In 1911, the 19-year-old J.R.R. Tolkien explored this area. It’s a little-known fact that these landscapes provided the inspiration for the settings described by the famous British author in “The Lord of the Rings”. Yes, really: in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, anyone who has read the books and seen the films will feel like they have landed in Middle-earth. The 72(!) waterfalls define the very essence of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Here are our top 5.
Staubbachfall
This 297-metre-high waterfall is the key landmark of Lauterbrunnen and is the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland. Because of the frequent thermals, the water sprays in all directions like dust, which is how the waterfall got its name (Staub means dust). The Staubbach Waterfall is illuminated during the peak season. In summer, you can view it from behind the water thanks to a specially designed viewing gallery. Entry is free of charge. Even the world-famous poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was inspired by the impressive waterfall and in 1779 wrote the poem “Song of the Spirits over the Waters”.
Mürrenbach Waterfall
There’s high, there’s higher, and then there’s the Mürrenbach Waterfall. At Stechelberg, the water of the Mürrenbach Waterfall thunders 417 metres down into Lauterbrunnen Valley. This is Switzerland’s highest waterfall and it is at its most spectacular after the snow melts each spring and following heavy thunderstorms in summer. At other times, the Staubbach Waterfall steals the show. Although it isn’t as high, it falls in a much more decorative way than the Mürrenbach Waterfall, which is hidden between rocks.
Trümmelbach Waterfalls
The ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain here, which are accessible by a tunnel lift, make the Trümmelbach Waterfalls unique. They are considered to be the largest underground waterfalls in Europe. You’ll be astounded by the power of the water and the deafening noise. The Trümmelbach drains the huge glacier walls of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau at a rate of up to 20,000 litres of water per second.
Sprutz Waterfall
You will find the Sprutz Waterfall between Mürren and Gimmelwald. The descent to the waterfall is steep and often a little slippery. Since the path takes you behind the waterfall, many people stop to freshen up with a quick splash, to enhance the experience.
Schmadribach Waterfall
When you are almost at the end of the Lauterbrunnen Valley, you will come across another impressive waterfall: the Schmadribach Waterfall. This waterfall has its source in the Breithorn Glacier and the Schmadri Glacier. It tumbles down over limestone steps into the Lauterbrunnen Valley at the far end. The total height of the Schmadribach Waterfall is 270 metres, spread over several levels.
