The Valley of Waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen lies in a valley formed by glaciers, characterized by vertical rock walls, vertiginous precipices and abrupt rock outcrops. No less than 72 above and below waterfalls surround Lauterbrunnen.
The name of the village clearly reflects the relation to the water. In these impressive, several hundred meters high "curtains" of rocks and crystal clear water lies the greatest charm of Lauterbrunnen.
With its 270m, the Staubbach Falls is the second highest in Switzerland and one of the highest in Europe. Already during his stay at the rectory of Lauterbrunnen in 1779, Goethe was inspired by this majestic waterfall to write his famous poem "Song of the Spirits over the Waters". The constant thunder of the water beating on the rocks belongs to the natural backdrop of Lauterbrunnen.
The cross-country route of Lauterbrunnen leads past the Trümmelbach Falls, a network of 10 waterfalls, some of which are hidden in the interior of the Schwarzer Mönch mountain. The Trümmelbach Falls, Europe's largest underground glacier falls, are open to visitors from April to November. The grottoes inside are illuminated. Numerous visitors from all over the world have been coming to Lauterbrunnen since the 18th century, not only for winter sports, but above all to experience the phenomenal waterfalls, the pure mountain air and the authentic alpine atmosphere.
Goal of a hellish downhill run
Lauterbrunnen is also the destination of the region's most famous folk run, the inferno race. Open to good skiers, this difficult route runs on the longest run of the Jungfrau region: 15 km between the Kleine Schilthorn (2900m) and Lauterbrunnen (800m). This spectacular hellish downhill run is studded with difficulty: flat sections, sudden climbs, and a passage with a rocky corridor, the gun barrel.
Just like the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn region, Lauterbrunnen is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a typical alpine village, in the middle of one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Along the UNESCO theme path, visitors can get detailed information about the peculiarities of the falls in Lauterbrunnen. On the signs attached to the wayside you can learn a lot about the glaciers around Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, whose streams also feed the Trümmelbachfälle. The UNESCO route also provides a wealth of information about the alpine world, its history and local legends.
On the way to the Jungfrau region Lauterbrunnen is inevitable. Located at 800 m altitude, it is the starting point of numerous hikes in the direction of Jungfraujoch (the roof of Europe, 3454 m), Schilthorn-Piz Gloria and the neighboring Alpine peaks. Lauterbrunnen is easily accessible. The airport of Bern is only an hour's drive away. Basel, Zurich and Geneva are less than 2 hours away by car, via Bern.
