Switzerland Tour: 2 Days in Lauterbrunnen Hiking the Swiss Alps (Part 2)
If you missed Part 1 of our Switzerland tour where I described the first of our 2 days spend in Lauterbrunnen hiking in the Alps, be sure to go back and check it out.
As I mentioned in my previous post, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is a breathtaking place that you definitely want to put on your bucket list! Nestled between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks in the ski-happy Jungfrau Region, our off-season visit in October meant we were in for some incredible Lauterbrunnen hiking!
Our second day of Lauterbrunnen hiking took us up the west side of the valley to the village of Mürren. As Mürren is not accessible by public roads, we boarded a cable-car from the valley up the 690m (2,263 ft) where we boarded an electric railway to travel the remaining 4km (2.6 mi). Along the journey you are able to take in the amazing scenery, including incredible views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
Mürren is another picturesque mountain village you’ll feel incredibly lucky to spend time in. Walking through the car-free streets, we were immediately impressed by the gorgeous geraniums that lined the flower boxes of the chalets. Almost immediately we were distracted by the faint ringing of cow bells echoing through the town. After a little investigation we quickly found the culprit!
After spending some time enjoying Mürren we headed to the main attraction of this side of the valley – the cable-car up to Schilthorn! The climb actually requires a stop at Birg, an intermediate station perched on a rock 1,000m above the village. Following a quick pause to take in the views here we boarded the second cable-car to reach the 2,970m Schilthorn summit.
The Schilthorn summit is best known for the panoramic views from it’s revolving restaurant, made famous in the 1969 James Bond movie: On Her Magesty’s Secret Service. For the Bond fans, be sure to check out Bond World 007, and interactive behind-the-scenes look at the movie.
Schilthorn is a truly magical place. On a clear day you can easily see Switzerland’s neighbouring countries of France, Germany, and Italy. The 360° view of more than 200 peaks and the UNESCO heritage site of Jungfrau-Alets, will definitely leave you breathless.
It’s easy to see why travellers are more than willing to make the hour-long trek, including 3 gondolas and a train. Schilthorn needs to be on everyone’s list of places to see in your lifetime!
In addition to the amazing views, there’s plenty of room to enjoy yourself … though why you’d want to come here wearing high-heels is a bit beyond my expertise!
Somehow we were able to peel ourselves away from this amazing place, and boarded the cable-cars back to Mürren. After a quick lunch we decided to take Rick Steves’ advice and walk to Gimmelwald. Were we ever glad we did!
Gimmelwald is a hidden gem in the region, known by few travellers. It’s a car-free village of under 200 residents perched high on the edge of a cliff, providing even more incredible views of the region. In this quiet, relaxing place you’ll definitely get your fill of picturesque chalets, cheese houses, and cattle grazing on the mountainside – minus the hustle and bustle of other tourists.
Leaving Gimmelwald, we boarded out final cable-car of the day to journey down the steep cliff-face to Stechelberg where we caught a bus for the short trip back to Lauterbrunnen. Along the way back to the valley floor you’ll have a great vantage point as you pass by some of the many waterfalls in the region.
I hope you enjoyed the conclusion of our incredible Lauterbrunnen hiking tour! Has it inspired you to visit the region?
Please comment below if you’ve visited this area and found even more hidden gems. I’d love to discover them the next time I’m there.
If you missed part 1 where we ventured up the east side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you can catch up here.
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Be sure to comment below and let me know if you’ve ever experienced Lauterbrunnen hiking the Swiss Alps!
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Resources Mentioned:
Rick Steves – Rick is America’s leading authority on European travel. Watch any of his videos, pick up any of his books, or visit his website and it’s easy to see why! Learn More
Rick Steves Switzerland – If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland, you need this book! It’s packed with tips, tricks, and recommendations that will ensure your visit is as incredible as possible. Learn More
Murren & Schilthorn look absolutely stunning! One day I will get there. Until then I’ll look forward to your next post:) Thank you for posting!
Thanks Terrance! This area of the world is truly magical
Absolutely love the pictures of your trip! So beautiful! Thank you!
Thanks very much Jelena!
You’re living my dream! I have longed to hike the Swiss Alps. Especially even more now that it seems like, from your explanation, that it can be as fast paced or low key as you want it to be. I LOVE the fact that you are able to see France, Italy, and Germany from the top!
You can totally go your own pace, Kallsy … let’s make that dream a reality asap!
THese photos are stunning! I’ve been to Jungfrau before but I didn’t make it to Lauterbrunnen. Looks like you had a great time there.
I really did .. .that whole region is spectacular!
I have heard so much about that place. Breathtaking, indeed. As Switzerland is one of those places I want to visit so much in Europe, I really hope to visit it and go for a hike there. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, Milena! I hope you’re able to make the trip very soon.
Hiking the Alps is one of my dream trips! Your pictures are stunning, Schilthorn looks absolutely perfect!
Thanks so much John! You definitely need to visit, it really is amazing
I love Switzerland. It is a beautiful country and one I would like to spend more time exploring. I haven’t yet made it to this area but now that I know it was an area used to film James Bond I know it is a place my husband would love to see.
YES, use whatever tricks you need to so you can visit this area! 🙂
Visiting Alps has always been my dream ever since I saw the pictures of these gorgeous mountains. This are near Alps looks particularly magical. I’d love to visit some day.
I really hope you’re able to visit soon Lusine; you’ll definitely fall in love with the area
I love Lauterbrunnen. Have been there and done some hiking and went up to Schilthorn. Your post brought me back nice memories. Thanks for sharing!
Anita recently posted…Lusine Margaryan says:
So glad I could bring back those memories for you! I absolutely loved visiting the area too
Holy cow all those views are beautiful! The Swiss Alps look so gorgeous. Everytime I see a photo I just want to go! Your photos are especially gorgeous! You take great pictures!!
Thank you so much Caitlin, I’m so glad you enjoyed!
The Swiss Alps are just absolutely breathtaking – your photographs capture them so well Bruce. I was fortunate enough to visit them in September last year. Not much of a hiker but the mere splendor of looking at them and driving through the meandering paths is something I would recommend to everyone. Great post!
Totally agree Sindi! There are so many amazing driving paths that will leave you in awe