Visiting Lauterbrunnen Trummelbach Falls

What are the Trümmelbach Falls?

 When visiting Switzerland, Lauterbrunnen Valley was a favorite area of ours to visit. Visiting Lauterbrunnen Trummelbach Falls is surprisingly an easy waterfall to get to. It’s just a few minutes from the small village of Lauterbrunnen. 

Trümmelbach Falls are Europe’s largest underground falls. Ten waterfalls (meltwater of Jungfrau Glacier) cascade down the ravine and subterranean mountainside. The falls are powerful as they carry 20,000 liters of water per second down to the valley. So not only are they LOUD, but extremely forceful and mighty!

Luckily, the falls are easily accessible by foot, bike, car, and bus. It’s a snap to experience this natural wonder. ! From Lauterbrunnen, you can be at the foot of the falls within 5 minutes by bus or a 10-minute bike ride.

Why Go to Trummelbach Falls?

This is a rare natural wonder that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You actually stand inside and among the subterranean falls as the water rushes past you over 1300 feet to the valley floor. You feel as if you’re part of the waterfall and not merely a spectator witnessing the power of nature. The falls are nothing short of breathtaking. 

Where are the Falls

The falls lie between Lauterbrunnen (1.7 miles) and the town of Stechelberg (1.8 miles) in the Lauterbrunnen Valley adjacent to the main road that bisects the valley.

How to Get to Trümmelbach Falls

By Train

By Bus

If in Lauterbrunnen, board bus #141 at the train station and 10 minutes later disembark at the falls. Easy peasy.

By Car

Jump in your car, travel the 1.7 miles up the main valley road towards Stechelberg, and park at the lot near the falls. 5 minutes tops!

By Bike

Begin your ride on the main road through Lauterbrunnen Village. Three-tenths of a mile from the Imboden Bike rentals – the road makes a sharp bend to the left. Instead of following the road to the left, bear to the right and continue onto the side road. 

Walking To Trummelbach Falls

Walk to the falls using the same pathway as the bike route. It will take about 30-40 minutes to reach the falls depending on how often you stop to take pictures and marvel. Also, while either walking to the falls or back, it’s a good time to explore the popular Staubbach Falls. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the train station to the falls.  Staubbach Fall is the third tallest of the 72 waterfalls in the region at 975 feet. The trail takes you to the base of the falls and is a short 0.4 roundtrip.

Hours and Costs

The Falls are generally open daily from the beginning of April until November from 9am until 5pm – and in July and August from 8:30 until 6 pm. Tickets are purchased on site and cost 14 CHF for adults and 6 CHF for children. Cash and credit cards are both accepted. The Swiss Travel Pass is not accepted.

Children and Pets

For safety concerns, children under 4 and dogs are not allowed in the falls.

How to Explore the Falls

There are many options to explore the falls. They are dependent upon your physical condition and the amount of time you have.

Stairs Only

You can choose to walk from the bottom starting at fall #1 up to fall #10 and back down. This option provides the most comprehensive viewing of the falls both looking up and down. It is also the most physical but very doable. There are plenty of opportunities to stop, relax and marvel at the awesomeness of the falls. 

Funicular Lift

Once you’ve purchased your tickets, take the short path towards the mountain to the lift. The lift accommodates about 40 people and takes 60 seconds to arrive in-between falls #6 and #7. During peak season and hours the wait can be long.

My Recommendation

Ride the lift up to falls #6 and #7. Walk up to falls #7 to #10 and then walk all the way down. You’ll want to experience all the falls. There is truly nothing like them and you may never have the opportunity again.

Helpful Tips

 Dress Appropriately

A lightweight rain jacket with a hood will keep you drier from the constant mist generated by the falls. I would only suggest this if the weather is very cold and you don’t want any extra moisture on you when leaving to go outside. We went in October and I did not need a lightweight rain jacket.  A comfortable pair of walking shoes that have a good grip is a must. The wet surfaces can be slick. Sandals, flip-flops, and heeled shoes are a safety issue and should never be worn. 

Arrival Time

Avoid early afternoon arrivals as they tend to be the most crowded. The wait time for the funicular will increase significantly. Plan an early arrival and you should avoid the tour buses that arrive a little later.

See All the Falls

Each fall is unique and has its own personality from different viewing angles.

Use the funicular elevator at least one way up and then be sure to walk down all the way. You don’t want to miss some great viewing platforms and the amazing views of the valley below. Be sure to stop and look as you walk up and down the stairs. The photo opportunities are fantastic.

Take Video

Be sure to take plenty of videos. The power of the falls is greatly amplified as you watch them later on video. The cavernous environment intensifies the sound of the falls. It can be very loud!

Bathroom, Café and Souvenir Shop

Be sure to visit each of these, especially the bathroom. Once you enter, you’re on your own until you exit. The image below is the river below the falls.

One-Day Itinerary Recommendation