The Trümmelbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen is one of the world’s most stunning waterfalls, not because of its size, but because of its uniqueness and intensity. Trümmelbach likely comes from the German verb for drumming (trommeln), and it makes sense. When you visit, you can expect to hear a permanent drum-like sound. These ten waterfalls have been an amazing tourist spot since 1877, channeling water from the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau glaciers and cliffs.
There is no doubt that Trümmelbach Falls should be on your bucket list of things to do in Switzerland; it is worth visiting at least once in your life.
Visiting Trümmelbach Falls whenever you are in Lauterbrunnen is easy, convenient, and affordable. It is one of the incredible attractions of nature in this wonderful region and is a popular spot to visit.
Lauterbrunnen: Home of Trümmelbach Falls
Located in the valley that has 72 waterfalls, Trümmelbach Falls offers a glimpse of ten. Trümmelbach Falls are located in Lauterbrunnen, a village tucked away at the bottom of a magnificent U-shaped valley in Switzerland. Amidst many waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen is an enchanting village. It is also a convenient starting point for exploring the Jungfrau Region.
One of the highlights of Lauterbrunnen is the Trümmelbach Waterfalls. A few of the other highlights are the Staubbach Falls and Mürrenbach Waterfall.
You can easily reach Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg, Stechelberg, Gimmelwald, and Mürren from Lauterbrunnen.
Trümmelbach Falls: Glacier Meltwaters of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
Trümmelbach Falls is unique in that despite being located within a mountain, it is quite easy to reach. You shouldn’t have a problem ascending and descending numerous stairs as long as you’re comfortable doing so. It is not necessary to prepare anything else.
The Trümmelbach Falls consist of ten glacier waterfalls inside the mountain. In order to reach the interior of a mountain, you must either climb it on foot or take an elevator ride through a tunnel.
This mountain hides 10 glacier falls of breathtaking beauty within its cliff walls. With loud, rushing waters, the water cascades through canyons, forming and carving the mountain within. As much as 20,000 liters per second of glacial meltwater flow in here from Eiger (3,970 meters), Mönch (4,099 meters), and Jungfrau (4,158 meters).
Trümmelbach Falls has a drainage area of 24 km2. Think about the power and beauty of the water flow 139 meters high and cascades to the ground.
In most cases, the waterfalls are seen from various angles within the mountain as they are flowing from within. You won’t just see the waterfalls as you stroll around Trümmelbach Falls, but you’ll also experience it with its impressive trembling and rumbling. And despite being located completely within the mountain, everything is properly illuminated.
Trümmelbach Falls: Tunnel Lift
A smart plan was devised by Frutiger, Lüthi & Lanzrein in Bern to spare visitors the lengthy climb up the 10th waterfall. Trümmelbach Falls’ natural landscape was preserved by not changing its exterior image. An elevator ascends diagonally up inside the mountain instead of outside. Within six months, the elevator was completed and has been in operation ever since.
It was complex and dangerous to build an elevator inside the mountain, but careful planning and installation prevented any accidents.
A driver operates the tunnel elevator, bringing in passengers, taking them up or down, and letting them out afterward. There is no need to purchase a separate tunnel elevator ticket since it is already included in your entry ticket.
The tunnel elevator might take some time to arrive, so please be patient. It will arrive eventually. A maximum of 500 people can be transported per hour by the tunnel elevator.
If you do not wish to wait, you can always opt to climb up the stairs to the 10th waterfall. Some may find it tiring, but others may find it doable. As long as you have time, I recommend waiting for the elevator.
Trümmelbach Falls: What to Expect
Once you have parked your car or arrived by bus or on foot, you will have to purchase your ticket. Upon entering the gate, there is a short path leading to Trümmelbach Falls. There is a huge wooden villa housing a self-service restaurant and a souvenir store next to it.
Upon reaching the end of the small path, you will see a small cave-like building housing the tunnel elevator and stairs. It’s up to you to choose which adventure you want to take from here.
You are brought roughly to the middle of the mountain after waiting for the tunnel lift. You can continue walking on the same level to see the 6th waterfall, or you may climb up to see the three highest waterfalls. The 7th to 10th waterfalls can be reached by walking up.
Higher waterfalls are relatively easy to reach on foot. There are many steps, some of which may be slippery. Shoes with sturdy soles will keep you from slipping, so I recommend wearing those.
After viewing the 6th through 10th waterfalls, head down the stairs to explore the remaining half. On the way down, you’ll see a wonderful view of Lauterbrunnen Valley, where you might want to take an obligatory photo.
There is no set order in which the waterfalls should be viewed. Starting at the bottom and working your way up is an option. You may also start at the top, and then go down.
Along the way, you’ll be amazed by the sheer force of the water flowing within the mountain, rather than falling from outside like most waterfalls. To assist you in moving around safely, there are plenty of rails and stair handles. Trümmelbach Falls reminded me a bit of Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge, where thunderous water flows from glaciers. Visiting this place was an amazing experience.
Those over the age of 4 who can walk up and down stairs with ease should visit this place. Trümmelbach Falls is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in Switzerland.
How to Get to Trümmelbach Falls
The easiest way to get to Trümmelbach Falls is to go by bus or by car. There is a parking lot located right next to Trümmelbach Falls.
| Address | Trümmelbachfälle, Trümmelbach |
| By Bus | Trümmelbachfälle |
| By Train | Lauterbrunnen (3.8 kilometers away, 48-minute walk) |
From April to November, you can visit anytime between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. During July and August, you can come anytime between 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM.
Final Thoughts: Trümmelbach Falls
Visiting Trümmelbach Falls is also a worthwhile option for those who are in Interlaken or the Jungfrau region when it’s rainy. You can also easily get there by train or car from Grindelwald and Interlaken.
Children under the age of four are not permitted inside Trümmelbach Falls. The waterfalls can be very powerful, and walking around might not be a smart idea if you have young children. My recommendation would be to visit Allmendhubel Flower Park in Mürren rather than Trümmelbach Falls if you have children younger than 4.
I highly recommend coming to Trümmelbach Falls in the Jungfrau Region. There are few places more beautiful in Switzerland than this. A visit to this natural wonder is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Resources
- Trümmelbachfälle https://www.truemmelbachfaelle.ch/
- Cattani, O. Ing. Der Bergaufzug am Trümmelbachfall. Schweizerische Bauzeitung, 11. Juli 1914. Accessed on 24 October 2022.
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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.