Swiss restaurant that is part of the hostel Camping Jungfrau, positioned on the foot of the well-known 1000′ tall Staubbach Waterfall. How’s that for ambiance?

On an attractive day, there may be loads of outside seating beneath the white and pink striped awnings, with pink geraniums blooming throughout you. It’s like being in a Swiss film, or similar to, in Switzerland, which you really shall be when you eat right here!

Order their leaf/vegetable salad that comes with carrots, sprouts, pink cabbage, and loads of greens to offset all of the cheese and chocolate you’ll eat. On your foremost course, it’s important to attempt the “Äpler” Macaroni, which is a tackle the basic Swiss Käsespätzle.

Principally, this dish is Rigatoni noodles in a creamy cheese sauce with cubes of potatoes and crispy fried onions on prime. It additionally comes with a facet of apple sauce, which as bizarre because it sounds, is the right candy foil to this savory, decadent dish. Additionally if this sounds bizarre to you, you may have additionally not met my husband, who loves consuming apple sauce regardless of not being a toddler. To every his personal, I assume!

It will not be probably the most conventional model of Käsespätzle I’ve ever eaten, but it surely was actually my favourite. Plus that is the right place to sit down and benefit from the Alps, and possibly when you’re fortunate, meet some pleasant English-speaking vacationers, just like the couple from Texas I met who love Lauterbrunnen and spend weeks right here yearly. That’s the best way to do it!

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the honesty shop in gimmelwald in lauterbrunnen switzerland
Somewhat old style honesty goes a great distance on the Honesty Store!

Stroll round Quaint Gimmelwald

Gimmelwald is somewhat village close to the city of Lauterbrunnen. Whereas Lauterbrunnen rests within the valley, Gimmelwald is positioned about 800 ft up – sure, it’s positioned up on the cliffs that encompass the valley! However by no means worry, getting there may be straightforward, you simply take the bus from Lauterbrunnen to the Stechelberg Cable Car station. The primary cease is Gimmelwald!

When you arrive within the pure air of the alps within the city of Gimmewald, you’ll solely hear the sound of falling water, birds chirping, and the bells ringing across the neck of cows grazing within the pastures. There are not any automobiles in Gimmewald and no new buildings – solely the sounds of nature and wildflowers in all places which appear to be in perpetual bloom. Even Rick Steves loves visiting Gimmelwald, saying, “If Heaven isn’t what it’s cracked as much as be, ship me again to Gimmelwald.” 

As you wander round Gimmelwald, be sure that to pop into the Honesty Shop, positioned subsequent to Mountain Hostel (which ought to completely be your property base for exploring Lauterbrunnen!). Inside, they’ve snacks, souvenirs, and you guessed it, nobody working there! No cameras, no supervision of any form, simply good old style honesty. In case you determine to purchase one thing, there’s a field to deposit your cash in. What an attractive idea!

In all honesty, there isn’t a lot to do in Gimmelwald, however slightly simply be. Stroll round, take a look at the outdated homes on this little city which was inbuilt 1346, benefit from the wildflowers and superbly maintained gardens, and stare into the Alps trying like Titans within the distance.

View of the town of Murren and the alps in switzerland
Mürren is larger than the tiny Gimmelwald, with extra retailers and loads of hikers passing by.

Discover Mürren & Take a Cheese Tour

Situated one other 1000 ft up is Mürren, which is the second cease on the cable automotive! All you’ll do is hop on the cable automotive by Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald and you’ll be in Mürren in minutes.

Mürren, like Gimmelwald, has no automobiles and is your idyllic alpine village, however with extra shops, eating places and guests than the tiny Gimmelwald. You’ll see loads of vacationers climbing by the village, and consuming from wood water fountains the place you possibly can replenish your water from the runoff of glaciers. The water is potable, the truth is, all of Switzerland’s water is drinkable except in any other case famous. Some pure, glacial refreshment!

Whereas Mürren is a well-liked ski vacation spot within the wintertime, in the summertime and fall hikers come by to go to the native retailers and benefit from the slower tempo of life. Mürren isn’t a lot about “doing”, however “experiencing”, being within the second, and taking within the pure environment of the Alps. Except you wish to do the via Ferrata, which takes doing to complete new heights!

Cease within the native retailers and discover one thing you possibly can solely get within the Alps – I picked up a “bloom tea” made with meadow wildflowers to take house to a pal as a present. Additionally discuss to the native cows (they received’t choose), their bells ringing throughout the fields, and cease to take a look at the dahlias and edelweiss rising within the native gardens. It’s like time merely doesn’t exist right here.

Through the summer time between mid-July to early September, you possibly can take an Alpine Cheese Tour in Mürren, the place you possibly can see how cheese is made whereas on a guided tour with locals. The excursions start at 7:45am on the Mürren cable automotive station, and you could make reservations there up till the night earlier than the tour (you possibly can by e mail too on the website).

The tour contains an hour hike of about 2.3 miles from Mürren to the Schiltalp Restaurant the place the cheese is made and contains breakfast, and naturally, loads of cheese tasting! It’s a good way to see how all these cows contribute to the Swiss’s livelihood, plus you get an attractive morning hike and get to select a neighborhood’s mind.

It’s a couple of 45-minute hike right down to the village after and you should have skilled a surprising hike to begin your day. That’s the Swiss life!

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flower trail in murren in lauterbrunnen switzerland
Nothing like flowers and sweeping Alpine views. (Photograph Credit score: Jungfrau Area Tourismus AG)

Hike the Flower Path

For one more exercise in Mürren, head towards the Allmendhubel-Bahn, the funicular on the facet of the mountain in the midst of city. After a quick 4-minute journey up, you’ll end up with an excellent greater overlook of the Alps, which we are able to all respect.

Whereas there’s a restaurant and a giant playground for the youngsters right here, the primary draw is the Flower Trail, which isa downhill hike again to the city of Mürren (you’re welcome). It’s about 1.3 miles, and may solely take about an hour, however you’re going to get to see every kind of wildflowers rising on the hills (as much as 150 varieties), and the path even weaves by the forest a bit for the total German expertise.

You’ll see flowers in yellows and blues and pinks, and naturally, the beautiful, white Edelweiss whether it is nonetheless in season. Fields of flowers encompass you, with the brilliant blue sky and mountains within the distance. That is your cue to sing!

For extra particular data on the Flower Path, the Swiss Family Fun’s guide will inform you every part it’s essential know.

When you attain Mürren, you might be hungry, so pop into one of many native cafes just like the ultra-cozy Café LIV. Right here you possibly can seize some espresso, a sandwich, and possibly a bit of cake earlier than heading again to Mountain Hostel (or wherever you’re staying) or our subsequent focal point!

Go to Birg & Schilthorn

You by no means wish to miss a possibility to get excessive within the Alps, excessive in elevation, that’s! Schithorn is without doubt one of the tallest mountains within the area at 2,970 meters ( or 9,744 ft). Moreover getting beautiful views of the encircling Alps, Piz Gloria (the summit constructing) on Schithorn is understood for being featured within the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, so that you will be positive there may be loads of Bond ephemera to discover!

Up prime at Piz Gloria, you are able to do such Bond-related activities like dine within the 360°-Restaurant, take a look at Spy World (an interactive Bond exhibit), and the outside “stroll of fame” which traces the Bond filming location. Moreover the considerably hokey Bond experiences, the perfect factor that awaits you’re the views – the Piz Gloria Viewing platform provides you 360-degree views of the Alps with views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. The air doesn’t get any cleaner right here, and also you positively really feel such as you’re standing on prime of the world.

When you’re completed with Piz Gloria, take the cable automotive right down to the subsequent cease of Birg (although you may as well do that expertise first, when you like!). Birg sits at 2677 meters (or 8783 ft) and the primary exercise right here is the Thrill Walk, which because it sounds, is an exhilarating strategy to see extra of the beautiful Alps, wildflowers, and rolling inexperienced hills. This 650ft path winds down alongside the vertical partitions of the craggy mountainside, the place you’ll gaze down by the steel grate path, cross mesh bridges, and even cross over sections of glass! Not nice for these frightened of heights, however nice for views!

There are a few other activities on the Birg cease, like a restaurant, a viewing platform, and a 2-mile out-and-back hike to Grauseeli to see a wonderful instance of a glimmering Swiss lake for these good picture alternatives.

To get to Schilthorn and Birg, you’ll take the identical cable automotive line that connects the Lauterbrunnen Valley (Stechelberg), Gimmelwald, and Mürren – the subsequent two highest stops are Birg and Schilthorn. The cable automobiles run every half hour and it’s only a matter of taking the subsequent cable automotive up at every station, making it arduous to get misplaced! The fee to get to Schilthorn from Mürren is about $46 with a Swiss Journey Cross (50% off the total value), however that features the cease at Birg and all of the actions (sans meals).

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cow with flowers on its head in the parade of cows in lauterbrunnen in switzerland
Mooooove over, I’m fabulous and coming by!

See the Cow Parade

“Did you hear? There’s a cow parade!” “Are you going to the cow parade?” The city was buzzing and one phrase was uttered by each mouth – cow parade. What was this cow parade? Why was this cow parade? Might this cow parade be as lovable as I had hoped? Sure, sure it was.

The cow parade occurs in Lauterbrunnen from September by early October, the precise dates altering barely every year. However if you’re within the space you’ll know. Individuals shall be lining the streets of Lauterbrunnen and ready for one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Lauterbrunnen!

The cow parade is sort of a simple idea – the farmers transfer their cows right down to the valley for the autumn as a result of the mountains are about to get actual chilly. However the Swiss love their cows, in order that they ship them down in type.

Adorned with flower crowns, and massive ringing bells, the cows moo their means by city in a jaunty style, with vacationers (like myself) oohing and ahhing over these valuable mountain dwellers of their finery.

I used to be fortunate sufficient to simply occur to be there whereas it was occurring, so I used to be in a position to see this as I took myself and my baggage right down to the prepare station. For extra details about the parades and to examine the dates, maintain the attention on the Newly Swissed Blog.

jungfraujoch in lauterbrunnen switzerland
Jungfraujoch takes you to the “prime of Europe”! (Photo Credit)

Take a Day Journey to the Prime of Europe: Jungfraujoch

Because you’re touring within the alps area you might wish to go all the best way. All the best way… up!

Jungfraujoch: Top of Europe is the very best railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters above sea stage (or 11,332 ft) and sits on the saddle of two 4000+ meter mountains of the Bernese Alps: the Jungfrau and the Mönch. Getting up this excessive affords you beautiful views of the Alps on a transparent day and views of the Aletsch Glacier, which is the longest glacier in Europe and a World Pure Heritage Web site.

The identify itself is a little bit of a misnomer, in that when you go to Zermatt you possibly can go to Mountain Glacier Paradise by cable automotive which is at 3883 meters (12,739.5 ft) which is greater up (take a look at my 5-Day Switzerland Itinerary on how to do that!). One thing else to find out about Jungfraujoch is that it’s costly, about $200 (about $150 with the really useful Swiss Journey Cross’s 25% low cost) per particular person but it surely’s positively a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. And when you’re in Switzerland, do it!

It takes about an hour and 45 minutes to get to Jungfraujoch from Lauterbrunnen, and you’ll have to begin at Lauterbrunnen railway station and take the prepare to Kleine Scheidegg (sit on the precise facet for the perfect views of the Alps, although loads of the journey is thru a tunnel). Your Swiss Journey Cross covers your fare to Wengen (the cease earlier than Kleine Scheidegg), however previous that you’re going to get a 25% low cost on the remainder of the journey together with to Jungfraujoch. As soon as at Kleine Scheidegg, you’ll hop on the Jungfraujoch prepare that’s going to take you to the highest!

Give your self at the least 4 hours to discover Jungfraujoch when you arrive, as there may be loads to do on the prime from films to kitschy shows to an ice palace to climbing the majestic Alps! There are many eating places and retailers as properly, so that you received’t go hungry and you may simply spend extra money. Take the elevator as much as the primary viewing platform, referred to as the Sphinx Terrance, for distinctive views of the Alps and the Aletsch Glacier.

Essentially the most lovely factor you are able to do up prime is to hike to Mönchsjochhütte, somewhat hut positioned 2.4km (about 1.5 miles) from the primary constructing. This offers you probably the most beautiful views of the glacier and makes you are feeling towering over the world as you’re taking within the Alps throughout you. Bear in mind it’s a slight hike up, and at this altitude, a brief distance can really feel for much longer. It’s a snow-covered path, so put on a very good jacket, footwear, and sun shades for the brilliant snow. When you attain the hut, you possibly can heat up inside and even eat a meal when you’re hungry. Give your self at the least 2 hours to do that hike spherical journey, and be ready to spend about 4 hours complete right here with the hike!

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The Ultimate Packing List: 43 Must-Have Travel Items (by a Full-Time Travel Blogger)

mountain hostel with alps in the background in gimmelwald switzerland on 5-day switzerland itinerary
Lauterbrunnen, and the Mountain Hostel, are what desires are product of.

The place to Keep in Lauterbrunnen

Lauterbrunnen is an incredible place to remain for 2 days, two weeks, or two months! Of all of the locations I visited in Switzerland it was the place I want I’d have stayed in longer. It feels rural, pristine, and the epitome of pure magnificence.

Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald is the place I stayed throughout my time in Lauterbrunnen, and it has probably the most beautiful views proper outdoors your window. It’s positioned within the little village of Gimmelwald, one cable car ride up from Lauterbrunnen, and it provides you the next vantage level viewing the mountains.

This hostel was initially a farmhouse inbuilt 1563 and so they serve beer and pizza from the hostel bar, and in addition a complimentary breakfast, which is typical of Switzerland – cheese, meat, milk, fruit, cereal, espresso, and extra unfold out on the bar. They’ve dorm rooms and in addition personal rooms if that’s your jam!

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Two Super Detailed Winter Europe Itineraries (for Two Weeks)

What to Pack for Switzerland

Right here’s the perfect clothes to pack on your journey (for women and men, and everybody in between)! Whereas most of your adventures shall be heat (through the daytime it’s round 70 levels), at evening and through any mountain excursions you want hotter clothes (particularly since there may be snow on the mountains). Listed here are some suggestions:

  • Fast Drying Shorts (His & Hers): We’re obsessive about the Zion line from prAna, which is what our favourite climbing pants are constructed from. These shorts are constructed from the identical stretchy, high-tech, quick-drying cloth! Jeremy’s shorts double as each the shorts he wears day by day and a swimsuit. They’re a 2-for-1 (which implies much less area in your carry-on) and so they look nice, too! They dry rapidly, making them good for hopping out and in of waterfalls, rivers, and the ocean after which resuming your regular journey actions.
  • Mountaineering & Journey Journey Pants (His & Hers): You’re going to wish a pair of pants that serve a number of functions and are up for journey anyplace: seashore, jungle, river, mountains, and metropolis. Fortunately, these superior prAna climbing pants had been designed with journey and climbing in thoughts and had been as much as each problem we threw at them. They’re additionally quick-dry, so I even wore them whereas white-water rafting and waterfall rappelling in San Gil.
  • Travel Jeans: Not like common denims, journey denims are designed particularly to resolve travel-related woes. One in every of my private woes is the dearth of pockets on girls’s denims. My favourite journey denims have 6 POCKETS. 6!! And a pair of of them are zipped and hidden inside different pockets, for additional pickpocket safety – essential in any European nation. Jeremy and I every have a pair of Aviator USA black denims. They’re tremendous stretchy and buttery delicate, dry rapidly within the rain or when moist, and maintain our legs heat when it’s chilly out. They’re cozy sufficient to put on on a airplane, stretchy sufficient to accommodate that 5 additional kilos of vacation weight I at all times appear to carry again house with me, and so they’re tremendous cute! We’re each obsessed. You may get a pair of males’s or girls’s denims on the Aviator USA website.
  • Wool Clothes: Sure, significantly. Merino wool is a miracle journey cloth. It retains you cool when it’s scorching AND retains you heat when it’s chilly. When it will get moist, you’ll keep snug whereas your clothes dries. It naturally resists the expansion of fungus and micro organism, so it by no means stinks – a must have for journey! It’s even flame retardant. What extra may you ask for? At present’s efficiency wool isn’t just like the itchy wool of the previous – it’s skinny, stretchy, and tremendous delicate to the contact, like cotton. We extremely advocate wool clothes for journey. Right here’s what we introduced: Wool Journey Clothes for Her: T-shirt Sports Bra | Travel Bra | Half Zip Womans | Underwear
  • Wool Journey Clothes for Him: Crew-neck shirt | V-neck Shirt | Underwear | Socks
  • Hemp Clothes: Very similar to merino wool, hemp is a incredible journey textile. It’s additionally temperature regulating, that means it’s cool to the contact and retains you cool when it’s scorching (but additionally insulates you when it’s chilly out). It’s additionally naturally anti-bacterial, so that you received’t get that pungent “I’ve been sweating on this for every week straight” scent. And as an enormous bonus, hemp is extra sustainable than most different textiles, requiring little water and virtually no pesticides to thrive and develop. Hemp is even in a position to clear up polluted soil, making it a device for really combating in opposition to local weather change. Hell yeah! As a result of it’s not an excellent fashionable textile (but), it’s somewhat arduous to seek out. One in every of our favourite eco-friendly clothes manufacturers, prAna, makes a fantastic hemp line – browse women’s and men’s. (Lia loves this comfy t-shirt!)
  • Day Bag: I carried this cute day bag with me each single day full of my packable down jacket, an additional pair of gloves, and the rest I wanted for the day – a pocket book, a water bottle, an infinite provide of snacks, no matter. Jeremy carried our digicam gear in this bag alongside together with his packable down jacket and scarf.
  • Warm Hat: A heat hat is an absolute necessity within the winter. It additionally doubles as an excellent cute accent! You need a hat that can keep in your head even in blustery gusts of wind, so steer clear of these wool felt ~journey woman forms of hats and persist with dependable beanies. Personally I’m a fan of those with poofs on prime, like this or this. Jeremy is extra of a purist, and likes to put on beanies like this one.
  • Scarves: I LOVE a chunky scarf. They’re my favourite accent! And you’ll completely want a very good scarf in Europe. I’m a giant fan of scarves which can be large enough to double as blankets, like this one or this one.
  • Gloves: Don’t go outdoors within the chilly with out gloves on! You’ll remorse it. I really like these wool gloves that work with touchscreens, as a result of let’s face it, I’ve a tough sufficient time utilizing my cellphone with out carrying gloves.

Be aware: We didn’t listing out every part right here, so ensure you pack loads of fundamentals!

Right here’s the perfect clothes to pack on your journey (for women and men, and everybody in between)! Whereas most of your adventures shall be heat (through the daytime it’s round 70 levels), at evening and through any mountain excursions you want hotter clothes (particularly since there may be snow on the mountains). Listed here are some suggestions:

  • Fast Drying Shorts (His & Hers): We’re obsessive about the Zion line from prAna, which is what our favourite climbing pants are constructed from. These shorts are constructed from the identical stretchy, high-tech, quick-drying cloth! Jeremy’s shorts double as each the shorts he wears day by day and a swimsuit. They’re a 2-for-1 (which implies much less area in your carry-on) and so they look nice, too! They dry rapidly, making them good for hopping out and in of waterfalls, rivers, and the ocean after which resuming your regular journey actions.
  • Mountaineering & Journey Journey Pants (His & Hers): You’re going to wish a pair of pants that serve a number of functions and are up for journey anyplace: seashore, jungle, river, mountains, and metropolis. Fortunately, these superior prAna climbing pants had been designed with journey and climbing in thoughts and had been as much as each problem we threw at them. They’re additionally quick-dry, so I even wore them whereas white-water rafting and waterfall rappelling in San Gil.
  • Travel Jeans: Not like common denims, journey denims are designed particularly to resolve travel-related woes. One in every of my private woes is the dearth of pockets on girls’s denims. My favourite journey denims have 6 POCKETS. 6!! And a pair of of them are zipped and hidden inside different pockets, for additional pickpocket safety – essential in any European nation. Jeremy and I every have a pair of Aviator USA black denims. They’re tremendous stretchy and buttery delicate, dry rapidly within the rain or when moist, and maintain our legs heat when it’s chilly out. They’re cozy sufficient to put on on a airplane, stretchy sufficient to accommodate that 5 additional kilos of vacation weight I at all times appear to carry again house with me, and so they’re tremendous cute! We’re each obsessed. You may get a pair of males’s or girls’s denims on the Aviator USA website.
  • Wool Clothes: Sure, significantly. Merino wool is a miracle journey cloth. It retains you cool when it’s scorching AND retains you heat when it’s chilly. When it will get moist, you’ll keep snug whereas your clothes dries. It naturally resists the expansion of fungus and micro organism, so it by no means stinks – a must have for journey! It’s even flame retardant. What extra may you ask for? At present’s efficiency wool isn’t just like the itchy wool of the previous – it’s skinny, stretchy, and tremendous delicate to the contact, like cotton. We extremely advocate wool clothes for journey. Right here’s what we introduced: Wool Journey Clothes for Her: T-shirt Sports Bra | Travel Bra | Half Zip Womans | Underwear
  • Wool Journey Clothes for Him: Crew-neck shirt | V-neck Shirt | Underwear | Socks
  • Hemp Clothes: Very similar to merino wool, hemp is a incredible journey textile. It’s additionally temperature regulating, that means it’s cool to the contact and retains you cool when it’s scorching (but additionally insulates you when it’s chilly out). It’s additionally naturally anti-bacterial, so that you received’t get that pungent “I’ve been sweating on this for every week straight” scent. And as an enormous bonus, hemp is extra sustainable than most different textiles, requiring little water and virtually no pesticides to thrive and develop. Hemp is even in a position to clear up polluted soil, making it a device for really combating in opposition to local weather change. Hell yeah! As a result of it’s not an excellent fashionable textile (but), it’s somewhat arduous to seek out. One in every of our favourite eco-friendly clothes manufacturers, prAna, makes a fantastic hemp line – browse women’s and men’s. (Lia loves this comfy t-shirt!)
  • Day Bag: I carried this cute day bag with me each single day full of my packable down jacket, an additional pair of gloves, and the rest I wanted for the day – a pocket book, a water bottle, an infinite provide of snacks, no matter. Jeremy carried our digicam gear in this bag alongside together with his packable down jacket and scarf.
  • Warm Hat: A heat hat is an absolute necessity within the winter. It additionally doubles as an excellent cute accent! You need a hat that can keep in your head even in blustery gusts of wind, so steer clear of these wool felt ~journey woman forms of hats and persist with dependable beanies. Personally I’m a fan of those with poofs on prime, like this or this. Jeremy is extra of a purist, and likes to put on beanies like this one.
  • Scarves: I LOVE a chunky scarf. They’re my favourite accent! And you’ll completely want a very good scarf in Europe. I’m a giant fan of scarves which can be large enough to double as blankets, like this one or this one.
  • Gloves: Don’t go outdoors within the chilly with out gloves on! You’ll remorse it. I really like these wool gloves that work with touchscreens, as a result of let’s face it, I’ve a tough sufficient time utilizing my cellphone with out carrying gloves.

Be aware: We didn’t listing out every part right here, so ensure you pack loads of fundamentals!

In regards to the Creator: Richie Goff is a Louisville, Kentucky native with an excellent love of the outside. When he isn’t rising flowers for enjoyable, he’s the Editor-in-Chief of Sensible Wanderlust and Let’s Go Louisville. He has been a pal of Lia’s since highschool, and so they have taken loads of their very own disaster-prone adventures collectively!


Are you packing your baggage and singing “The Sound of Music” on the prime of your lungs but? Which of this stuff to do in Lauterbrunnen are you excited to do first? Drop your feedback and questions on visiting Switzerland within the feedback under!

Pssst: Planning a visit to Europe? We’ve tons extra content material that will help you plan your journey! Test it out:

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Did you discover this put up inspiring? Reserve it for in a while Pinterest!

One thousand-foot waterfalls. Snow-capped Alps. Cows grazing in flower-covered meadows.  Lauterbrunnen is what you think of when you think of Switzerland, that is to say, the hills are very much alive with the sound of music! Here waterfalls pour from dramatic cliffsides, while the Alps surround you on every side. The air is clean, the town is Medieval, and you really get a sense of village Swiss life that is very much in tune with nature. And with so many things to do in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland it's impossible to leave without wanting to see more!

Our Prime Journey Suggestions & Assets

Listed here are our favourite journey ideas & sources for saving cash and planning journey logistics! For extra ideas, take a look at our travel tips resource page or our guide to planning a trip.

  • Reserving Flights: To attain flight offers, search on Google Flights or Kayak. Cash-saving ideas: fly mid-week or on the weekend; fly carry-on solely on a funds airline; and take red-eyes or early morning flights.
  • Lodging: We normally keep in budget-friendly trip leases, boutique accommodations or personal rooms in hostels. We use Booking.com to e-book accommodations (we love their versatile cancellation coverage) and Hostelworld to e-book hostels (low deposit, straightforward change/cancellation, and wonderful critiques). For trip leases, we desire to e-book utilizing VRBO as a result of they have decrease charges and higher assist than Airbnb, and we’re not followers of Airbnb’s unethical observe document. You can even e-book trip leases on Expedia and Hotels.com. We additionally use TrustedHousesitters as each hosts (for our house and our fur-child) and vacationers!
  • Journey Insurance coverage: We at all times, at all times, ALWAYS purchase journey insurance coverage for worldwide journeys, and we STRONGLY recommend it – go to our Travel Insurance Guide to seek out out why. We advocate both World Nomads or SafetyWing for worldwide journey insurance coverage. SafetyWing is without doubt one of the few insurance policies that covers Covid-19, and so they have wonderful month-to-month insurance policies which can be good for Digital Nomads and long run vacationers!
  • Journey Credit score Card: We e-book all of our journeys on our favourite journey bank card. Not solely will we earn money again that we are able to spend on extra journey, however the card presents incredible journey perks like journey insurance coverage, journey delay and cancellation protection, misplaced baggage reimbursement, and rental automotive protection, which helps defend us on our travels. Learn more here.
  • Vaccines & Meds: We use the journey guides on the CDC website to analysis really useful medicines and vaccines for worldwide journeys. We at all times advocate getting each vaccine really useful by the CDC! You may get them at your main care physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Excursions: We love reserving guided excursions, particularly meals excursions and strolling excursions, to get a neighborhood’s perspective and a historical past lesson whereas sight-seeing! We e-book our excursions utilizing Viator and GetYourGuide.
  • Transportation: We use Rome2Rio to determine the best way to get from place to put, and e-book native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway wherever we are able to. Once we e-book a rental automotive, we use DiscoverCars to match rental corporations and discover the perfect deal.
  • Baggage Storage: At any time when we’re testing early or benefiting from an extended layover, we use LuggageHero to soundly retailer our baggage whereas we’re working round. Use the code PRACTICALW for two hours of free baggage storage on us.
  • VPN Service: A VPN retains your digital data (like web site login particulars, financial institution data, and so on) secure, even once you’re linked to an unsecured community whereas touring. Plus, it enables you to use Netflix & different streaming websites overseas! We use NordVPN. Use the code WANDERLUSTPROMO once you enroll!
  • What to Pack: Here are the travel essentials that we carry on each journey. We even have packing lists for hot weather, cold weather, and lots of extra. Check out all of our packing guides!



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