Four Different Ways to Enjoy a One-Day Lauterbrunnen Trip

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One day isn’t really enough to explore Lauterbrunnen Valley, but don’t worry! Even if you’re only here for a short visit, you’ll still have an amazing experience, no matter the weather. Of course, sunshine makes a difference, but the valley has one attraction that’s worth seeing rain or shine—Trümmelbach Falls.

The thing is, there are several unforgettable places in Lauterbrunnen Valley, and it’s impossible to fit them all into one day. Some of the best options include Männlichen, Schilthorn, Jungfraujoch, and the hike to Tanzbödeli; realistically, you can only pick one as the main highlight of your visit. If you’re looking for different ways to plan your day, the itineraries below should be helpful.

Important

WanderInEurope has a quick guide to the best things to do in Lauterbrunnen, which helped shape these itineraries. If you want more details on the destinations included, be sure to check it out.

Read: Best Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen
Schilthorn, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Saint Beatus Caves, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Lake Thun, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Jungfraujoch, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Interlaken, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Brig and Schilthorn, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Mannlichen, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Trummelbach Falls, a destination using this one-day itinerary for Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
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Lauterbrunnen Itinerary Ideas for a One-Day Trip

To help you choose between these itineraries, here’s a quick summary of the main highlights.

  • First, there’s Männlichen, one of the mountain peaks surrounding the valley. From here, you get a 360-degree view of the Jungfrau region, which I think offers the best views.
  • Next is Schilthorn, home to a rotating restaurant that provides a unique dining experience—not just in Lauterbrunnen but in all of Switzerland.
  • Then there’s Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Switzerland. It offers a range of experiences, including walking inside a glacier, seeing the second-largest glacier in the Alps, and taking a train ride that is an engineering marvel.
  • Lastly, there’s Trümmelbach Falls, the largest underground waterfall. This is a great option if you’re visiting Lauterbrunnen on a day when the weather isn’t ideal.

How about spending a day in Lauterbrunnen by visiting Männlichen and hiking down to Kleine Scheidegg?

You’ll get to take in breathtaking views of the Jungfrau region—snowy peaks, sparkling lakes, scenic valleys, and picturesque villages—all from one spot! Just make sure to budget for food and transportation (train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen, then a cable car from Wengen to Männlichen).

You could also hike up to Männlichen from Lauterbrunnen, but if you only have one day, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Hour
(Approximate)		DestinationNotes / Things to do
6:00 amWengen (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 amWengen (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 amMannlichen 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 amBerghaus MännlichenBuy delicious meals in Berghaus Männlichen or just bring your food and have a picnic outside.
1:00 pmPanorama TrailStart 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 pmKleine ScheideggRest and get some refreshments in Kleine Scheidegg’s restaurants. Take pictures and admire Eiger’s north face. Hike to Fallbodensee.
4:00 pmTrain StationGet a train ride back to Lauterbrunnen (40 minutes travel time)
5:00 pmLauterbrunnenHave a leisurely stroll in Lauterbrunnen village, visit and take photos of Staubbach falls, and have dinner.
1 day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: Wengen-Männlichen-Kleine-Scheidegg-Lauterbrunnen

Get tips for visiting Männlichen in the article below.

How to Get to Männlichen and Make the Most of Your Visit

Another great way to spend a day in Lauterbrunnen is by visiting Mürren, Schilthorn, and Birg. You can enjoy a meal at a revolving restaurant, take in the incredible views of the Jungfrau Massif, and try some fun mini-adventures. There are also short hikes to explore in Mürren.

For details on activity and food prices at Schilthorn, check out its official website. Be sure to book a table at Piz Gloria as early as possible! Depending on your plans, you might want to get a Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass, which offers discounts on Schilthorn tickets. Here’s where you can find round-trip tickets for the Schilthorn and Piz Gloria cable cars.

Hour
(Approximate)		DestinationNotes / Things to do
7:00 amLauterbrunnenExplore 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 amMurren
+ 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 AllmendhubelArrive at Allmendhubel (a quick visit only). Take pictures and watch kids playing in the playground. Get back to Murren using the funicular.
11:30 amSchilthorn (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 BirgGet down from Schilthorn to Birg. Try the breathtaking adventures in Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk. Buy snack meals in Bistro Birg.
5:00 pmGimmelwaldVisit Gimmelwald before the day ends. Experience the most idyllic village in Lauterbrunnen.
1 day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: Lauterbrunnen-Murren-Schilthorn-Gimmelwald

A third way to spend a day in Lauterbrunnen is by visiting Jungfraujoch, the ultimate destination in the region. This bucket-list spot offers unique experiences that will make your Switzerland trip unforgettable. Plan to spend almost an entire day here.

You can reach Jungfraujoch by train from Kleine Scheidegg or by cable car from Grindelwald, but the easiest option from Lauterbrunnen is the Jungfrau Railway. The journey takes about 1.5 hours one way. Since tickets are in high demand, especially during peak season, it’s best to book as early as possible. You can find round-trip tickets here, and if you have a Jungfrau Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass, you’ll get a discount.

Hour
(Approximate)		DestinationNotes / Things to do
8:00 amLauterbrunnenHave a pleasant stroll in the village. Take pictures, go to Staubbach falls, and eat breakfast.
9:30 am Lauterbrunnen Train stationGo head to Kleine Scheidegg and then to Jungfraujoch.
11:30 amJungfraujochHave lunch in Jungfraujoch’s restaurants and bars, then explore Sphinx Observatory (the sight of Aletsch Glacier), Ice Palace, Jungfrau panorama, Monchsjochhutte, etc.
5:00 pmJungfraujoch top stationThe train ride back to Lauterbrunnen
1 day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: Jungfraujoch

If you love natural attractions like Lauterbrunnen, bad weather can easily ruin your plans. Imagine going to Jungfraujoch, Männlichen, or Schilthorn, only to have the views completely blocked by clouds—not exactly worth the time and money, right?

The tricky part is that when you arrive in Lauterbrunnen, it might seem like there’s no point in heading up to these spots because of the clouds in the valley. But sometimes, those clouds are low enough that you’ll find clear blue skies above them, creating an incredible view from the peaks.

You can check the current conditions using these live cameras: Männlichen, Jungfraujoch, Birg, and Schilthorn. And if bad weather does get in the way, don’t worry—I’ve put together an alternative itinerary for you (as long as you haven’t already booked tickets for Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn).

Hour
(Approximate)		DestinationNotes / Things to do
8:00 amLauterbrunnenExplore the Lauterbrunnen Village, eat breakfast, take pictures, and go to Staubbach falls viewpoint.
10:00 amTrummelbach fallsSee 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 pmWengenVisit the traditional houses in Wengen, and go to Wengen’s Evangelical Church for a breathtaking view of Lauterbrunnen Valley. Have lunch.
3:00 pmInterlakenMake your own chocolates in Funky Chocolate Club or visit Saint Beatus Caves, Iseltwald, Oberhofen Castle, etc.
1 day Lauterbrunnen Itinerary: Bad Weather

There isn’t much to do in Lauterbrunnen when it’s cloudy or raining, so I recommend heading to Interlaken and nearby attractions like Iseltwald on Lake Brienz or Oberhofen Castle on Lake Thun for some indoor activities while still making the most of your day.

Explore Beautiful Destinations Around Interlaken
See Oberhofen Castle
Discover Iseltwald
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Stay Longer in Lauterbrunnen

With all the amazing sights and experiences in these itineraries, you might feel like staying in Lauterbrunnen a little longer. And why not? It’s a beautiful place with unforgettable experiences that make an extended stay totally worth it. So, if you decide to extend your trip, here are some itineraries to help you make the most of your time in the valley.

3 Ways to Enjoy a 2-Day Trip to Lauterbrunnen Valley
2 Ways to Experience Lauterbrunnen Valley in 3 Days

A Quick Visit to Lauterbrunnen

If you’re visiting Switzerland for a short time but don’t want to miss the beauty of Lauterbrunnen Valley, you can at least explore Lauterbrunnen Village on the valley floor. The views from there are already incredible and will leave you in awe. Be sure to check out the view in front of Chalet Pironnet!

If you have a little extra time, take a quick train ride to Wengwald for some of the best views of the valley. For more details, check out my guide to Lauterbrunnen Valley’s viewpoints—there are seven to choose from!

Unmissable Viewpoints of Lauterbrunnen

Beyond Lauterbrunnen

I think one big reason people don’t stay longer in Lauterbrunnen is that Switzerland has so many other beautiful places to explore.

And honestly, who can blame them? Just outside Lauterbrunnen Valley, in the Jungfrau Region, there are plenty of incredible spots to visit. Take Lake Thun, for example—it looks straight out of a fairy tale. Then there’s Grindelwald, perfect for adventure lovers. Another popular destination is Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most iconic mountain.

Discover the Best Experiences at Lake Thun
See an Affordable Way to Enjoy Grindelwald
Explore Zermatt

There’s so much to see, and if you need more ideas for breathtaking places to visit, my 14-day Switzerland itinerary can help. Check it out!

14-Day Switzerland Itinerary
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