3-Day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: With Timestamps, Many Options
To me, Lauterbrunnen is the most beautiful place in Switzerland.
Lauterbrunnen, which is known for its 72 waterfalls plummeting from its dizzying cliffs, is the place to go if you’re a person like me who wants to see a glimpse of heaven on earth. Its picturesque central town, commonly photographed with the gracious Staubbach Falls in the background, has become viral social media contents that have attracted millions of people everywhere.
Because of that, Lauterbrunnen Town and Staubbach waterfall have become prime photo spots for anyone traveling to Switzerland. They have turned out to be Lauterbrunnen’s identity.
In this blog post, I’ll give you an idea of how you can spend 3 days in Lauterbrunnen. Actually, you’ll find not only one but nine sample Lauterbrunnen Itineraries — all free to help you have an unforgettable trip! They’ll help you spend your day in Lauterbrunnen the way you like!
If three days seem too long, these itineraries can also serve as your guide for one-day or two-day Lauterbrunnen trips.Essentially, these Lauterbrunnen Itineraries can also assist you in deciding how long you should stay in Lauterbrunnen. Let’s get started!
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One common mistake that travelers make when visiting Lauterbrunnen is assuming that it’s one singular destination, when in reality it is not.
Actually, Lauterbrunnen is a valley full of breathtaking sights and once-in-a-lifetime of attractions. And most importantly, it is also a commune comprised of six distinct villages and hamlets, each with its own unique charm. Some of these villages are even considered to be among the most beautiful in all of Switzerland!
It is in these six villages that a journey in Lauterbrunnen would begin and revolve. Four of these villages are perched above the Lauterbrunnen valley: Mürren, Wengen, Gimmelwald, and Isenfluh. The rest, Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg, sit on the valley floor. Trains, cable cars, and funiculars connect these charming villages and the once-in-a-lifetime tourist attractions in the Jungfrau region.
Wengen, the village to the north of Lauterbrunnen, is the nearest to Männlichen and Jungfraujoch. Mürren, the village on the valley’s western sunny terrace, overlooks the valley floor and is the nearest to Piz Gloria and Birg. Gimmelwald, on the other hand, is the village closest to the ultimately restorative hikes in the valley.
Important: You can use these itineraries as a guide for how to make the most of your time in Lauterbrunnen, whether you have one, two, or three days. While I have not tried every one of these itineraries personally, I have thoroughly checked and reviewed every detail. Rest assured the information you’ll find in this post is accurate. However, you should also keep in mind that some factors beyond our control, such as bad weather, road repairs, or public transit maintenance, could affect your travel plans. Therefore, it’s always wise to have a backup plan ready.
If you want to know more about how I planned these itineraries for the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you can read my guide on how to create your own Lauterbrunnen itinerary. In that guide, I share with you some useful information about the nearby cities and towns in Switzerland, the charming villages in the valley, the different ways to get around, the time you need to spend at each attraction, and more.
You can also check out my article on why you should visit Lauterbrunnen, where I thoroughly describe the amazing tourist attractions in this area.
Things To Do In Lauterbrunnen (Quick List)
Like many travelers before me, I was initially fooled by the picturesque images of Lauterbrunnen found online. From the photos, it seemed like Lauterbrunnen was nothing more than a single village surrounded by rugged mountains and angelic waterfalls.
However, upon exploring this stunning destination, I quickly realized how wrong I was. Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Lauterbrunnen has so much more to offer than just a pretty view. If you’ve read my article about my reasons to visit Lauterbrunnen, I’m sure you’re already familiar with the different tourist attractions and other stunning destinations in Lauterbrunnen. If you haven’t, don’t worry.
In this part, I’ll give you brief summaries of them.
Lauterbrunnen
Lauterbrunnen is the main village in Lauterbrunnen Valley and is where you shall arrive first if you’re from Interlaken by train or car. Spend some time here to photograph its charming townscape with spectacular cliffs and waterfalls in the backdrop.
Along its main road are shops and cafes with chairs and tables outside. They have lovely views of Staubbach Falls, which sways and dances with gales.
Staubbach falls
Staubbach falls is the gracious waterfall you can see behind the houses in Lauterbrunnen. It has an overall height that’s 297 meters (approximately 1000 feet), and you can find it most beautiful during early summer when it’s pouring an immense amount of water from the melting glaciers.
You can admire it from the town, but I suggest you get closer to its foot (viewpoint) to see it from another perspective. The vantage point and the way to it are surrounded by idyllic countryside – you’ll love the short stroll to it from the town center.
Trummelbach falls
Trummelbach Falls is another waterfall situated in Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Did you know that Trummelbach Falls is Europe’s largest underground waterfall? It’s also a unique attractions, though. It is accessed with lifts, platforms, and tunnels – impressive engineering indeed. The thundering sound of water crashing into the massive rocks inside Trummelbach manifests how powerful nature can be.
But unlike Staubbachfalls, Trummelbach falls is an underground waterfall located a little bit away from Lauterbrunnen village. You can hike, but I suggest riding the bus instead to transport you to the waterfall in less than 10 minutes.
Murren
Murren is the second and the most elevated village in Lauterbrunnen.
Perched on a sunny terrace above Lauterbrunnen valley, it is a place you’re guaranteed to see dizzying, spectacular views. The spot near the Alpina hotel is a vantage point for an almost 90-degree vertical drop to the valley floor.
Aside from a pleasant stroll to the charming chalets and traditional houses in Murren, you can go hiking on its lovely Flower Trail, climb via Ferrata routes, ride the funiculars that run on an Instagrammable rail track, and more.
If you have kids, you got to bring them to Allmendhubel, a breathtaking spot above Murren. It has a restaurant and a playground, which kids can really enjoy.
Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau can be seen directly from Allmendhubel.
Schilthorn
Schilthorn is one of the most famous peaks above Lauterbrunnen valley. On top of this mountain that Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant featured in a James Bond movie, is perched. Enjoy dining with views changing every second the restaurant rotates!
There is also a museum about James Bond in Schilthorn, by the way. If you like taking photos of the mountains, I suggest you try hiking to a nearby lake, Grauseeli, from Piz Gloria. If the weather is nice, you can photograph the peaks of Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau inverted on the lake’s calm, mirror-like surface.
Schilthorn can be accessed from Murren through a cable car. Although alternatively, you can also get to the top of Schilthorn by hiking from Murren, I would not suggest it. The trail to Schilthorn needs intermediate skills, and there are more scenic trails awaiting you in other parts of Lauterbrunnen valley.
Birg
The cable car to Schilthorn from Murren has a middle station called Birg, and it is a place to be if you want some dizzying adventures in Lauterbrunnen.
Here you can find the Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk – they’re a glass platform over a vertical precipice and a meshed metal walkway, respectively, where you can see exhilarating views in front and below you.
Birg station, like Piz Gloria, also has a stylistic restaurant that offers a dining experience with a view of Lauterbrunnen’s three famous peaks, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau.
A dreamy sea of clouds can be observed from Birg and Schilthorn.
Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is another village in Lauterbrunnen that overlooks the valley. It is located south of Murren, and you should arrive here first if you choose the cable car to Murren from Stechelberg.
Gimmelwald, home to 130 residents, is undoubtedly the most idyllic of all the villages in Lauterbrunnen.
Absolutely tranquility awaits you in Gimmelwald. Perhaps it’s the epitome of the beautiful Swiss countryside. All you will hear in Gimmelwald are the echoing sound of waterfalls, cowbell ringings, the chirping of birds, and the animals in the barns. Swiss traditional chalet houses are everywhere too!
Tanzbödeli
Tanzbodeli is a high grassy plateau, a hidden gem for hikers, located at the corner end of Lauterbrunnen valley to the south.
At the highest point of the Tanzbodeli hiking trail, impressive views of the entire valley await. It’s where you can see all the villages in Lauterbrunnen in one spot.
Hiking Tanzbodeli starts from Gimmelwald and ends at Stechelberg. The path passes numerous waterfalls, glacial cirques, and thick forests. The rustic 19th-century Obersteinberg hotel is found along the way, too.
It takes a minimum of 6 hours to finish the entire Tanzbodeli trail.
You can check my Lauterbrunnen article for an interactive map of the Tanzbodeli hiking trail or read a comprehensive description/guide of Tanzbodeli to learn more.
Wengen
Wengen is the village north of Lauterbrunnen village and perhaps the best place to make your home base because of the numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels available. Because Wengen is close to the best attractions in the Jungfrau region, tourists come to Wengen often. Thus, Wengen could feel a bit busier than other villages in Lauterbrunnen.
Strolling in the village, seeing the charming hotels, and beholding the appearance of the Lauterbrunnen valley are the primary things to do in Wengen.
Actually, Wengen is the perfect spot for viewing Lauterbrunnen valley!
Mannlichen
Mannlichen is definitely one of the highlights of visiting Lauterbrunnen. This peak sits at the very heart of the Jungfrau region, overlooking its two valleys, Lauterbrunnen and Lütschine.
The panorama on top is priceless, reaching as far as Interlaken and Lake Thun, Grindelwald, and Tanzbödeli. This fascinating mountain is one of the best vantage points of three famous peaks, Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau – admiring them at the Royal Walk Crown viewpoint is one of the things to do in Mannlichen.
There is a restaurant and playground for kids too on top.
Getting to Mannlichen is simple. Mannlichen is directly connected to Wengen with a cable car, though you still have to do the Royal Walk – a few-minute hike to the summit. Alternatively, you can also trek a steep hiking trail from Wengen to Mannlichen.
Kleine Scheidegg
Kleine Scheidegg is a mountain pass between Eiger and Lauberhorn peaks and a ski resort, which people hike into after Mannlichen.
Because of Kleine Scheidegg’s location and rail connection, I can say it’s the place most effortless to visit for an unparalleled view of Eiger’s north face. Watch the German film North Face, which premiered in 2008, to get an insight into Eiger.
Of course, the trail is scenic, with Eiger’s north face getting larger and larger as you hike closer to Kleine Scheidegg from Mannlichen. Restaurants and lodging await you in Kleine Scheidegg. Photography enthusiasts must not miss capturing the image of Fallbodensee (lake).
Kleine Scheidegg is also the gateway to Jungfraujoch. Here you can find the valley terminal of Jungfrau Railway. To get here using public transit, you have to take a train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen and then Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg.
Jungfraujoch
For many, Jungfraujoch is the ultimate destination in Lauterbrunnen.
Jungfraujoch lets you experience both the superb talent of the Swiss in engineering infrastructures and the spectacular natural attractions on top of the Jungfrau massif. The enjoyment starts when you get a train ride on the scenic Jungfrau Railway.
By the way, did you know that Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station? Riding the train to Jungfraujoch, you’ll just wonder how the Swiss engineers created all of Jungfrau Railway’s tunnels and tracks during your train journey.
Different tourist attractions await you in Jungfraujoch. Sphinx Observatory, Aletsch Glacier, and Ice are just a few. The most unmissable to see, of course, is the Aletsch Glacier. It is the largest in the alps!
Lauterbrunnen Itineraries (3 Days Maximum)
While I only mentioned 12 tourist attractions in Lauterbrunnen, there are more that you can find later as I show you the itineraries I prepared for you.
You might be wondering at this point, are three days enough for Lauterbrunnen?
Well, that’s a tough question to answer as it depends on your preferences. But generally speaking, three days should be enough to see the highlights of Lauterbrunnen: the Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and Mannlichen, plus some quick visits to two or three villages in the valley.
If you want to hike or do some adventure, you’ll need an additional two days in Lauterbrunnen. So that’s five days. Those two days can be an overnight hike or a day hike with some relaxing activities on the next day.
Below are some of the adventurous things I suggest you try.
Some of these activities are in Interlaken/Grindelwald, which you can still do during your Lauterbrunnen trip.
But, wait. Visiting Switzerland can be expensive, so you might wonder if five days in Lauterbrunnen are worth it. Well, it can be very exciting and memorable to stay in Lauterbrunnen for that long, but you don’t need to.
Unless your dream is to paraglide over the majestic Lauterbrunnen valley or to try Via Ferrata on its vertical cliff walls, three days in Lauterbrunnen should suffice. The 3-day Lauterbrunnen itineraries that you’ll find later will make it clear that three days are enough.
Here’s another consideration:
If you are planning a week-long Switzerland trip, you might visit other places that offer similar experiences to the destinations in Lauterbrunnen. Mount Pilatus in Lucerne or First in Grindelwald, for instance, are comparable to Birg and Mannlichen.
You may decide to skip some parts of Lauterbrunnen that don’t offer anything totally new in that case. This might affect how long you want to stay in Lauterbrunnen. Maybe you will choose to shorten it to two days or one instead of three.
Don’t worry, I have you covered in that case.
You will also find Lauterbrunnen itineraries later that are perfect for either a two-day or a one-day visit in this post. If you want to know what other places in Switzerland are similar to the attractions in Lauterbrunnen, here are some ideas for you to search.
- Lauterbrunnen is a part of a larger region called the Jungfrau Region. Learn more about the Jungfrau region and how you can explore Jungfrau Region in 1 to 7 days with Interlaken as the home base.
- If you want to visit more places in Switzerland (not only Lauterbrunnen or the Jungfrau region), check my 3 to 14-day Switzerland itinerary that starts in Zurich and ends in Geneva. Between them are some of the best and unique attractions in Switzerland like the Zermatt, Gruyeres, Lucerne, Montreux, Brig, Sion, and Thun (the cities near the Swiss Alps). Of course, the Jungfrau Region comprised of Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, and Interlaken are also in the itinerary.
Planning to visit Switzerland/Jungfrau Region/Lauterbrunnen for a more extended period? Here’s my tip (save money):
- Let’s say you plan to visit the Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfrau region for 3 days or more. You can save money using the Jungfrau Travel Pass (unlimited use of trains, buses, boats, etc.). Learn more about the Jungfrau Travel Pass here.
- Are you planning to visit Switzerland for a week or longer? Save money by using public transportation (similar to the Jungfrau Travel Pass, but for the whole of Switzerland). Learn more about the Swiss Travel Pass here.
If you have decided how long you want to stay in Lauterbrunnen, you can use the links below to jump to the itineraries that match your preferences.
1 Day in Lauterbrunen
You need more than one day to explore Lauterbrunnen fully, but you can still have a great time if the weather cooperates.
One day will allow you to see one of the best sights of Lauterbrunnen and admire its charm.
Important: Lauterbrunnen is a place where the weather matters a lot, as it can influence how much you appreciate and love its natural scenery. You should stay more days to have more chances to see the amazing views that are more beautiful in good weather.
Alright! So how can you make the most of your day in Lauterbrunnen?
Well, there are many ways to enjoy one day in Lauterbrunnen, but the three main attractions you can choose from are Mannlichen, Schilthorn, and Jungfraujoch.
Lauterbrunnen also has Trummelbach falls for you to see if the weather is bad and the sky is cloudy.
By the way, if you plan to visit Lauterbrunnen for only a day, know that Lauterbrunnen is a convenient day trip destination from Bern or Basel. You just need to take two trains to get there. The journey is 2.5 hours long from Basel and 1.5 hours long from Bern.
Below, you will find four different but similar itineraries that will help you plan your one day in Lauterbrunnen.
Mannlichen + 1 Scenic Hike
How about spending your day in Lauterbrunnen by visiting Mannlichen and hiking down to Kleine Scheidegg?
You’ll get to see the amazing views of the Jungfrau region, with its snowy mountains, sparkling lakes, scenic valleys, and charming villages, all from one incredible spot! Just remember to budget for your food and transportation (Train: Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, cable car: Wengen to Mannlichen).
You could also hike Mannlichen from Lauterbrunnen, but I wouldn’t suggest it if you only have one day to explore.
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Wengen (outskirts) | From Lauterbrunnen, get a train to Wengen. Alight in Wengwald to easily reach Moenchblick to catch the BEST sunrise view of Lauterbrunnen valley. Come earlier if the sunrise is before 6 am. |
| 7:00 am | Wengen (village) | Stroll in the Wengen village, see the charming chalets and its 3 churches and have your breakfast. Moenchblick to Wengen village center is approximately a 20-minute hike. |
| 9:00 am | Mannlichen | Enjoy the views on Royal Walk to the summit of Mannlichen. Take photos and just relax! Visit the playground or take time spotting the marmots if you have kids. Watch locals play alpine horns in Mannlichen (sometimes). |
| 11:30 am | Berghaus Männlichen | Buy delicious meals in Berghaus Männlichen or just bring your food and have a picnic outside. |
| 1:00 pm | Panorama Trail | Start hiking to Kleine Scheidegg from Mannlichen (Approximately 1 to 2 hours). Encounter cows with ringing cowbells. Enjoy the views, meadows, view of Eiger’s north face, and more. Take pictures. |
| 2:30 pm | Kleine Scheidegg | Rest and get some refreshments in Kleine Scheidegg’s restaurants. Take pictures and admire Eiger’s north face. Hike to Fallbodensee. |
| 4:00 pm | Train Station | Get a train ride back to Lauterbrunnen (40 minutes travel time) |
| 5:00 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Have a leisurely stroll in Lauterbrunnen village, visit and take photos of Staubbach falls, and have dinner. |
You may need Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass for this itinerary.
Schilthorn + Mini Adventures
Another way to spend a day in Lauterbrunnen is to check out Murren, Schilthorn, and Birg. You can have a dining experience in a revolving restaurant, admire the amazing views of Jungfrau Massif, and do some exciting mini-adventures.
There are also some short hikes you can do in Murren.
You can learn more about the tariffs and prices for the activities and food in Schilthorn from its official website. Do not forget to book a table in Piz Gloria as early as possible! Get Schilthorn Boarding Pass, as well, to have guaranteed departure times on Schilthorn cable cars and avoid being late for your booking in Piz Gloria.
Alternatively, you may need Jungfrau Travel Pass/Swiss Travel Pass or Schilthorn and Piz Gloria Cable Car Round Trip Tickets.
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Lauterbrunnen | Explore the village and have a lovely breakfast in restaurants with views of Staubbach Falls. Proceed to Murren after. Use the Grütschalp route, which is 20 mins travel time. |
| 9:30 am | Murren + Flower Trail hike |
Have a pleasant stroll in Murren. There are traditional chalets to see, and alpine meadows with spectacular mountain views will awe-inspire you. Don’t miss the viewpoint! Proceed to Flower Trail. Flower Trail is around 2.3 kilometers, approximately 40 minute to 1-hour hike. |
| 10:30 am | Allmendhubel | Arrive at Allmendhubel (a quick visit only). Take pictures and watch kids playing in the playground. Get back to Murren using the funicular. |
| 11:30 am | Schilthorn (Piz Gloria) | Enjoy lunch in Piz Gloria! The revolving restaurant completes its revolution in an hour. Don’t eat your food too fast! Savor the moment and see all the views as you dine. Visit Bond Cinema Schilthorn and Bond World if you still have time. |
| 2:30 pm | Birg | Get down from Schilthorn to Birg. Try the breathtaking adventures in Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk. Buy snack meals in Bistro Birg. |
| 5:00 pm | Gimmelwald | Visit Gimmelwald before the day ends. Experience the most idyllic village in Lauterbrunnen. |
Jungfraujoch
Third way to enjoy a day in Lauterbrunnen is to go to the ultimate destination in the region, Jungfraujoch. This is a bucket-list destination that offers unique experiences that will make your Switzerland trip unforgettable. You will need almost a whole day to visit Jungfraujoch.
You can reach it by train from Kleine Scheidegg or by cable car from Grindelwald. The easiest option from Lauterbrunnen is the Jungfrau Railway. The travel time from Lauterbrunnen is about 1.5 hours one way.
You should book as early as possible because the train tickets are very popular, especially in peak season. You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Lauterbrunnen | Have a pleasant stroll in the village. Take pictures, go to Staubbach falls, and eat breakfast. |
| 9:30 am | Lauterbrunnen Train station | Go head to Kleine Scheidegg and then to Jungfraujoch. |
| 11:30 am | Jungfraujoch | Have lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc. |
| 5:00 pm | Jungfraujoch top station | The train ride back to Lauterbrunnen |
Bad Weather
If you’re a traveler who loves natural attractions like Lauterbrunnen, bad weather can ruin your plans.
Imagine going to Jungfraujoch, Mannlichen, or Schilthorn and not seeing any of the amazing views because of the clouds. That would be a waste of time and money, right? However, the weather in Lauterbrunnen can be tricky when you arrive.
It might look like there’s no point in going up to Jungfraujoch, Mannlichen, or Schilthorn because of the clouds in the valley. But sometimes, those clouds are low enough that you can see the blue sky above them. And that’s when you get to see a spectacular sight of the clouds from the peaks.
You can check the current weather using the live cameras here: Mannlichen, Jungfraujoch, Birg, and Schilthorn.
You might encounter some bad weather during your trip, but that’s not a problem, I have an alternative itinerary for you. (This is based on the assumption that you don’t have any reservations or tickets for Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn).
You may need Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass for this itinerary.
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Lauterbrunnen | Explore the Lauterbrunnen Village, eat breakfast, take pictures, and go to Staubbach falls viewpoint. |
| 10:00 am | Trummelbach falls | See the underground waterfall. Check all 10 levels. Don’t miss the stunning view of Lauterbrunnen valley from one of the vantage points in Trummelbach falls. |
| 12:30 pm | Wengen | Visit the traditional houses in Wengen, and go to Wengen’s Evangelical Church for a breathtaking view of Lauterbrunnen Valley. Have lunch. |
| 3:00 pm | Interlaken | Make your own chocolates in Funky Chocolate Club or visit Saint Beatus Caves. Read my article about Interlaken to learn more. |
There’s not much to do in Lauterbrunnen when the sky is filled with clouds and raining, so I recommend you go to Interlaken for some indoor activities and still enjoy your day.
2 Days in Lauterbrunnen
A longer stay in Lauterbrunnen would be much better! You would not only see more beautiful destinations in Lauterbrunnen, but also visit them at your own pace. Most importantly, the slower you travel, the more you can enjoy the benefits of traveling.
So, are two days in Lauterbrunnen enough?
It’s better than just having a day trip, but technically, two days are not enough to visit all the main destinations in Lauterbrunnen. Each of the best tourist attractions in Lauterbrunnen usually requires a day to enjoy, so you can only see two or three of the best places to visit in Lauterbrunnen.
If you plan to stay in Lauterbrunnen, I would not recommend hiking activities that last for a day or two. The same goes for extreme adventurous activities like paragliding and via Ferrata.
The best way to spend two days in Lauterbrunnen is to visit Jungfraujoch and either Mannlichen or Schilthorn. They are just unmissable – at least the spectacular views you can see from visiting them.
Jungfraujoch is a bit expensive, but it offers some bucket-list experiences and sights that you can’t miss if you’re in Switzerland. Anyhow, no matter which destination you choose, the best places to stay for your two-day Lauterbrunnen trip are Lauterbrunnen village or Wengen.
They are the two centrally located villages between Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.
Find the best hotel deals:
For your two-day Lauterbrunnen adventure, I have prepared three itineraries for you. You can choose to visit Mannlichen and Jungfraujoch, or Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch. If the weather is not good, I have a backup plan for you in Lauterbrunnen.
Mannlichen and Jungfraujoch Lauterbrunnen Trip
Visiting Mannlichen and hiking to Kleine Scheidegg on the first day and Jungfraujoch on the second day is a wonderful way to enjoy two days in Lauterbrunnen. You have two options for this itinerary, with the only difference being your accommodation. I’ll tell you more about them below
Option 1: Wengen – Mannlichen – Kleine Scheidegg – Lauterbrunnen – Jungfraujoch
For your first option, I suggest staying in Wengen as your base for your two-day Lauterbrunnen trip.
Wengen is the closest village to Mannlichen and Jungfraujoch, so you can save an hour of train travel every day between Wengen and Lauterbrunnen to get to these places.
You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
Find the best hotel deals in Wengen here.
Day 1 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary Option 1
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destinations on Day 1 | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Wengen | Have breakfast and buy other necessities. Then, go to Wengen Evangelical Church for a beautiful view of Lauterbrunnen Valley. |
| 11:00 am | Berghaus Männlichen | Enjoy your lunch in Berghaus, or just have a picnic outside. |
| 12:00 pm | Royal Walk Mannlichen |
Start hiking to the summit of Mannlichen. Hike slowly and enjoy the views! Spot alpine animals or watch kids play in the playground. |
| 1:30 pm | Panorama Trail | Start hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. Hike slowly. Enjoy the view of Eiger’s north face and the surrounding alpine meadows. (1 hour to 2 hours) |
| 3:00 pm | Kleine Scheidegg | Rest and eat snacks. Hike to Fallbodensee (45 mins to 1 hour back and forth + picture taking) |
| 4:30 pm | Train Station | Train ride to Wengen (20 minutes). The last trip to Wengen is 5:00 pm. |
| 5:00 pm | Wengen (Outskirts) |
Explore Wengen village and visit Moenchblick on the western outskirts of Wengen for fantastic sunset views of Lauterbrunnen Valley. Have dinner and rest in the hotel. |
Day 2 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary Option 1
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destinations on Day 2 | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Wengen rail station |
Have breakfast and get the first train ride to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch. Come to Wengen Terminal before 8:00 am. |
| 10:00 am | Jungfraujoch | Have lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc. |
| 2:30 pm | Jungfraujoch top station | Ride the train back to Wengen and pick up the luggage. Head down to Lauterbrunnen. |
| 5:00 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Explore the village and visit Staubbach falls. Take photo souvenirs and selfies! |
Option 2: Lauterbrunnen – Mannlichen – Kleine Scheidegg (overnight) – Jungfraujoch – Trummelbach (optional)
For this option of your two-day Lauterbrunnen trip, we want to get to Jungfraujoch early to avoid the crowds and have more fun.
This means staying overnight in Kleine Scheidegg, the valley station of the Jungfrau Railway.
Day 1 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary Option 2
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Lauterbrunnen | Explore the village, eat breakfast, buy necessities, see Staubbach falls, get to the village viewpoint, and take photographs. |
| 10:15 am | Mannlichen Royal Walk |
Start hiking to the summit of Mannlichen by the time you arrive at the cable car top station. Don’t rush! Enjoy the pleasant view of the alpine meadows and the breathtaking views of the entire Jungfrau region. |
| 12:00 pm | Berghaus Männlichen | Eat lunch inside the Berghaus or have a picnic outside |
| 1:30 pm | Panorama Trail | Start hiking from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. Hike slowly. Enjoy the view of Eiger’s north face and the surrounding alpine meadows. (1 hour to 2 hours) |
| 3:00 pm | Kleine Scheidegg | Rest and eat snacks. Visit Fallbodensee if you like (1-hour estimate) |
| 4:00 pm | Lauberhorn | Visit Lauberhorn from Kleine Scheidegg to watch the sunset. (30-minute hike one way up) |
| 7:00 pm | Lodge or Hotel in Kleine Scheidegg | Eat dinner, drink beers, rest, and sleep for another adventure tomorrow. |
Day 2 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary Option 2
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Lodge or Hotel in Kleine Scheidegg | Eat breakfast and prepare for the day. |
| 8:30 am | Kleine Scheidegg Jungfrau rail station |
Catch the first trip to Jungfraujoch. Enjoy the scenery! The first train departure is minutes before 9:00 am. |
| 10:00 am | Jungfraujoch | Have lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc. |
| 2:30 pm | Jungfraujoch top station | Get the train ride to Lauterbrunnen and take the bus to Trummelbach falls. |
| 4:30 pm | Trummebach falls | See the underground waterfall. Check all 10 levels. Don’t miss the stunning view of Lauterbrunnen valley from one of the vantage points in Trummelbach falls. |
You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
Your accommodation and luggage will probably be a problem with this itinerary since your hotel for this 2-day trip will not be in Lauterbrunnen village or Wengen, but in Kleine Scheidegg.
It will be a problem because, considering the flow of activities, it is very inconvenient to carry all your stuff while you hike, do sightseeing, and so on.
At the same time, it is also impractical to book another hotel in Lauterbrunnen or Wengen just to have a place where you can store your luggage safely.
You could go straight to Kleine Scheidegg to drop off your luggage before going to Mannlichen. However, that would be inefficient and totally out of the way.
If you want to try this itinerary, I suggest leaving your baggage in Interlaken Ost for 7 CHF a day or at any private luggage storage company nearby.
(Although Lauterbrunnen train terminal has lockers, the quantity is limited, and the locker’s capacity is small)
Just bring only the things you’ll need for the 2-day journey in Lauterbrunnen and pick up the rest of your stuff after the trip.
Schilthorn + Jungfraujoch Lauterbrunnen Trip
Another great way to spend 2 days in Lauterbrunnen is to explore Muren and Schilthorn on one day, and Jungfraujoch on the other. Don’t miss the charming village of Gimmelwald, which is very close to Muren.
You can stay in Lauterbrunnen, as it is conveniently located between Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch.
Find the best hotel deals in Lauterbrunnen.
The goal of this 2-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary is to get you to Schilthorn and Jungfraujoch very early in the morning to ditch the crowd
Check this link for the transport timetable for Schilthorn. Here are the details of this itinerary:
Day 1 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour | Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 am | Lauterbrunnen | Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to Birg from Lauterbrunnen. Take the bus 141 to Stechelberg (7:35 am), and hop on the cableway (7:55 am) to Brig. |
| 8:30 am | Birg | Enjoy the view and the adventures in Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk. Buy snack meals in Bistro Birg if you feel hungry. |
| 10:30 am | Schilthorn | Lunchtime in Schilthorn. Explore the area, go to the view lounges, walk to the Walk of Fame, visit the Bond World and Bond Cinema, and enjoy the views of Monch Eiger and Jungfrau. |
| 2:00 pm | Murren | Have a pleasant stroll in Murren. There are traditional chalets to see, and alpine meadows with spectacular mountain views will awe-inspire you. Don’t miss the viewpoint! Proceed to Flower Trail and to Allmendhubel. |
| 5:00 pm | Gimmelwald | See the most idyllic village in Lauterbrunnen, then eat dinner! |
Day 2 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour | Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Wengen or Wengwald | Proceed to Moenchblick (alight at Wengwald) or Wengen Evangelical Church to witness the spectacular sunrise over Lauterbrunnen Valley. Have breakfast in Wengen. |
| 8:00 am | Wengen train station | Catch the first train going to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch (8:12 am). |
| 10:00 am | Jungfraujoch | Have lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc. |
| 3:00 pm | Jungfraujoch top station | Hop on the train back to Lauterbrunnen |
| 5:00 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Stroll in the village, take pictures with Staubbach falls in the backdrop, and visit Staubbach falls. Dinner time. |
You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here and Schilthorn and Piz Gloria Cable Car Round Trip here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
Valley Center + Mannlichen Lauterbrunnen Trip
Third way to spend 2 days in Lauterbrunnen is to visit Männlichen and the valley center. This is the most budget-friendly and weather-proof Lauterbrunnen itinerary I can suggest.
While I initially mentioned that everyone should not miss visiting Jungfraujoch, I chose Männlichen over Jungfraujoch (or Schilthorn) because Männlichen does not require a reservation.
In this itinerary, you can save money by avoiding the costly Jungfraujoch train ride or lunch in Schilthorn, and you can also be more flexible in visiting places that offer weather-dependent experiences without having fixed reservation/booking dates.
For this itinerary, you will visit the Lauterbrunnen valley, the Trümmelbach Falls, Männlichen, and Interlaken. If the weather is fine on your first day in Lauterbrunnen, go to Männlichen and see the rest of the Lauterbrunnen valley on the next day.
If the weather is unwelcoming on your first day of visiting Lauterbrunnen, do the opposite.
You might want to use Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass for this trip.
Day 1 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Hotel | Breakfast at the hotel in Lauterbrunnen. |
| 9:00 am | Trummelbach falls | See the underground waterfall. Check all 10 levels. Don’t miss the stunning view of Lauterbrunnen valley from one of the vantage points in Trummelbach falls. |
| 12:00 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Lunchtime! Have a stroll in the village, photograph the traditional houses with Staubbach falls on the backdrop, and visit Staubbach falls. |
| 2:00 pm | Interlaken (Saint Beatus Caves) |
Visit a legendary cave with spectacular rock formations. It has a museum and a restaurant with views of Lake Thun. |
| Interlaken (Funky Chocolate club) | Alternative to Saint Beatus Caves. Create and eat your own Swiss chocolates! | |
| 6:00 pm | Wengen | Go to Wengen Evangelical Church to witness the sunset over Lauterbrunnen valley (if the weather is clear). Disregard this activity during bad weather. |
Day 2 of 2-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour (Approximate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Wengen (Wengwald) | From Lauterbrunnen, get a train to Wengen. Alight in Wengwald to easily reach Moenchblick to catch the BEST sunrise view of Lauterbrunnen valley. Come earlier if the sunrise is before 6 am. Breakfast in Wengen. |
| 8:00 am | Mannlichen Cable Car station in Wengen | Catch the first cable car trip to Mannlichen |
| 8:15 am | Mannlichen Royal Walk | Hike to the summit of Mannlichen o Royal Walk. Enjoy the trek and the scenery around, don’t rush. Take pictures and feel nature. |
| 10:00 am | Panorama Trail | Start hiking to Kleine Scheidegg from Mannlichen (Approximately 1 hour to 2 hours). Encounter cows with ringing cowbells. Enjoy the views, meadows, view of Eiger’s north face, and more. Take pictures. |
| 12:00 pm | Kleine Scheidegg | Eat lunch while enjoying the views of Eiger’s north face. |
| 1:30 pm | Fallbodensee or Lauberhorn |
Hike to Fallbodensee or Lauberhorn from Kleine Scheidegg. |
| 4:30 pm | Kleine Scheidegg Train Station | Don’t miss the last trip to Lauterbrunnen (5:14 pm) |
| 5:30 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Revisit the village if the weather is sunny this time. |
3 Days in Lauterbrunnen
It’s not easy to find such a place like Lauterbrunnen anywhere else, so you should make the most of your time in this region.
That’s why it’s a great idea to stay longer in Lauterbrunnen.
Three days is enough time to visit Lauterbrunnen if you want to see the three best attractions (Schilthorn, Männlichen, and Jungfraujoch). But you can also have some epic adventures like hiking, paragliding, or Via Ferrata if you prefer more action than sightseeing. You can replace one of the attractions with one of these activities if you like.
You should try hiking to Tanzbödeli if you are a “common” traveler like me. It is a fun and rewarding hike at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You will find some surprises on the way and enjoy the scenery. It is not a very difficult hike, but it is not a walk in the park either. And you will have more peace and quiet than in other places.
So, how can you spend 3 days in Lauterbrunnen?
A simple way to spend 3 days in Lauterbrunnen is to visit one attraction each day: Schilthorn, Männlichen, and Jungfraujoch. If you are into hiking, you can replace Männlichen with Tanzbödeli.
Where to stay? Lauterbrunnen is a great place to stay as it is in the center of all these attractions.
Find the best hotel deals in Lauterbrunnen here.
Again, our goal is to get to each main destination early and beat the crowd. The tourist attractions will be more photogenic, and you will also enjoy some peaceful moments with the mountains and nature.
And best of all, no long lines!
I have created two 3-day Lauterbrunnen itineraries to show you how you can make the most of your 3 days in Lauterbrunnen.
See below:
All Highlights in Lauterbrunnen
In this itinerary, the goal is to visit every breathtaking destination on the Lauterbrunnen bucket list.
It may be expensive, but the views are absolutely priceless! Not to mention the once-in-a-lifetime experiences from Lauterbrunnen’s world’s most impressive manmade marvels and natural wonders.
Below is an itinerary for spending 3 days in Lauterbrunnen, visiting all the bucket list destinations: Schilthorn, Männlichen, and Jungfraujoch.
Just make sure you visit Lauterbrunnen and these attractions during summer, so you have a higher chance of seeing the views with clear skies.
You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here and Schilthorn and Piz Gloria Cable Car Round Trip here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
Day 1 of 3-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour (Estimate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 am | Lauterbrunnen | Get to Birg from Lauterbrunnen as early as possible. Take the bus 141 to Stechelberg (7:35 am), and hop on the cableway (7:55 am) to Brig. Have your breakfast! |
| 8:30 am | Birg | If your accommodation does not have a complimentary breakfast, have it in the stylish restaurant in Birg. Sightseeing after and doing the mini-adventures, Thrill Walk, and Skyline Walk. |
| 10:30 am | Schilthorn | Enjoy higher views of Monch, Eiger, and Jungfrau. Visit the Bond World Museum and Cinema. Try the Walk of Fame and see the view lounges. Have lunch! |
| 3:00 pm | Grauseewli | Hike to Grauseewli from Schilthorn (2:00 pm to 3:00pm – 1-hour hike). Take Photos of inverted peaks of Jungfrau massif. Then, continue hiking to Birg (30 minutes). |
| 3:45 pm | Birg | Go down to Murren. |
| 4:00 pm | Murren | Go to Murren’s viewpoint and continue the hike to Gimmelwald (1-hour trek) |
| 5:45 pm | Gimmelwald | Stroll and visit the traditional houses and very idyllic Gimmelwald. Dinner time! |
| 7:30 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Back to Hotel. Sleep early to catch the sunrise in Wengen. |
Day 2 of 3-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour (Estimate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 am | Wengen (Wengwald) | Get up early to catch the sunrise in Moenchblick in Wengen. From Lauterbrunnen, get the train to Wengen and alight at Wengwald. |
| 7:00 am | Wengen | Explore Wengen (See Evangelical Church for beautiful views) and eat breakfast. Buy trail food. |
| 9:00 am | Männlichen | Start hiking to the summit through Royal Walk. Enjoy the scenery – do not rush. Spot animals like marmots and cows grazing in the meadows. Sometimes there are alpine horn performances you can watch. |
| 10:30 am | Panorama Trail | Start hiking to Kleine Scheidegg from Mannlichen (Approximately 1 to 2 hours). Enjoy the view of Eiger’s north face and alpine meadows. |
| 12:00 pm | Kleine Scheidegg | Lunchtime! |
| 1:00 pm | Fallbodensee | Start hiking to Fallbodensee from Kleine Scheidegg and return. (1 hour total with picture taking on the lake) |
| 2:00 pm | Kleine Scheidegg Train Station |
Head back to Lauterbrunnen by train. Then, ride the bus 141 to Trummelbach falls. |
| 3:30 pm | Trummelbach falls | See the underground waterfall. Check all 10 levels. Don’t miss the stunning view of Lauterbrunnen valley from one of the vantage points in Trummelbach falls. |
| 5:00 pm | Hike to Stechelberg | Optional. See more idyllic Swiss countryside. |
Day 3 of 3-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour (Estimate) |
Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00 am | Lauterbrunnen Train Station |
Eat breakfast and catch the first train departure (8:00 am) to Kleine Scheidegg and Jungfraujoch. |
| 10:00 am | Jungfraujoch | Have lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc. |
| 2:30 pm | Jungfraujoch top station | Ride the train back to Wengen and pick up the luggage. Head down to Lauterbrunnen. |
| 5:00 pm | Lauterbrunnen | Explore the village and visit Staubbach falls. Take photo souvenirs and selfies! |
2 Highlights in Lauterbrunnen + Hike
Hiking is one of the best things you can do to feel better than ever, especially when you have epic views, a tranquil forest, and graceful waterfalls along the way. It is restorative and gives you a lot of time for introspection and self-improvement.
Lauterbrunnen has everything you can ask for a perfect hike, so you should go for it if you have more time.
You can check my Reasons to Visit Lauterbrunnen to learn more about these hikes.
In particular, read the Tanzbödeli section for the itinerary I’ll show you later. The trail is 14 kilometers or 8.8 miles long, which means you will be trekking for 6 hours without any stops. But if you take breaks, snacks, and photos, the hike can take up a whole day, about 8 to 9 hours in total.
Important: The first and third day of this 3-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary is the same as the previous 3-day itinerary. The only difference will be on the second day when you visit Tanzbodeli instead of Mannlichen.
The previous 3-day Lauterbrunnen itinerary suggests that you return to your hotel in the Lauterbrunnen village. But for this one below, I recommend that you stay in Gimmelwald for the night after the first day (Schilthorn) of your Lauterbrunnen trip. This is optional, and you should do it only if you like watching the sunrise in Gimmelwald.
You can find the best hotel deals in Gimmelwald here.
You can book your Jungfraujoch roundtrip ticket here and Schilthorn and Piz Gloria Cable Car Round Trip here. The tickets are discounted if you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass.
Day 2 of 3-day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary
| Hour | Destination | Notes / Things to do |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 am | Gimmelwald | Eat a heavy breakfast, prepare for a day of hiking and watch the sunrise in Gimmelwald. |
| 7:00 am | Trailhead of Tanzbodeli hike in Gimmelwald | If you’re coming from Lauterbrunnen, the first departure of bus 141 going to Stechelberg is 6:35 am. From Stechelberg, hop on the cable car to Gimmelwald next. |
| 11:00 am | Hotel Obersteinberg | Hotel Obersteinberg is a rustic 19th-century hotel where you can have refreshments after hiking for half day. You’ll see the most beautiful scenery before reaching Hotel Obersteinberg. |
| 3:00 pm | Berggasthaus Trachsellauenen | Stopover. Rest and buy meals and drinks. |
| 5:00 pm | Stechelberg | Hiking done! Hop on bus 141 to go back to Lauterbrunnen. Have dinner after and rest for another day of adventure tomorrow. |
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