Classic valley-to-cliff hike ascending from Switzerland's most spectacular waterfall valley to the car-free cliff-top village of Mürren. Stunning views of 72 waterfalls including Staubbach Falls.
The hike from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren ascends one of Switzerland's most spectacular valley walls in the Bernese Oberland, climbing approximately 800 metres from the floor of the Lauterbrunnen Valley at 796 metres to the car-free cliff village of Mürren at 1,638 metres. The route covers around 10 kilometres and is typically completed in three hours, making it a rewarding half-day excursion from Interlaken or Grindelwald. From Lauterbrunnen village the trail begins near the train station, crosses the valley floor, and begins a sustained switchback ascent through mixed forest and alpine meadows. The surface underfoot transitions from paved paths in the village to rocky earth track and then stepped stone sections on the steeper upper slopes. Forest canopy provides intermittent shade on the climb, opening to broad meadows with unobstructed views of the valley and its waterfalls as the path approaches Mürren. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is defined by its 72 waterfalls, and the trail keeps several within constant sight. The Staubbach Falls — at 297 metres one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in Switzerland — is visible from the valley floor at the start of the hike and again from the trail above Mürren, where its full height becomes apparent. Gimmelwald at 1,376 metres sits roughly halfway up the ascent and marks a natural rest point with a small snack bar operating in summer. From Gimmelwald the trail continues through open pasture to Mürren. No vehicle access exists to Mürren; the only alternatives to walking are the cable car from Stechelberg or the gondola-and-train combination via Grütschalp. Parking is available in Lauterbrunnen village. No hiking permit is required. Mountain rescue posts operate from Mürren in season, and the village has hotels, restaurants, and a supermarket.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland
- Best season
- Late May to mid-October
Highlights
- Staubbach Falls
- 72 waterfalls
- Mürren cliff village
- Jungfrau range panorama
Tips for visiting
- Start at Lauterbrunnen for the full elevation gain and views; if energy is limited, take the cable car from Stechelberg and walk the gentler Mürren–Gimmelwald section instead.
- Hiking poles ease the sustained 800-metre ascent, particularly on the stepped rocky sections between Gimmelwald and Mürren.
- Visit on a weekday or early morning to avoid heavy summer tourist traffic on the valley floor and cable car queues at Stechelberg.
- Mürren is car-free and accommodation books quickly in July and August; book hotels several weeks ahead for overnight stays.
- Bring rain gear — the Lauterbrunnen Valley's high walls trap moisture and afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly, even on days that start clear.
When to visit
June to September offers reliable conditions; June and early July maximise waterfall flow from snowmelt, while July and August bring the most settled mountain weather for the exposed upper sections near Mürren.
Accessibility
The hike from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren involves 800 metres of steep ascent on rocky, uneven terrain and is not accessible to wheelchair users or strollers. Mürren village itself has some flat paths suitable for limited-mobility visitors who arrive by cable car from Stechelberg.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cable car option for hikers who prefer not to walk the full ascent?
Yes. The cable car from Stechelberg, a 20-minute walk south of Lauterbrunnen, rises directly to Gimmelwald and then to Mürren. This eliminates most of the elevation gain and reduces walking time to under an hour. The Swiss Travel Pass covers the cable car fares.
How steep is the climb from Lauterbrunnen?
The trail gains approximately 800 metres over 10 kilometres. Most of the ascent is concentrated in the middle section, where the path switchbacks steeply through forest with gradients of up to 25 percent. The lower valley floor and upper approaches to Mürren are more gradual.
Are there places to eat along the route?
A small snack bar operates at Gimmelwald during summer. Mürren has several restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket. Lauterbrunnen village on the valley floor has multiple restaurants. There are no facilities between Gimmelwald and Mürren.
What is the best time to see the waterfalls at their fullest?
June and early July, when snowmelt feeds the valley streams, produce the most dramatic waterfall flow. By August, lower water levels reduce the volume of the smaller falls, though Staubbach Falls remains impressive throughout the summer season.
Can children complete this hike?
Children aged 10 and older who regularly walk will generally manage the route, though the sustained climb is tiring. For younger children, the cable car from Stechelberg to Mürren removes the demanding ascent entirely, allowing families to explore the easier paths around Mürren and Gimmelwald.