With its idyllic location in the Lauterbrunnen valley at the foot of the Bernese Alps, visitors to Lauterbrunnen have plenty of choice when it comes to mountain excursions.
Famous names like Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn are amongst the most popular places to visit but these are just two of the top Lauterbrunnen day trips to be enjoyed.
In this guide, you’ll find all the info you need to enjoy seven of the best mountain excursions from Lauterbrunnen. Day trips and half-day trips are available, depending on your chosen destination.
Read on to choose your favourite Lauterbrunnen day trip.
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Schilthorn
How to get from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn
Route 1: Travel from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp by cable car (the cable car station is directly opposite Lauterbrunnen train station). At Grütschalp, catch the connecting train to Mürren which takes approximately 20 minutes.
In Mürren, you need to walk through the village (approximately 1 km) to the Schilthorn cable car station. The cable car stops at Birg where you change for a second cable car to Schilthorn.
Route 2: Alternatively, catch a bus from outside Lauterbrunnen train station to Stechelberg.
From Stechelberg, the Schilthorn cableway whisks you up to Mürren and then on to Birg and Schilthorn.
Note that the Schilthorn Cableway is closed for maintenance for four days in April and three weeks in November/December.
To maximise your sightseeing, travel one route to Schilthorn and return via the other route.
Duration of travel – The shortest route is the bus/cable car option and will take on average 1 hour 55 minutes each way.
Ticket price – A return fare from Lauterbrunnen via Grütschalp, or from Stechelberg, costs CHF 108 per adult. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
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What to do at Schilthorn
Most people visit Schilthorn to experience the Swiss Skyline which, at 2970 metres high, is a jaw dropping 360 degree view of the Swiss Alps.
The view incorporates over 200 mountain peaks including the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
The mountain was made famous as the filming location for ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.’
James Bond fans will love Bond World, an interactive exhibition about the 1969 film which includes movie memorabilia and simulator rides.
Read more: Where to stay in Lauterbrunnen
Don’t miss the 007 Walk of Fame dedicated to the cast and crew of the film or relax with a Bond movie on the 12 metre screen at the Bond cinema.
Enjoy lunch or a snack at the famous Piz Gloria revolving restaurant. The James Bond Brunch is popular and should be booked in advance. > Click here to make your reservation.
Due to the necessary cable car changes to reach Schilthorn, it is possible to break the journey at some of the intermediate stations on route.
Birg is at an altitude of 2,700 metres and is well worth a visit.
Here you can take in the scenic views from the Skyline Observation Deck or challenge yourself to the Thrill Walk. This stomach churning walk is a 200 metre metal pathway clinging to the cliff face.
Hiking opportunities on this day trip include the easy two hour hike from Schilthorn to Birg (or vice versa) which traverses the Seewlifuhre down to Grauseeli, a small alpine lake.
Try to allocate time in this busy day trip to explore the shops and restaurants in the charming car free village of Mürren.
Duration of day trip – allow one full day for this action packed day trip from Lauterbrunnen to Schilthorn.
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Allmendhubel
How to get to Allmendhubel to Lauterbrunnen
One option is to travel from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp by cable car, then catch the 20 minute train to Mürren. In Mürren, take the funicular for 500 metres to reach Allmendhubel.
Option two is to catch a bus from outside Lauterbrunnen train station to Stechelberg which takes approximately 20 minutes. In Stechelberg, take the cable car to Mürren and then the funicular to Allmendhubel.
The Allmendhubel funicular station is located just a five minute walk from the Schilthorn cable car station.
As the route from Lauterbrunnen to Allmendhubel is similar to the route used to reach Schilthorn, it is possible to visit both places as part of the same day trip.
Note that the Mürren to Allmendhubel cable car is usually closed for maintenance between mid October to early December.
Duration of travel – depending on the timing of connections, this journey can be as short as 35 minutes each way.
Ticket price – CHF 14 return per adult. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
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What to do at Allmendhubel
Allmendhubel is a magnet for families as its extensive outdoor adventure playground is one of the best in the Jungfrau region.
There are also a couple of hiking opportunities in Allmendhubel. Visitors can hike to, or from, Mürren via Blumental. This scenic walk takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Another easy walk is the 20 minute long circular Flower Trail. The trail is stunning in summer when you can view up to 150 different species of mountain flowers.
Duration of day trip – Allow around two hours for a trip to Allmendhubel.
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Jungfraujoch
How to get from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch
Route 1 – Take the train from Lauterbrunnen to Wengen (11 minutes) and then catch a connecting train to Kleine Scheidegg (23 minutes).
In Kleine Scheidegg, you can catch the famous cog railway direct to Jungfraujoch. This final leg of the journey to Europe’s highest railway station takes around 40 minutes.
Route 2 – Alternatively, take a train to Grindelwald (42 minutes) from where you can travel to Eiger Glacier by the Eiger Express cable car (20 minutes).
When you reach Eiger Glacier you can then board the Jungfrau train for the final ascent to Jungfraujoch. The final leg of the journey takes an additional 30 minutes.
Read more: 13 Must-See Things to Do in Lauterbrunnen
Route 3 – A third option is to travel to Wengen by train and then take a cable car to Männlichen. On arrival into Männlichen, catch the cable car to Grindelwald Terminal where you can connect to the Eiger Glacier by the Eiger Express.
At Eiger Glacier, board the train to Jungfraujoch. With no connection waiting times, this multiple stop journey will take around 1 hour 30 minutes.
As there are several options for this journey, you can travel out on one route and return via another.
Travel to Jungfraujoch is possible 365 days per year.
Duration of travel – Depending on connections, this route can take as little as 1 hour 16 minutes.
Ticket price – The fare from Lauterbrunnen to Jungfraujoch costs CHF 227.60 return. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
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What to do at Jungfraujoch
Known as The Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch is an unmissable day trip from Lauterbrunnen.
The summit of Jungfraujoch is 3,454 metres above sea level. It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps, including the Aletsch Glacier, the highest glacier in Europe.
Activities at the top of Jungfraujoch include snow tubing, skiing and sledding plus a wide range of dining options. Kids will love the zipline in the Snow Fun Park.
Visitors can walk through the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace to see an amazing display of ice carvings or admire the 360 degree view from the top of the Sphinx Observatory.
Learn about the history of the Jungfrau railway on the moving walkway in the 250 metre long tunnel at Alpine Sensation.
Alternatively, warm up and indulge yourself at Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven or send a postcard from Europe’s highest post office.
Duration of day trip – due to the long journey times, allow a full day to enjoy all the activities on offer at Jungfraujoch.
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Männlichen
How to get from Lauterbrunnen to Männlichen
The journey to Männlichen is quick and straightforward. Travel to Wengen by train and then it’s a short walk to the cable car station where you can catch the Wengen Männlichen by cable car.
The Männlichen cableway is closed for maintenance each year from late October for approximately six weeks.
Duration of Travel – the train and cable car combination takes approximately 40 minutes each way.
Ticket price – CHF 66 return from Lauterbrunnen. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
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Things to do at Männlichen
Adventurous travellers with a head for heights can, for a small extra fee, venture onto the viewing platform on the roof of the Wengen – Männlichen cable car.
Known as the Royal Ride, this thrilling six minute ride is unforgettable.
The Royal Walk is a must do attraction in Männlichen. This short, but reasonably steep, walk of just 150 metres is to the summit of Männlichen at 2343 metres. The views from the summit are incredible.
Families will love the adventure playground which features a giant wooden cow.
Summer visitors can enjoy mountain biking or paragliding whilst winter offers skiing, sledding and snowboarding opportunities.
Duration of day trip – Allow 2 to 4 hours
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Schynige Platte
How to get to Schynige Platte from Lauterbrunnen
Take the train to Wilderswil where you can catch the historic, narrow gauge, cogwheel Schynige Platte Bahn to Schynige Platte.
Note: as the 19th century coaches of the train are not enclosed, the railway only operates from the end of May until late October.
Duration of travel – With good connections the entire journey takes around 1 hour 5 minutes. The Schynige Platte Bahn is the longest stretch of the journey at 55 minutes.
Ticket price – CHF 76 return from Lauterbrunnen. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
> Click here to buy your ticket
Things to do at Schynige Platte
The ride on the vintage, open air train is the main attraction of Schynige Platte. However, its location at 1,967 metres also offers stunning views of the Alps, particularly of the Eiger and Mönch.
Take a stroll around the Alpine Garden and marvel at the 650 species of alpine plants within the grounds or learn about the historic railway in the small exhibition at Schynige Platte Hotel.
Kids will enjoy the outdoor playground here. Plus, if you visit in the summer, you may be lucky enough to catch a lunchtime daily performance by the Alphorn Blowers.
Hiking options include the two hour, 5 kilometre long Panorama Trail. This moderately difficult trail includes the summit of Oberberghorn.
Duration of day trip – allow 2 to 4 hours plus additional time for hiking.
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Grindelwald First
How to travel from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald First
Travel to Grindelwald by train (42 minutes) and then walk for ten minutes to the cable car station. Take the cable car for 25 minutes to Grindelwald First.
The Grindelwald First cable car is closed for maintenance from late October until mid-December.
Duration of Travel – approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Ticket price – from CHF 86 return. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
> Click here to buy your ticket
Things to do in Grindelwald First
The cable car ride to Grindelwald First is an attraction in its own right offering incredible panoramic views up to its 2,168 metre high arrival point.
Grindelwald First offers visitors a variety of outdoor adventure activities such as the exhilarating 800 metre long First Flyer Zipline or the 15 minute First Cliff Walk. This walk features a nerve racking metal walkway and a glass-floored viewing platform.
Groups of friends or adventurous families can attempt the four person, head first zipline called the First Glider.
Kids will love the paved paths for the child friendly scooters known as Trottibikes, as well as mountain carts, or the gentler thrills of the outdoor adventure playground.
Note that some of these activities are only available in summer.
In winter, guests can enjoy beginner and experienced snowboarding and skiing or ride on the First Flyer and First Glider.
Hiking options include the easy two hour hike to Lake Bachalp (Bachalpsee) where visitors can savour the view of the Alps reflected in the still blue waters of the lake.
Alternatively, hike for 6 kilometres across Alpine meadows to Grosse Scheidegg. This easy but scenic trail takes just under two hours.
Duration of day trip – depending on the season and your choice of activities, allow at least half a day (though preferably one full day).
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Harder Kulm
How to travel to Harder Kulm from Lauterbrunnen
Catch the train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken Ost (20 minutes). It’s then just a five minute walk to the Harder Kulm funicular station.
The funicular runs every 30 minutes with a journey time of ten minutes.
Unfortunately, it only runs between mid April and late November.
Duration of travel – The train plus funicular will take approximately 30 minutes in total without connection waiting times.
Ticket price – from CHF 54 return. Discounted fares apply to rail pass holders – see below for details.
> Click here to buy your ticket
Things to do in Harder Kulm
If you are visiting Harder Kulm in the summer months, the 100 year old funicular is a must do attraction.
The historic funicular provides stunning views of the surrounding area, rising a staggering 755 metres in ten minutes on a 64% incline.
Once at Harder Kulm, anyone with a head for heights should visit the Two Lakes Bridge. This suspension bridge is situated above Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and also offers views of Jungfrau, the Eiger and the Mönch.
Meals and snacks can be enjoyed from the Panorama Restaurant. Sunset dinners here are legendary.
Hiking opportunities include the Harder Wanderweg, an easy circular trail which takes one hour to complete.
There is also the option to hike back to Interlaken Ost. This steep trail is three miles (or five kilometres) long.
Families can visit Harder Kulm’s Animal Park for free. The small park is home to local fauna including marmots and mountain goats.
Duration of visit – Allow at least two hours to cover the main attractions but if you wish to hike or have lunch allow at least four hours.
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Rail Pass discounts available in the Jungfrau Region
If you hold a valid Swiss rail pass during your stay in the Jungfrau Region you can benefit from free travel on public transport and discounted mountain excursions.
Below is a brief overview of the discounts available:
- Swiss Travel Pass – free public transport, 50% off most mountain excursions (25% off Jungfraujoch)
- Swiss Half Fare Card – 50% off public transport fares and most mountain excursions
- Jungfrau Travel Pass – free public transport, many free mountain excursions (supplement payable of CHF 63 – CHF 75 for Jungfraujoch). Only available April to October.
- Berner Oberland Pass – free public transport, many free mountain excursions (supplement payable of CHF 99 for Jungfraujoch). Only available April to October.
You can read more about each of these passes on our dedicated Switzerland travel site > here.
Top Lauterbrunnen day trips – Final Thoughts
Lauterbrunnen is an excellent base from which to explore the incredible Jungfrau region.
Exploring this part of Switzerland is easy due to the region’s fantastic – and efficient – public transport network.
There are hikes and activities for all ages and adventure levels no matter which season you choose to travel in.
Furthermore, there are historical and cultural locations as well as charming car-free Alpine villages, all of which are set in one of the world’s most magnificent natural landscapes.
The only problem is choosing which of these Lauterbrunnen day trips to do first!
Planning to stay longer in Switzerland? Browse all our Switzerland destination guides here.
