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Mürren, nestled in Lauterbrunnen Valley at an elevation of 1,645 meters, stands as a tranquil car-free village. Its serene and scenic allure is truly remarkable; however, venturing out on a day trip from this captivating village could also be an enticing option. Below are some suggestions for the best day trips from Mürren for those based there.
These day trips are typically one to two hours away from Mürren by train. As cars are not allowed in Mürren, all travel estimates below are by train.
This article discusses the 10 best day trips from Mürren. Among these are mountain resorts, busy towns, and other lakes. Let’s go!
1. Interlaken
Travel time from Mürren to Interlaken via Lauterbrunnen takes 55 minutes. Interlaken, with its breathtaking mountain panorama, two stunning lakes, and adventure sports offers a captivating contrast to the more relaxed atmosphere of Mürren.
Interlaken, Switzerland is an incredibly popular tourist hub in the Bernese Oberland. In Interlaken, you will find walking trails along the River Aare, many souvenir shops, a Japanese garden, and the local mountain Harder Kulm for spectacular views. A red funicular takes you from Interlaken to Harder Kulm in 10 minutes, with one departure every half hour.
As one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist spots, Interlaken is also a hot spot for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It is also conveniently located between two beautiful lakes – Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
For those who are into fun adventures, below are some of the most popular outdoor activities in Interlaken:
- Tandem Paragliding (GetYourGuide): Experience pure serenity as you float weightlessly alongside an experienced pilot and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Jungfrau region from the sky.
- Adventure Park (GetYourGuide): Conquer 9 thrilling rope courses and zip lines soaring up to 23 meters above the ground, with the assurance of a comprehensive safety briefing and top-notch safety gear.
- Kayak Tour of Lake Brienz (GetYourGuide): Paddle through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Brienz with the guidance of an experienced coach, as you soak in the stunning views, including the picturesque Rinngenberg Castle. You may also book this activity in winter (GetYourGuide).
- Canyoning (GetYourGuide): Dive into the ultimate adrenaline rush with a canyoning expedition in Chli Schilere, featuring challenging rappelling, high jumps, fast slides, and an unforgettable adventure in one of the region’s top canyons.
- Scenic Jetboat Ride (GetYourGuide): Experience an exhilarating 45 to 50-minute jetboat ride on Lake Brienz near Interlaken, culminating at Giessbach Falls.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Interlaken |
| * Harder Kulm * Höhenweg * Interlaken-Harder Alpine Game Park * Lake Thun * Lake Brienz |
If you would like to learn more about Interlaken, check out our article Interlaken: 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit.
How do you get from Mürren to Interlaken?
To get from Mürren to Interlaken, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the connecting regional train to Interlaken Ost. The total travel time from Mürren to Interlaken via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is 55 minutes.
2. Kleine Scheidegg
For those who want breathtaking panoramas, Kleine Scheidegg is also an ideal day trip from Mürren. Around 70 minutes away, Kleine Scheidegg offers a front-row seat to the majestic Jungfrau mountains and serves as an ideal starting point for various panoramic hikes.
In the foothills of the snowy trio of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau, Kleine Scheidegg is nestled between the Eiger and Lauberhorn mountains. On this saddle behind Lauberhorn, you can see the north face of the Eiger, one of the most difficult mountain faces to climb. At the top of this mountain pass is the Kleine Scheidegg railway station.
At an altitude of 2,061 meters above sea level, Kleine Scheidegg is located above the Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald valleys.
The spectacular and challenging Eiger North Face is visible from Kleine Scheidegg. The Eiger North Face is a renowned climbing route on Eiger Mountain rising to a height of 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Although there have been several fatalities on this face in the past, it continues to attract many skilled mountaineers and climbers.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Kleine Scheidegg |
| * Eiger North Face * Panorama Trails to Männlichen, Grindelwald, and Eiger Glacier * Train to Jungfraujoch * Lauberhorn Ski Race and Trail |
If you would like to learn more about Kleine Scheidegg, check out our article Kleine Scheidegg and How to Get There.
How do you get from Mürren to Kleine Scheidegg?
To get from Mürren to Kleine Scheidegg, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the mountain railway to Kleine Scheidegg. The total travel time from Mürren to Kleine Scheidegg via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is 70 minutes.
3. Grindelwald
Grindelwald, an ideal destination for an easy day trip from Mürren, offers breathtaking views of the Bernese Alps. It is located approximately seventy minutes away from Mürren.
Grindelwald is a famous mountain village in the Bernese Oberland, located at the foot of the Eiger (3,970 meters) and Wetterhorn (3,701 meters). Grindelwald is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Bernese Oberland.
The Grindelwald Valley is characterized by soft green meadows and mountain forests on one side, and rocky walls and icy peaks of the Eiger, Schreckhorn, and Wetterhorn on the other. The alpine summer here is short, and as with many other alpine villages, they mow the grass and dry it for use as hay in winter. Due to rainfall, the north-facing slopes have abundant grass.
As recently as 1860, the Grindelwald Glacier reached the outskirts of the village. Between 1860 and 1914, glacier ice was mined and exported commercially. In this way, Grindelwald gained its second name “Glacier Village”. Unfortunately, millions of cubic meters of glacier ice have melted away in Grindelwald.
There are many places to visit in and around Grindelwald. Some of the highlights of the Grindelwald region include Grindelwald First, Bachalpsee Lake, Schynige Platte, Grindelwald Glaciers, Grosse Scheidegg, First Cliff Walk, Männlichen, Eiger Glacier, and Jungfraujoch.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Grindelwald |
| * Grindelwald First * First Cliff Walk * Eiger Glacier * Jungfraujoch * Bachalpsee Lake * Grindelwald Glaciers * Grosse Scheidegg * Männlichen |
How do you get from Mürren to Grindelwald?
To get from Mürren to Grindelwald, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Zweilütschinen. In Zweilütschinen, change to the connecting train to Grindlewald or Grindelwald Terminal.
The total travel time from Mürren to Grindelwald via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is 70 minutes.
4. Spiez
Spiez is a scenic day trip destination from Mürren. A wine resort nestled in a picturesque bay, offering a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Spiez is approximately one hour and a half from Mürren.
For those who love nature and the outdoors, Spiez is the perfect destination. This peaceful town is situated on southern the banks of Lake Thun, in a small protected bay, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains of Niesen and Niederhorn. With its beautiful landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, it is the perfect place to unwind and simply spend some peaceful time by the lake.
You can take a stroll along the Spiez Promenade and soak in the breathtaking views of Lake Thun. Embark on a scenic boat cruise to fully immerse yourself in the serenity of the lake. For history enthusiasts, a visit to Spiez Castle is a must, where you can uncover the secrets of its medieval past.
Furthermore, you can also explore the Alpine viticulture in Spiez by visiting the local vineyards, indulging in wine tastings, and even purchasing some bottles to take home as souvenirs. For outdoor enthusiasts, a hike to Faulensee provides an opportunity to discover the natural beauty of the region.
In addition to the above, Spiez offers vibrant events, swimming opportunities, child-friendly adventures, and the chance to explore the magnificent Niesen Mountain. There are also more fantastic attractions near Spiez for those who want to further expand their exploration of the area.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Spiez |
| * Spiez Village * Cruise on Lake Thun * Spiez Castle * Alpine Viticulture (Vineyards, Museum) * Spiez Promenade |
If you would like to read more about Spiez, you can check out our article 10 Best Things to Do in Spiez, Switzerland.
How do you get from Mürren to Spiez?
To get from Mürren to Spiez, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting train to Spiez.
The total travel time from Mürren to Spiez via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is 1 hour and 24 minutes.
5. Brienz
Brienz can be reached from Mürren in just over an hour. Discover one of the most beautiful streets in the world and then ride the train to Brienzer Rothorn for breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Brienz is a charming, unassuming Swiss village set along the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Known for its woodcarving tradition, Brienz has a museum and a school dedicated to wood carving. It is also home to Brunngasse, one of Switzerland’s prettiest streets.
Following your exploration of the village, I recommend heading up to Brienzer Rothorn. A few of the other beautiful attractions in the area include Iseltwald, Giessbach Falls, and the Ballenberg Open-air Museum.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Brienz |
| * Brunngasse * Woodcarving Museum * Brienzer Rothorn * Iseltwald * Giessbach Falls * Ballenberg Open-air Museum |
If you would like to read more about Brienz, you can check out our article 12 Things to Do in Brienz Switzerland.
How do you get from Mürren to Brienz?
To get from Mürren to Brienz, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting train to Brienz.
The total travel time from Mürren to Brienz via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is 1 hour and 26 minutes.
6. Thun
In just 90 minutes, you can travel to the lovely town of Thun from Mürren. As a picturesque lakeside city with an old town, Thun is one of the best day trips that you can do from Mürren.
Described as the gateway to Bernese Oberland, Thun in Switzerland is also one of the biggest cities in Canton Bern. You can find it on the northern part of Bernese Oberland sitting on the northern edge of Lake Thun. Thun boasts of beautiful castles, the reformed town church on the Schlossberg, an old church, a park, an accessible lower bridge, and majestic views of the mountains.
Between April and October, you can take passenger boats on Lake Thun. Boats in Lake Thun stop in Interlaken West, Neuhaus (Unterseen), Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen, Leissinge, Beatenbucht, Merlingen, Faulensee, Spiez, Gunten, Einigen, Gwatt Deltapark, Längenschachen, Oberhofen am Thunersee, Hilterfingen, Hünibach, and Thun.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Thun |
| * Old Town of Thun * Thun Castle * Lake Thun * Schadau Castle and Park * Wocher Panorama * Art Museum * Scherzlingen Church * Aare River * Thuner Wasserzauber (September/October) |
If you would like to learn more about Thun, check out our article 10 Best Things To Do In Thun, Bernese Oberland.
How do you get from Mürren to Thun?
To get from Mürren to Thun, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting train to Thun.
The total travel time from Mürren to Thun via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes.
7. Schynige Platte
Even though going to Schynige Platte from Mürren will take you close to two hours, it is still a fantastic day trip option due to its nostalgic cogwheel train ride, breathtaking panoramas, and fantastic hikes.
Schynige Platte is a small mountain that is part of the Schwarzhorn group in Bernese Oberland. The mountain range consists of Gumihorn (2,099 meters), Tuba (2,076 meters), and Geiss (2,067 meters). The viewpoint itself lies at an altitude of 2,000 meters.
Wilderswil’s cogwheel train up to Schynige Platte harkens back to the Belle Époque era. It’s a century-old train that climbs the mountain at 25% steepness to the viewpoint. A one-hour slow ride, similar to the red panorama coaches going to Brienzer Rothorn, except that the Brienzer Rothorn train is a steam train. There’s nothing better than riding the cogwheel train up and seeing the view.
On the mountain, you have an alpine garden with hundreds of different plants. You can also hike to Faulhorn and Bachalpsee Lake. Stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, and most of the Bernese Alps can also be seen here.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Schynige Platte |
| * Nostalgic Cogwheel Train * Panorama Trail * Hiking Trails to Faulhorn and Grindelwald First * Alpine Garden * Daily Concerts by Alphorn Musicians (Summer) |
How do you get from Mürren to Schynige Platte?
To get from Mürren to Schynige Platte, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Wilderswil. In Wilderswil, change to the cogwheel train to Schynige Platte.
The total travel time from Mürren to Schynige Platte via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes.
8. Bern
A day trip to Bern, Switzerland’s de facto capital, is probably one of the most important day trips you can do from Mürren. Despite the travel time being almost two hours one way, the trip to Bern is still well worth the time.
Nestled along the banks of the Aare River, Bern offers a variety of attractions for all tastes, whether you enjoy history, art, animals, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting. It is the federal city of Switzerland. There is much more to discover when you take the time to explore this charming city.
There is no better place in Bern to start your day than the Old Town, located across the Aare River. The Old Town of Bern, which consists of many well-preserved buildings from the medieval era, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. A famous symbol of Bern, which dates back to 1218-1220, can be seen right at the entrance to the Old Town: the Zytglogge.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Bern |
| * UNESCO World Heritage Old City of Bern * Parliament Building * Bern Minster Cathedral * Historic Museum * Bern Bear Pit (Bärengraben) * Bern Zoo (Tierpark Dählhölzli) * Zentrum Paul Klee * Gurten * Museum of Communication |
If you would like to plan a day in Bern, you can check out our article How to Spend 1 Day in Bern, Switzerland.
How do you get from Mürren to Bern?
To get from Mürren to Bern, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting train to Bern.
The total travel time from Mürren to Bern via Grütschalp and Lauterbrunnen is approximately 1 hour and 54 minutes.
9. Aare Gorge
With steep rock walls, rushing water, and stunning natural scenery, visiting the Aare Gorge makes for a stunning day trip from Mürren. It takes close to two hours to get there from Mürren.
Known for its limestone formations, Aare Gorge is a large piece of bedrock. It stretches 1,400 meters long and 200 meters deep between Innertkirchen and Meiringen. With a system of safe paths and tunnels, you can walk through the gorgeous gorge to experience nature uniquely.
Access to Aare Gorge has been possible for more than a century. It has been open to the public since 1888. Restaurants, a winter-covered terrace, and a playground have expanded the tourist appeal over the years. Throughout the years, they have also made continuous efforts to make the gallery safer.
If you would like to read more about Aare Gorge, you can check out our article The Aare Gorge Canyon Walk in Haslital, Switzerland.
How do you get from Mürren to Aare Gorge?
To get from Mürren to Aare Gorge, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting train to Meiringen. In Meiringen, change to the connecting train to Aareschlucht Ost or Aareschlucht West.
It takes approximately 1 hour 49 minutes to 1 hour 58 minutes to travel from Mürren to Aare Gorge train station via Meiringen, depending on which entrance you choose. It takes only a few minutes to walk from the train station to the Aare Gorge entrance.
10. Beatenberg-Niederhorn
Discover the wonderful gem of Beatenberg, a tranquil village perched above Lake Thun. Embark on an interesting day trip as you explore St. Beatus Caves, and savor breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountains on Niederhorn. Consider completing your day trip with a picturesque boat ride on Lake Thun.
Niederhorn is a mountain of the Emmental Alps in the Bernese Oberland. Located near Beatenberg in Canton Bern, it is 1,963 meters above sea level.
Niederhorn offers a great view of Lake Thun and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Bernese Oberland. The famed Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau can be viewed from here. You can also see the Justis Valley, Jura, and Aare Valley from the mountain peak.
There are plenty of hikes around Habkern and Gemmenalphorn. The area is also supposed to have alpine ibex, but we didn’t see any when we went.
Located in the Niederhorn mountain massif, St. Beatus Caves offer an amazing inside experience. Inside, you will see stunning and unique limestone formations. Visitors can also explore the many underground passages and chambers, each with its unique beauty. In 2019, St. Beatus Cave introduced brand-new lighting. It’s a well-lit, 1-kilometer path where you can see water in different forms.
| Don’t miss these attractions in Beatenberg-Niederhorn |
| * St. Beatus Caves * Niederhorn * Lake Thun |
If you would like to read more about St. Beatus Caves, you can check out our article Exploring St. Beatus Caves Near Interlaken, Switzerland. Plus 7 Tips!
How do you get from Mürren to Beatenberg-Niederhorn?
To get from Mürren to Bern, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, change to the regional train to Interlaken Ost. In Interlaken Ost, change to the connecting bus to Beatushöhlen. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to get from Mürren to Beatushöhlen.
To get from Mürren to Niederhorn, you have to go first to Grütschalp. In Grütschalp, take the cable car to Lauterbrunnen. In Lauterbrunnen, ride the bus to Interlaken West, then to Beatenberg. In Beatenberg, take the gondola to Niederhorn. It takes 1 hour and 52 minutes to get from Mürren to Niederhorn Mountain Station.
It takes approximately 26 minutes to go from St. Beatus Caves to the Niederhorn Valley Station by car. Unfortunately, the public transport connections are not as efficient and will take you one hour.
Summary: 10 Best Day Trips from Mürren
For those who are staying for a couple of days in Mürren, Switzerland, and wish to venture out to other places, we hope that this list was helpful.
To summarize, if you are looking for a large city, then Bern is the closest to Mürren. If you want a smaller town or village with still lots of activities, Thun, Brienz, and Spiez are great choices. Interlaken is for those who are looking for adventure sports.
Kleine Scheidegg, Grindelwald, and Schynigge Platte are suitable choices for those who want to visit the mountains. You may also opt to experience Aare Gorge’s scenic beauty and capture some unforgettable photographs. Choosing Beatenberg-Niederhorn will allow you to see St. Beatus Caves, Lake Thun, and Niederhorn.
Considering all the options at your disposal, I hope you will be able to find something from this list that you will enjoy and have a great day trip from Mürren.
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Darla Uhl is the owner of TouringSwitzerland.com. Her home is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Having lived almost 20 years in Switzerland, she's traveled extensively all over the country.
Darla's favorite regions to visit in Switzerland include Engadin, Lake Geneva, Bernese Oberland, Ticino, and Valais. She loves spending time with her family, hiking, visiting museums, and reading books.