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Staubbach Fall

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Switzerland’s Majestic Free-Falling Waterfall

Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland is a valley surrounded by steep mountains and dotted with waterfalls. The area includes the famous Staubbach Falls, which drops over 300 meters from its cliff top to the river below. Visitors can walk along trails that pass smaller cascades and enjoy views of surrounding peaks like Eiger and Mönch. In spring, melting snow increases the flow, making the falls especially powerful. The region also has quiet villages where traditional chalets line narrow streets with flower boxes and wooden balconies.

Waterfall in Bern
Climate zone: Boreal

Boreal: Cool-summer subarctic climates with brief mild seasons, long cold winters and coniferous forests adapted to low temperatures.

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Ticket price: free
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
Safety: 8.6
General Safety:9
Accessibility:7
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Tourist English: 4/5
English is widely spoken in tourist areas around Staubbach Fall and Lauterbrunnen, making it easy for international visitors to communicate and access services.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Staubbach Fall Summary
Famous for dramatic valley waterfalls. Walk through Lauterbrunnen village, photograph towering cascades and enjoy scenic alpine hikes.
Opening hours:
Mon-Sun:08:00 - 20:00
Public website: www.myswitzerland.com
Switzerland – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type J
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type J:
Diagram of a Type J power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
£1 ≈ CHF 1.10
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Switzerland is very cashless-friendly, with credit and debit cards widely accepted. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also increasingly common.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Switzerland. Most service charges are included in bills. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest 5 CHF or leaving 5-10% is common. Taxi drivers and hotel staff appreciate small tips for exceptional service.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed and socially acceptable in Switzerland, but being disruptive is frowned upon. Alcohol can be consumed in parks, trains, and outdoor events.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned indoors in public places but allowed in designated areas. Outdoor smoking is common.
Swiss National Day
(August)
Expect celebrations, parades, and fireworks throughout the country.
Christmas
(December)
Markets and festive events are common, with tourist areas being busier than usual.
Easter
(March/April)
Many attractions are closed, but some areas offer special events and celebrations.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt
Other: Switzerland is famous for its natural beauty, well-organised transport, and multilingual culture. The Swiss Travel Pass is highly recommended for tourists.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

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Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Staubbach Fall, Switzerland
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High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: April, Oct.
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Water flow peaks May to July with snowmelt; in cold winters it thins or freezes
Path to the viewing gallery behind the fall is closed in winter

Staubbach Fall is renowned for its dramatic waterfall dropping almost 300 meters from a hanging valley into the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley, a region famous for its 72 waterfalls. This iconic Swiss landmark impresses with its almost uninterrupted free fall and the ethereal mist that forms at the base, creating a dreamy atmosphere beloved by visitors.

Visitors can easily view the falls from the village or opt for a short hike behind the waterfall to experience the spray up close, complete with a tunnel leading to a breathtaking lookout point. The hike is moderately easy but the trail behind the falls can be wet and slippery, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

The fall’s water flow varies significantly with seasons, being most impressive in spring and early summer due to snowmelt. Visitors should avoid the trail in cold or rainy weather due to safety concerns with slippery rocks and potential falling debris.

Situated amidst the stunning Swiss Alps, the area offers ample opportunities for photography, birdwatching and exploring nearby natural landmarks. Visitors often combine Staubbach with trips to the nearby Trümmelbach Falls or extensive exploration of Lauterbrunnen Valley.

Knowledge before you go

  • Walk 10 minutes from Lauterbrunnen station to base.
  • Hike behind the falls via tunnel in summer only; wear good shoes as path is steep and slippery.
  • Best views from valley floor; bring rain jacket for mist from 297m free-falling water.
  • Inspired Goethe's 1779 poem; visit early morning for fewer crowds and optimal lighting for photos.

How to travel to Staubbach Fall

Staubbach Fall is located near the village of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. The nearest major cities are Bern and Zurich, with Bern being the closer one at about an hour away by car. Visitors can reach Lauterbrunnen by train from Interlaken or Bern, with the village being a short walk or shuttle ride from the waterfalls. The area is generally accessible year-round, although some hiking paths are best in warmer months.

Access summary

  • From Zurich Airport (ZRH): Trains via Bern–Interlaken–Lauterbrunnen, about 2.5–3 hours.
  • From Interlaken Ost: Direct train to Lauterbrunnen, then 10-minute walk, around 30–40 minutes.
  • From Bern: Train via Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, then short walk, roughly 1.5–2 hours.

Where to stay near Staubbach Fall

Most visitors stay in Lauterbrunnen village which offers charming guesthouses and small hotels, providing convenient access to the Staubbach Falls and surrounding alpine attractions.

Packing recommendations for Staubbach Fall

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+58 %
Daily expenses in the region are around 58% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot more on meals and getting around.
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+6 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to CHF) is 6% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is more expensive compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety
9
Bern’s Staubbach‑Fall area remains safe for visitors, with well‑maintained paths and clear signage. Local authorities enforce strict crowd control during peak seasons and emergency services are nearby. Travelers should stay on designated trails, avoid slippery rocks and heed weather alerts.
Accessi­bility
7
The Staubbach Falls near Wengen are largely accessible: a paved path and wheelchair-friendly stairs lead to viewing platforms, with clear signage and gentle gradients. However, the final descent can be steep for some and limited parking may require a short walk from the car.
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