10 Experiences and Attractions That Make Mürren Worthwhile
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Mountain villages are my go-to places when I’m looking to relax and get my life back on track. They help me clear my head and find my bearings. I must say, they’re magical places! If that’s also your goal for your vacation in Switzerland, you have more than half of the country to choose from as your destination—the Swiss Alps. But where specifically should you go?
Consider the Jungfrau Region in the Bernese Oberland as a top priority. It’s home to alpine villages that are both quaint and idyllic. There’s the heaven-on-earth Lauterbrunnen, Wengen which offers an overlooking view of Lauterbrunnen, Iseltwald with its turquoise lake views and of course, Mürren — the village with a unique view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Well, if you only have one day for your trip to the Swiss Alps, it’s really going to be difficult to choose. Especially when you consider also the alpine villages outside the Jungfrau Region like Zermatt, Kandersteg, and more. If you’re wondering whether Mürren is worth it, I can show you the 10 amazing experiences and attractions within and nearby this village. Check them out to see if Mürren is the alpine village for you.
Good to know
Where is Mürren? And how to go to there?
Mürren is nestled in the foothills of Schilthorn, within the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO-protected site. Getting to Mürren from the major cities in Switzerland is a breeze, although it takes a few steps. First off, you gotta get to Interlaken — the main transport hub for the Jungfrau Region. When you reach Interlaken, transfer to a train to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, you have two options to get to Mürren.
- Cable car to Grütschalp, then train ride to Mürren
- Bus (#141) to Stechelberg, then cable car to Mürren.
I prefer the Stechelberg route ’cause it gives you a unique perspective of the Jungfrau region, unlike the view you’d usually get from Mürren. You can check the link in the resources section of this post to see the exact route information in Google Maps. If you have a car, you can only take it as far as Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg. Mürren is a car-free village.
If you were to ask me whether you should visit Mürren, here’s what I can say… [IMPORTANT]
Mürren is undoubtedly one of the must-see villages in the Swiss Alps. Its location above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, offering a panoramic view of the Jungfrau massif, simply explains why it’s a breathtaking destination. Mürren also has this rustic appearance: It has so many traditional Swiss chalets, often adorned with flowers, which look unreal against the craggy face of the Schwarzmönch mountain. You can stare at the magical view for hours and simply relax all day there, wandering, drinking beer, coffee, or whatever you like.
Also, Mürren is not that big, and you can go from one far end to another in just 15 minutes. That’s from the Mürren Cable car station to the Mürren train station. But with everything that you can see in between, I believe it would take you more time. You’ll be stopping so many times as there’s something to take a picture of at every step of the way.
However, if you want to do something else, you’ll need to leave the village and go to the nearby attractions which, on a good note, are very accessible from the village. For instance, the Piz Gloria rotating restaurant, Birg thrillwalk, Allmendhubel park, and more. This makes Murren an alternative home base if you’re staying in the Jungfrau Region for a few days.
If you’re exploring the Jungfrau Region for 4 days or more, I’d recommend making Interlaken your home base.
Overall, should the weather be great during your visit to Mürren, your trip to this village would be nothing short of unforgettable. But, of course, don’t forget to consider checking out other villages in Interlaken or other destinations in Switzerland so you can find which one you might enjoy more. Aside from the destinations I mentioned a while ago, I recommend Lake Thun, Lake Brienz, Thun, Oberhofen Castle, and Lucerne.
1. Drop by “Mürren Viewpoint” to Marvel at Jungfrau Massif
First — even though the three famous “four-thousanders” peaks, Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, can be seen from numerous places in Bernese Oberland, it is still in Mürren where you can find a few of the most awe-inspiring spots to admire these mountains.
Tips in visiting Mürren viewpoint (exact location + short instructions)
Mürren is directly opposite the Jungfrau Massif, across the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Unobstructed, you can take in the full beauty of these mountains from the valley floor to the summit. Beholding the formidable rock facade of the Jungfrau massif in Mürren is an awe-inspiring experience that can’t be underestimated! It’s a simple activity, but it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
I suggest going to Mürren’s viewpoint to see the view I’m referring to. It’s located next to Café LIV and is less than a minute’s walk from Coop Supermarkt. Don’t forget to bring your camera, as it’s also a great spot to take a selfie as a souvenir. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush while in the village, check out the view beside Hotel Alpina. It has a restaurant with an awesome alfresco seating area. At the corner of the alfresco balcony, you can witness an almost 90-degree drop down to the valley floor — it’s an incredible sight!
2. Explore Mürren Village to Take In Rustic Beauty
Many consider Mürren one of the most charming alpine villages in Switzerland — and I’m convinced. With a history stretching back to the 13th century and a population of fewer than 500, it’s more obvious why. I’m sure you’ll get that “closest-to-heaven-you’ll-ever-be” feeling when you wander around Mürren.
What to expect in wandering in Mürren. Tips included!
Tucked away in the mountains with its timeless, flower-adorned chalets – that’s the vibe you’ll get. And, oh, not to mention the lovely front yards of the chalets filled with Chamois Ragwort (the sunny yellow mountain flower) during summer! As a wanderer, this is the best reason I can think of why everyone should come and see Mürren. Finding the most beautiful houses in Mürren is very easy. After you hop off the cable car from Stechelberg, just stroll down the main street to the village center, and you’ll find them on either side.
One of the beautiful chalets in Mürren is Alte-Bäckerei, which you can observe from the alfresco seating of the highly-rated StagerStübli Café. Most people say it offers delicious food at a reasonable price. If you’re traveling on a budget, Coop Supermarkt is the way to go. It’s just a stone’s throw away from StagerStübli Café, and you can pick up some bread and drinks for a picnic in Mürren.
Mürren has plenty of benches placed around the village, so you can sit and enjoy the lovely rustic and stunning natural views while you eat. It’s a great way to get the most out of your trip!
3. Ride the Funicular to Allmendhubel to Spend Beautiful Time with Family
Mürren is dotted with benches that offer a great view of the quaint chalets and the stunning Jungfrau massif — perfect for a picnic. It’s where you’ll surely satisfy both your eyes and your appetite! Did you know there’s an even better spot for a picnic in Mürren? Allmendhubel is just a quick 4-to-5-minute funicular ride away from the village, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy your snacks, especially if you’re with your family.
Expectations for Allmendhubel + More things to do
Allmendhubel is a plateau above Mürren, offering a more elevated and much more breathtaking eye-level view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Standing at 1907 meters high, this tourist spot provides a 360-degree view of the Alps, with Schilthorn also visible from here. You can find a few benches in Allmendhubel, facing the majestic Jungfrau massif and overlooking the expansive playground (Flower Park) adjacent to Allmendhubel’s restaurant.
Are you traveling with your kids? You can let them have some fun in the playground while you enjoy your picnic snacks on the benches and take in the breathtaking views.
If you’re looking for a great way to get back to Mürren from Allmendhubel and you have plenty of time, why not take the Flower Trail? This awesome hiking trail is filled with over 150 different types of flowers, and there are information boards along the way to let you know what they are. The Flower Trail is approximately 2+ kilometers long. Most travelers can finish the trail within 40 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Hop on a Cable Car Ride to Birg to Pump Adrenaline
Another thing to do in Mürren, aside from chilling in Allmendhubel, is to feel the thrill in Birg. Birg is the midpoint between Mürren and Schilthorn, situated around 1000 meters above the village of Mürren (reachable via cable car). I highly recommend checking it out for some awesome mini-adventures with incredible views of the Jungfrau massif that you can enjoy for free!
Unmissable experiences you can have in Birg (discover them!)
These mini-adventures in Birg are called Skyline Walk and Thrill Walk. If you have a fear of heights, they will help you conquer it! Of the two, as its name suggests, Thrill Walk should pump more adrenaline into your bloodstream.
At Birg Thrill Walk, you’ll traverse a 200-meter steel path attached to the vertical wall of the mountain. Not only that, but Thrill Walk also has parts where you will be walking on a tightrope, stepping over a glass floor, and crawling through a metal-mesh tunnel with nothing beneath but clouds and a 1000-meter-high abyss.
Can you imagine how thrilling that would be? Walking on a tightrope with nothing below, for real? Of course, not entirely. The tightrope also has a metal mesh underneath, so it is absolutely safe. On the other hand, Skyline Walk offers a more subtle experience. It’s the main observation deck in Birg that extends beyond the mountain.
Birg Thrill Walk and Skywalk offer an experience similar to that of Grindelwald-First Cliff Walk. The only major difference is the views you can enjoy while walking along their steel pathways. If you’ve already experienced the thrills of Grindelwald’s free activities, you might want to skip Birg on your Mürren trip.
5. Ride the Cable Car to Schilthorn to See a UNIQUE Restaurant (Piz Gloria)
Exploring the Jungfrau Region, I discovered it’s a true heaven-on-earth, filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and tourist attractions. For me, one of its unmissable highlights is Piz Gloria.
Piz Gloria is a restaurant on top of Schilthorn boasting large glass windows, allowing your eyes can feast on the magnificent peaks as your taste buds savor the restaurant’s main courses like “James Bond” Spaghetti or Zürich-style sliced veal with creamy mushroom sauce and rösti. The thing about Piz Gloria is that it’s more than just a mountaintop restaurant with stunning views of the Swiss Alps. It’s a revolving restaurant that allows you to take in the breathtaking alpine world from Schilthorn. It’s an experience like no other!
Tips in Visiting Piz Gloria in Schilthorn
Don’t worry if you think you will feel a bit dizzy at Piz Gloria Restaurant. The restaurant rotates slowly, taking 45 minutes to complete one full rotation. The pace is slow enough for you to stroll around the restaurant and enjoy your meal without getting dizzy.
I’d highly recommend making a reservation beforehand if you want to have lunch at Piz Gloria. It’s a popular spot and tends to fill up quickly. The reservation form is linked in the resources section of this blog post. The restaurant gained its fame from the James Bond movie, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. That’s why when you visit Piz Gloria, you’ll find plenty of props and decorations from the film, making it a must-see for any Bond fan.
Tip: Do you want to get a free roundtrip ticket to Piz Gloria? Visit on your birthday. Also, don’t forget to apply for the 25% discount on the cable car fares if you have a Jungfrau Travel Pass. If you are based in Zurich, you can try this day trip to Schilthorn for a more convenient visit.
Piz Gloria is the highest destination (more than 3000 meters high) from Mürren and can be quickly reached by cable car, just like Birg.
6. Visit Bond World also in Schilthorn to Have Fun and Games (Bond fans be excited!)
More experiences await you at Schilthorn, and the amazing revolving restaurant is just the beginning! That’s why the tickets, though slightly pricey, can be totally worth it. Some points of interest in Schilthorn include the Skyline View Platform, Spy World, Bond Cinema, Walk of Fame, View Lounges, and Touch The Snow.
What to do in Bond World + Tips before you visit
Of these, I think Spy World stands out as the most unique attraction in Schilthorn, not found anywhere else in the Jungfrau region.
Spy World is an exhibit about the James Bond movie in which Piz Gloria was featured. Here, you can find seven key scenes from the James Bond movie and many more interesting facts about it. There are interactive expositions and simulators where you can have a blast testing your own James Bond skills. For example, you can take a spin in the helicopter simulator flight in the original chassis of the decommissioned Air Glaciers Alouette III. It’s an awesome experience!
After having a blast, you can kick back and take in the view from Schilthorn. Head to the Skyline View Platform, and you’ll be able to spot over 200 other summits. On a clear day, you can see the iconic Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau, as well as the Black Forest in Germany and Mont Blanc in France.
If it’s too windy, head to the rectangular, cocoon-like wooden view lounges near Schilthorn’s summit. They’re awesome spots to appreciate the mountain scenery while staying warm and cozy.
More information is found on the official website of Schilthorn, linked at the end of this post. It includes the visiting information, admission fees, and more. Before you come to Schilthorn or Birg, make sure to check out the live webcams (also linked at the end of the post). These webcams will give you a quick glimpse of the weather on the summit, so you can decide if it’s worth the trip up for the amazing views.
7. Hike to Grauseeli to Practice Photography
Even from the start of your Mürren trip, you can already find numerous picturesque scenes that will inspire you to take hundreds of photos. And if you think there are more beautiful places to photograph after Schilthorn, you’re right! That place is called Grauseeli. It’s a charming alpine lake that you can find between Schilthorn and Birg.
Important things you must know before hiking to Grauseeli [MUST READ]
There are a few more cute little lakes in the Jungfrau Region, most notably Bachalpsee in Grindelwald. However, Grauseeli is the only place I know where you can photograph the reflection of the three famous summits, Eiger-Mönch-Jungfrau, inverted on a lake’s surface. That magical view of Grauseeli isn’t always guaranteed; weather and season can drastically alter the view from the lake, so don’t get your hopes up too much.
Grauseeli freezes during winter and melts away mid-spring. Then, if the wind is strong, the lake’s surface becomes wavy. When that happens, it’s hard to see the mountains’ reflection on the lake’s surface. Nevertheless, it’s an epic shot if you can capture the mountains with their reflection in Grauseeli.
Anyone can make it to Grauseeli as long as they’re ready for a hike. Whether from Schilthorn or Birg, you can still get to the lake. If you want, you can hike down from Schilthorn to Birg with a detour to Grauseeli for an all-out short adventure! You can refer to the Komoot map I’ve prepared for you in the resources section of this post. It’s a 2.5 to 3-hour trek, roughly 3.5 kilometers long. Along the way, you’ll look at an overall 410-meter descent and 110-meter ascent.
For beginners, I suggest visiting Grauseeli from Birg, as it’s relatively easy to reach the lake from there — the first half of the trail is mostly flat. The hiking trail from Schilthorn to Gauseeli, however, has a steep gradient, so it may require intermediate hiking skills to traverse it.
8. Hike North Face Trail to Experience Pure Nature
Like any mountain excursion destination in Switzerland, hiking trails spread out from Mürren. Each offers an opportunity to discover a unique side of the Swiss Alps you might not want to miss. Aside from the hiking trails mentioned previously, if you already have hiking experience, another trail you can try from Mürren is the North Face Trail. It is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Bernese Oberland, where you can see all the impressive faces of the mountains in the Bernese Alps.
More Information about the North Face Trail + expectations + tips
The North Face Trail is a 2.5 to 3-hour hike (6.51 kilometers), starting from the Schilthornbahn station in Mürren to Allmendhubel (and vice versa). It’s almost a loop, with the Allmendhubel funicular railway completing it. Here’s a tip: Start hiking at Allmendhubel for a less exhausting hike.
This trail, even without the view of the Jungfrau massif, is lovely. You will pass by small hamlets, streams, cows, and goats grazing on the meadows, and all the idyllic things you can think of. What might be nice for you is that 12 information boards are placed along the path to give you interesting facts about the history of the mountains around Mürren.
Also, you don’t need to worry about getting lost as the hiking trail is well marked by blue signs with “Northface-Trail” written on them. If you want to learn more about the North Face Trail (map, recommended season, safety guidelines), you may check the website of the Jungfrau Region, linked in the resources section of this post.
9. Explore Gimmelwald to Relax in the Most Idyllic Village in Lauterbrunnen
If you thought Mürren was the most idyllic village in the Jungfrau Region, you clearly haven’t seen Gimmelwald. It’s a place that will take your breath away and make you feel like you’ve stepped into a wanderer’s story. I found 5 activities / mini-attractions in Gimmelwald you’d love to see.
Short summary of the beautiful things you can experience in Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is Mürren’s neighboring village, which you can reach from Mürren by hiking (approximately 30 minutes) or a 5-minute cable car ride. If you are coming from Stechelberg, you will arrive in Gimmelwald first. I recommend visiting Gimmelwald on a Mürren trip because (1) it is very close and, most importantly, (2) it is an idyllic mountain village where time stands still, and the locals live a simple, harmonious life with nature.
Gimmelwald is full of carefully decorated houses, wooden huts where cheese is stored, grazing cows, and flower meadows. And because it isn’t as commercialized as Wengen and Mürren, I think Gimmelwald can truly satisfy wanderers looking for an authentic traditional mountain village experience and time to reconnect with nature.
The number of its residents is proof. Did you know that Gimmelwald only has approximately 100 residents? The locals are mostly farmers, and they sell their products on the market in Murren or directly at their farms. However, although Gimmelwald is only a small village, it doesn’t mean that nothing interesting can be found here. Aside from taking in the absolutely rustic vibes and breathtaking scenery, you can try visiting the Honesty Shop, which gives visitors a totally new experience of buying souvenirs.
If you love beers, you must try Gimmelwald’s Schwarz Mönch Beer. It’s an award-winning beer, the highest-rated Schwarz beer in the world from 2018 to 2022. Also, you can also check out the beautiful alpine huts like Allmihüttli Wooden alpine hut, Chässpycher Cheese storehouse, and more. You can refer to Gimmelwald’s info point for their exact location and more places of interest in the village. I’ve linked more information about the beer in the resources section of this post.
10. Enter Trummelbach Falls to See Europe’s Largest Underground Waterfalls
As an outdoor destination, our overall enjoyment of our trip to Mürren is heavily dependent on the weather. Not only does the scenery appear less stunning when it’s overcast or raining, but safety can also become a major concern when the weather turns bad. So, what should one do in Mürren when the weather is unfavorable? Visit the Trümmelbach waterfalls! It is another wondrous artwork work of nature in Lauterbrunnen valley.
Trümmelbach Waterfalls, Europe’s largest subterranean waterfall, is nestled inside a mountain and is accessible via a network of tunnels and galleries. Believe it or not, 20,000 liters of water per second rush through Trümmelbach Waterfalls, fed by the melting glaciers from the Jungfrau.
What to expect in Trummelbach Waterfall + how to get there
When you explore Trümmelbach Waterfalls, you can witness the sheer power of nature that has impressively created spectacular rock formations inside the subterranean waterfall. In some parts of the walkways, you can also catch stunning views of the valley and the surrounding mountains. As an engineer, I’m blown away by the ingenuity the Swiss engineers demonstrated when they built the funicular, elevators, and tunnels inside Trümmelbach Falls.
Getting to Trümmelbach Waterfalls from Mürren is simple. First, ride the cable car down to Stechelberg. You should find buses (#141) in Stechelberg heading to Lauterbrunnen. Ride the bus and alight at the Trümmelbach Waterfall bus station.
Before you visit Trümmelbach Waterfalls, I recommend checking for announcements, especially when it is raining hard. You can check the links at the end of this post to learn more about Trümmelbach Waterfalls, including visiting information and awesome tips.
Resources
Alright, that’s my list of things to do in Mürren! I hope I’ve explained well why these top 10 activities in this Mürren can be compelling reasons to visit the village. If I’ve convinced you to visit Mürren and you need more information about the tourist attractions I’ve mentioned in this post, you’ll find the links below to help you plan your trip to Mürren.
- Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (Google Maps Route)
- Restaurant Piz Gloria Table Reservation Form
- Schilthorn Official Website
- Schilthorn Live Camera
- Hiking Trail map: Schilthorn-Grauseeli-Birg
- More information: North Face Trail
- More information: Schwarz Mönch Beer
- Trümmelbach waterfalls officials website
- Epic tips for visiting Trümmelbach waterfalls from FullSuiteCase.
Considering the wealth of attractions easily accessible from Murren, it’s understandable why this village could serve as your ideal base for your journey through the Jungfrau Region.
If you’re planning to spend a few days here or in the Jungfrau Region and haven’t yet secured accommodations, might I kindly suggest using my partner’s hotel search platform? To the best of my knowledge, it helps you find the best hotel deals across Europe, catering to a wide range of preferences from hostels to luxury hotels. The platform also features a map to assist you in effortlessly locating an accommodation that’s most convenient for you. Please note, however, that the link is an affiliate link. Should you choose to book a hotel through it, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This would be a wonderful way to support me in creating more informative articles like this one. I deeply appreciate your support and thank you for considering this option!
Before you go to Murren, you might also want to check out the top two places in the Jungfrau Region where you can enjoy 180 and 360-degree views of the mountains: (1) Harder Kulm, located above Interlaken, and (2) Mannlichen, above Lauterbrunnen. Lastly, if you’re looking for a sample itinerary for Switzerland, here you go: this is for your 6-day journey in Switzerland covering Bern and Bernese Oberland. And here’s your itinerary for a 4-day trip to Switzerland covering Bern and Lucerne.
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