Lauterbrunnen Valley Loop

Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of Switzerland's most impressive and scenic landscapes — carved out by glaciers and glacial melt, the valley includes breathtaking views of the Alps, towering cliffs, massive waterfalls like Staubbach Falls and Spissbach Falls, and quaint Swiss chalet-styled houses that dot the valley floor.

Starting in the village of Lauterbrunnen, you'll find a trail that runs along the Weisse Lütschine river (White Lütschine) and finally cuts through the center of the valley for an easy 2.6km walk.

Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley Loop

This easy, but ultra-scenic trail begins at the main parking area for Staubbach Falls where visitors will find a trailhead located on the south side of the parking lot. Walking south from the parking area, you'll first pass through the Lauterbrunnen Cemetery with views of towering alpine peaks in the distance and Staubbach Falls to the west. The trail makes a sharp left-hand turn as it heads toward Weisse Lütschine (White Lütschine river) where you'll find a quaint and scenic covered bridge that spans the rushing glacial melt water. If visiting during the summer or warmer months, you'll find flower boxes that line the bridge with a scenic backdrop of alpine peaks, towering cliffs, and Staubbach Falls with Weisse Lütschine rushing below your feet — a great place to take photos. If you look close enough at Staubbach Falls, you'll notice the large tunnels that were cut-out of the cliff which is the Staubbach Falls Trail.

From the footbridge, the trail leads south as it runs alongside the Weisse Lütschine river. Along the way, you'll find various viewpoints with similar valley views that offer visitors a different perspective of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Another scenic covered bridge can be found along the path near 0.55km from the trailhead and is yet another great place to take a photo.

Views of Cliffs, Alpine Peaks, Meadows, and More - 1km to 1.7km

Near the southern end of the loop trail is where the Lauterbrunnen Valley's scenery and Swiss alpine charm shines for tourists, visitors, and locals alike. Here, you'll find views of the river, open meadows with more quaint Swiss houses and barns, towering glacier-capped Alps to the south, and the 265m (869 feet tall) Spissbach Falls pouring into the valley. The best views along this loop can be found near 1 to 1.7km from the trailhead.

Spissbach Falls - 1.5km

If you previously explored Staubbach Falls, you'll be happy to find yet another plummeting waterfall in the Lauterbrunnen Valley along this route near 1.5km from the trailhead, Spissbach Falls. The 265m tall Spissbach Falls plummets into the valley and can be seen best at its official signage along the road. If you look close enough, you'll notice a massive hill below the waterfall which was formed by a landslide that occurred on May 11th, 1889. Formed by excessive snow melt, rain, and warm temperatures, the landslide buried at least one house and several barns. Today, what's left is a massive hill that's dotted with trees and covered in grass.

Walking North through the Valley - 1.5 to 2.6km

After stopping at Spissbach Falls, the walk heads north along the road and leads directly back to the parking lot and trailhead. Along the way are more stunning views of Lauterbrunnen with quintessential Swiss homes and architecture that fill the valley, Staubbach Falls as it plummets down the cliff, swaths of tourists, and towering mountains that stand high above the massive cliffs. After you make your way north along the road, the walk ends at 2.6km at the parking lot and trailhead where you started.

Explore Nearby

For more adventures in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, consider exploring the Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls, and Mürrenbach Falls.

Universal Access

Please note that the west side of this loop trail, located along the road from the parking area down to Spissbach Falls is universally accessible and follows a paved road. The eastern side of this trail is not fully universally accessible, but follows a mostly flat surface with no tripping hazards. The eastern side of the trail includes stairs near the bridges.

Pets

Dogs are allowed only if leashed and must be cleaned up after. On the eastern side of the trail, there are signs that indicate no dog waste as the grasses are used for grazing farm animals. Please follow the rules if walking your dog.

Parking

Visitors will find a large parking lot at the coordinates provided located in the center of Lauterbrunnen at Parkplatz Lauterbrunnen Kirche. The parking lot is a paid parking lot and charges an hourly rate.

Biking

Biking is permitted on the western side of the trail along the road.

Warning

Vehicles: This trail leads walkers down a road, located on the west side of the loop. This is an active public road so be mindful of vehicles and the lack of space.