Lauterbrunnen Reviews

• Overall Rating 4
• Family Friendly 3
• Downhill Terrain 4
• Terrain Park 2
• Nightlife 2

Date Visited: Jan, 2007

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Full review

Lauterbrunnen at 796m (rather low for ski slopes) sits at the base of the mountain railway up to Wengen on one side and Murrren on the other. It is a pretty little village set in some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. It’s world famous landmark is the sparkling Staubbach Waterfall but for most the main attraction in winter is some of the most affordable lodging in Switzerland in a small, relaxed village.

In an average winter adequate snow down to Lauterbrunnen only happens in January and February, when skiers can make one of the world’s biggest vertical descents down the route of the Inferno race, over 2,200 metres from the Schilthorn, the famous revolving restaurant above Murren which featured in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (and indeed was only completed thanks to cash from the film company). There are no ski lifts in the valley itself so each morning guests normally decide whether to go up to the Wengen/Grindelwald side, or the Murren side, or indeed take the day off and head down to Interlaken – all are included on the Jungfrau lift pass. On the Mürren side the most famous runs for advanced skiers are down from the Schilthorn, the main one 6km (4 miles) back down to Mürren. If you're staying for less than three days be aware you have to pay to descend in the cable car from here, those who ski save the fare! Longer stayers get the descent included in their pass. Another good run is the Happy Valley – smooth and fast and easily reached from the cable car.