The Trümmelbach Falls, a few kilometres up the Lauterbrunnen valley from the village, are unlike any other waterfall in the region. Here the meltwater from the glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, carrying up to twenty thousand litres a second at its peak, has carved a series of ten cascades through twisting gorges inside the mountain. A tunnel lift carries visitors up into the rock, and illuminated walkways, steps and galleries lead past the falls as they corkscrew, pound and roar through the narrow chambers. They are often described as the largest underground waterfalls in Europe and the only glacier waterfalls accessible inside a mountain. The falls open from early spring to early November and make an unforgettable visit in any weather.
The visit
From the entrance, the tunnel lift rises through the rock to the upper falls, and you then walk down past each cascade on a series of paths and steps, with viewing platforms at the most dramatic points. The noise and spray are intense, especially in early summer when snowmelt is at its height, so bring a waterproof layer and wear shoes with grip, as the paths are damp. The route involves many steps, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, and very young children may find the noise frightening.
Getting there
Trümmelbach is between Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg, about ten minutes by the valley bus from Lauterbrunnen station, which runs to Stechelberg for the Schilthorn cable car. You can also walk along the flat valley floor from Lauterbrunnen in around forty minutes, passing the Staubbach Falls and other waterfalls on the way. There is parking near the entrance. Allow about an hour for the visit.
Combining it
The falls fit neatly into a Lauterbrunnen day, with the Staubbach Falls, the valley walk and a ride up to Mürren or the Schilthorn. They are also ideal for a cloudy or wet day when the summits are hidden. Entry is paid at the gate, and the falls close for the winter from early November until spring, when the water is frozen and the paths are unsafe, so check the dates if you visit at the edges of the season.
What to expect
The experience
A walk through ten glacier-fed waterfalls inside the mountain, reached by tunnel lift, with illuminated paths, steps and viewing platforms.
Best time
Early summer for the greatest volume of water, or any wet day between spring and early November.
How long
About an hour, plus the bus or walk from Lauterbrunnen.
Tips
Bring a waterproof, wear shoes with grip, expect many steps and check opening dates at the start and end of the season.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone wanting a dramatic, weatherproof natural sight.
- Families
- Great for older children; the noise, spray and steps can be hard for toddlers.
- Couples
- Combine with the valley walk and lunch in Lauterbrunnen.
- Pair with
- The Lauterbrunnen valley, Staubbach Falls and the Schilthorn.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
When are Trümmelbach Falls open?+
From early spring to early November; they close for the winter.
Are they inside the mountain?+
Yes. A tunnel lift takes you into the rock, and walkways lead past ten waterfalls in the gorges.
Is it suitable for wheelchairs?+
No, the route has many steps and damp paths.
How do I get there?+
By valley bus from Lauterbrunnen in about ten minutes, or a forty-minute walk along the valley floor.
How long does a visit take?+
About an hour.
