The Swiss village surrounded by more than 70 waterfalls: a must-see in autumn

    Hidden among the Swiss Alps lies a unique valley, surrounded by countless waterfalls cascading from dizzying cliffs. It is, without doubt, the perfect destination to enjoy autumn amid pure Alpine nature.

    This entire valley is surrounded by rock walls towering up to 400 metres high, from which its famous waterfalls cascade dramatically.
    This entire valley is surrounded by rock walls towering up to 400 metres high, from which its famous waterfalls cascade dramatically.

    Among the most spectacular valleys in the Swiss Alps — where green meadows meet snowy peaks and the air is crisp and clean lies a place that seems straight out of a storybook.

    Visitors arriving from Interlaken, after a short journey through the mountains, are met with a deep, vertical valley where numerous waterfalls tumble between cliffs and forests, creating an impressive landscape that changes with every season.

    Lauterbrunnen, the valley of 72 waterfalls

    This magical corner has a name: Lauterbrunnen, which in German means “loud springs”. Located in the canton of Bern, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, Lauterbrunnen is one of the most spectacular glacial valleys in Europe.

    Its uniqueness lies in the presence of 72 waterfalls plunging from the limestone cliffs that surround it, creating a landscape that has inspired writers, artists and travellers for centuries.

    The German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote about its beauty in 1779, and J.R.R. Tolkien was so fascinated by Lauterbrunnen during a journey in 1911 that it is said the valley of Rivendell in The Lord of the Rings was directly inspired by this place.

    The most impressive waterfalls in the valley

    Among the 72 waterfalls, a few stand out for their splendour and accessibility. The most famous is without doubt the Staubbach Falls, a 297-metre free-falling cascade, considered one of the highest in Europe.

    Its name means “dust stream”, as the water turns to mist as it drops, forming a shimmering veil that dances in the wind. In summer and autumn, a footpath allows visitors to walk behind the waterfall, offering a magical view over the valley.

    Another natural wonder is the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of ten underground waterfalls flowing inside the mountain, carrying the meltwater from the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau glaciers.

    They are reached via a lift carved into the rock, and the roar of the water inside is so powerful it can be felt in your chest. These waterfalls are open to visitors from April to November, and are one of the most spectacular natural experiences in Switzerland.

    How to get there and how many days you need to explore it

    auterbrunnen lies just 12 kilometres from Interlaken, and can easily be reached by train or car. From Interlaken Ost station, the train journey takes only 20 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the scenic route offers picture-perfect views around every bend.

    To truly enjoy the area, it’s best to stay at least two or three days — one day to explore the valley and its waterfalls, another to take the cable car up to Mürren or Wengen, two car-free Alpine villages that seem suspended between mountains.

    If you have a third day, it’s well worth venturing to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe”, reached by a cogwheel train that climbs to over 3,400 metres above sea level.

    The best activities and excursions from Lauterbrunnen

    In addition to its waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen offers a wealth of activities all year round. In autumn, the valley is at its most beautiful: the forests glow with golden tones and the waterfalls glisten under the soft sunlight — the perfect time for hiking or landscape photography.

    In winter, the valley becomes an ideal base for the Jungfrau ski area, while in summer, the trails leading towards the Eiger and Mönch glaciers are a paradise for mountaineers. You can also visit Grindelwald or Lautersee, a small turquoise lake that mirrors the sky, a true Alpine gem.