Lauterbrunnen Switzerland Travel Postcard

Lauterbrunnen is a picturesque valley village nestled in the Swiss Alps, often described as one of the most beautiful places in Switzerland. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and snow-capped peaks, the village sits in a narrow glacial valley and is famously home to 72 waterfalls, including the towering Staubbach Falls, which plunge nearly 300 metres from a sheer cliff beside the village. The name Lauterbrunnen translates to “many fountains,” a nod to the valley's abundant waterfalls that give it a magical, fairytale-like quality. The area is a gateway to some of the most scenic destinations in the Bernese Oberland, such as Wengen, Mürren, and the Jungfraujoch—Europe’s highest train station. Lauterbrunnen is popular with hikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike, offering trails that wind through alpine meadows, past glacial rivers, and up to panoramic viewpoints. Despite its popularity, the village has retained a quiet, pastoral charm, with traditional Swiss chalets, cow-dotted pastures, and a peaceful rhythm of life that makes it feel like a timeless mountain retreat.