Through the valley of the waterfalls

12.28 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Hiking Trail
  • 4:40 h
  • 12.28 km
  • 1,002 m
  • 523 m
  • 784 m
  • 1,664 m
  • 880 m
  • Start: Lauterbrunnen
  • Destination: Wengen

A mountain hike that makes the tremendously beautiful power of the waterfalls of the Lauterbrunnen valley an unforgettable experience. From the narrow valley floor with its towering rock walls, the route leads past the world-famous Staubbach Falls to the Trümmelbach with its magnificent beauty. The ascent beside the gorge on a rocky path is not without danger and only suitable for good, sure-footed, and fearless mountain hikers. As a reward, magnificent views deep into one of the most impressive U-shaped valleys in the Alps await. Hard surface sections in Lauterbrunnen, at the Trümmelbach and in Wengen.

For only a short time, you follow the main road inland from Lauterbrunnen station. Then the hiking trail turns left into the valley floor and becomes the riverside path along the Weisse Lütschine. The spectacle of the Staubbach Falls, which at about 300 m is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Europe, is wonderful. Particularly pleasing is the fact that the municipality of Lauterbrunnen was able to purchase the Staubbachhubel in 1996 and thus ensure free access to the falls. In the background of the valley, the silver ribbons of the Schmadribach stretch over the rocks. Above, the glacier walls at the Gross- and the Breithorn gleam. After a short detour to the foot of the Mürrenflue Bir Buechen, the path crosses the valley floor to the Hotel Trümmelbach. About 300 m further inland, a field path leads to the foot of the steep slope. The further path is only suitable for experienced mountain hikers!
Next to the lowest waterfall, the climb begins. On blasted steps, the path, partially secured with wire cables, leads quickly higher in a zigzag. Soon, the difficult sections become less frequent, and the path descends slightly to the footbridge over the Trümmelbach (caution!). Almost eerie is the deep view into the narrow, deeply incised gorge of the Trümmelbach. At Preech, the detour to the lower hut is worthwhile: Three waterfalls plunge into the rocky hollow of the valley, and above, the massive ice formations from the Eiger to the Schwarzmönch tower.
Still climbing steeply, you reach the gentler meadows of Stalden on a good forest path (to Mettla–Wengernalp 50 min, –Kleine Scheidegg 1h35; to In Gassen–Wengen 1h15). The deep view from the nearby Staldeflue is unique. Where else can you look vertically down over an 800 m high rock wall unhindered into the valley floor? Pleasant is the concluding traverse on a good path over Schiltwald to Wengen.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Gravel
Path
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Lauterbrunnen - Trümmelbach - Preech - Staldeflue - Wengen

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: sturdy mountain boots, medium-sized backpack with hip belt, sun protection, rain gear, hiking poles, first aid kit, picnic, sufficient fluids, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

By car via Wilderswil motorway exit to Lauterbrunnen.

Arrival: By train via Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen.

Return: By train from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen and onward to Interlaken Ost

Additional information

Berner Wanderwege Association, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, E-Mail: info@beww.ch, Homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch

Literature

Hiking suggestion from the hiking book Jungfrau Region Brienzersee - Oberhasli, hiking book series of the Berner Wanderwege

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The visit to the world-famous Trümmelbach Falls requires a fee and is not part of this hike!

Safety guidelines

This route runs wholly or partly on signposted trails of the mountain hiking trail category.

 

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 264T Jungfrau

Nearby

Address

Through the valley of the waterfalls
Lauterbrunnen