Trümmelbach Falls: How to Hike to the Mighty Waterfall from Wengen in the Lauterbrunnen Valley

Looking for more hikes near Wengen and Trümmelbach?
For an easier option with great views overlooking Interlaken, take the trail from Wengen to Leiterhorn. Trümmelbach is a good starting point for a walk along the Lauterbrunnen Valley floor, with many exciting side trips.

CURRENT INFO

A map (which I highly recommend downloading prior to your hike) and other information about the trail from Wengen to Trümmelbach are available on AllTrails. The route on AllTrails continues on from Trümmelbach Falls to Mürren for an 11.3 mile one-way hike. But don’t worry! Trümmelbach Falls is only a five-mile hike from Wengen, and is a good stopping point with public transportation connections.

If you’re planning a trip to Switzerland that includes the Lauterbrunnen Valley, I recommend Rick Steves’ Switzerland guidebook.

I HIKED IT

August 2024, around 4 hours

*I recommend allowing 5+ hours for the hike

A QUICK TRAIL SIGNAGE TUTORIAL

Switzerland has excellent trail signage, but it can get confusing when there are so many options. Here’s what to know when hiking from Wengen to Trümmelbach Falls:

• The trail starts off on the main road in Wengen. From the train station, head downhill and cross under the train tracks, then continue downhill on the main road.
• Yellow signs point in the direction of various trails. You’ll see these signs in town and along the trail.
• Start off by following the signs for Staubbachbänkli. This is the first viewpoint along this route.
• Once past Staubbachbänkli, continue on to Hasenbach Falls in the direction of Mettlenalp or Wengernalp. While Mettlenalp and Wengernalp are not the final destination for this hike, this is the correct route to follow when leaving Staubbachbänkli.
• As you contine further, follow the signs pointing to Lauterbrunnen and Trummelbach. This is your ultimate destination, and will lead you down a steep switchback trail into the Lauterbrunnen Valley.

GOOD TO KNOW

• The trail from Wengen to Trümmelbach Falls works well as a one-way hike.
• To reach Wengen, take the train from Lauterbrunnen. Lauterbrunnen can be accessed by train from Interlaken, and by bus or cable car from other villages in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Check schedules online in advance.
• From Trümmelbach Falls at the end of the hike, you can follow the flat trail along the valley floor back to Lauterbrunnen, or catch the Post Bus back. Buses run every half hour throughout much of the day. You can purchase tickets on board with credit card or cash.
• Visit Trümmelbach Falls at the end of the hike to keep the adventure going. After purchasing your ticket, an elevator whisks you into the mountain, where a narrow path through the cavern allows visitors to view ten tiers of the mighty Trümmelbach Falls. Be prepared to get wet! P.S. — You can easily visit Trümmelbach without hiking by taking the bus or walking from the town of Lauterbrunnen.
• For a much shorter hike, go as far as Staubbachbänkli, a lovely viewpoint 20 minutes from Wengen. It’s a lovely picnic spot with plenty of benches.
• For a more moderate hike, go as far as Hasenbach Falls, then return to Wengen. The falls are quite small and not a major destination, but this is a good turnaround point before the steep descent to Trümmelbach.
• If you’re up for more walking, check out my post on hiking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. This covers the valley floor walk, which passes near Trümmelbach Falls and connects to the town of Lauterbrunnen, as well as other hikes to Gimmelwald and Mürren.

• Good hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good traction are a must. The final downhill stretch is very steep, and the rocks can be slippery. Fortunately, there are cables and rails along the steepest sections to ease the way, but it can still be treacherous. Do not attempt this last section of the trail unless you can handle a long, steep descent that is extremely rough and rocky!
• Hiking poles are recommended, but not required.
• Bring layers, including a rain jacket. The weather can change quickly in the Swiss Alps.
• Bring water. The local tap water is safe to drink, so you can fill your water bottle at your hotel.
• Restrooms are available at the train station in Wengen. There are also restrooms at Trümmelbach Falls.
• Restaurants and a Coop grocery store are available in Wengen.
• There is a café at Trümmelbach Falls, and more restaurants and a Coop grocery store in Lauterbrunnen.
• Always follow Leave No Trace principles.

HIGHLIGHTS

The trail from Wengen to Trümmelbach Falls is definitely off the beaten path. While it doesn’t include quite so many incredible mountain views when compared with many of the hikes near Wengen, it’s a lovely less crowded alternative. Much of the trail is wooded, but you will also pass a few farms and meadows, and, yes, some stunning views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the Jungfrau Mountain as well. Near the end, the trail crosses a narrow gorge above Trümmelbach Falls. On the final descent, be sure to look up from the rocky path now and then for more fantastic views as you approach the valley floor.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

On the whole, I don’t consider the hike from Wengen to Trümmelbach Falls to be the best choice for kids. It’s fairly long, and the last section is very steep and rocky. Strong hiking skills and stamina are a must. Aside from that, much of the trail is wooded, with occasional viewpoints overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s lovely, but not the sort of thing many kids find engaging.

If you prefer a shorter option for your family, consider hiking as far as Staubbachbänkli, the first major viewpoint along the trail, then returning to Wengen. This makes for a nice short hike, and Staubbachbänkli is a good picnic spot. Those looking to hike further can go as far as Hasenbach Falls before turning around. The falls itself is small and not that impressive, but it makes a good turnaround point before the trail really gets tough. A couple of other family-friendly hikes near Wengen that I highly recommend include the Panorama Trail from Männlichen and the trail from Wengen to Leiterhorn.

Whatever hikes you choose, I recommend families with older kids and teens carve out time to visit to Trümmelbach Falls. And there’s no need to hike to Trümmelbach — just hop on the Post Bus or enjoy the beautiful Valley Walk from Lauterbrunnen.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

No visit to the Lauterbrunnen Valley would be complete without a stroll along the valley floor. This is another great (and far easier) way to visit Trümmelbach Falls. Take a cable car up the other side of the valley to check out the mountain villages of Gimmelwald and Mürren. From there, you can continue by cable car to the top of the Schilthorn for incredible 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps. For more information about how to visit these places as part of a longer loop hike, check out my post on Hiking in Switzerland’s Beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley.

In Wengen, the Coop grocery store near the train station is the perfect place to pack a picnic. They offer sandwiches, prepared salads, local fruit in season, and much more. For dining in Wengen, I recommend the pizza at Ristorante Da Sina.

Looking for more hikes near Wengen? Whatever your style, I’ve got you covered! Take the cable car from Wengen to Männlichen for an easy but nonetheless stunning hike on the Panorama Trail. Those who are up for a challenge can skip the cable car and hike the Gemsenweg to Männlichen insted. Another moderately challenging option is the trail from Kleine Scheidegg to Wengen via Biglenalp, one of my personal favorites. Finally, for a short, moderately easy hike, follow the trail from Wengen to Leiterhorn for beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley views.

It’s always exciting to try a new trail, so when I discovered a route on AllTrails that led from Wengen to Trümmelbach Falls, I couldn’t wait to give it a go. I admit, however, that I was a little apprehensive about the switchbacks on the final descent to Trümmelbach. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is home to some seriously steep trails, trails that have more than once set my knees a-quaking. Even a walk through Wengen is enough to cause many travelers to marvel at the Swiss locals who manage these steep streets day in and day out.

To start my hike, I took the paved road under the train tracks and continued walking downhill following the signs for Staubbachbänkli. According to the signs, this viewpoint was a mere 20 minute walk from the town center. The road leveled out and turned to gravel as I left Wengen. It was a gorgeous sunny day, and the going was easy — for now, at least.

As I neared Staubbachbänkli, I passed through a cluster of charming Swiss chalets, some bedecked with overflowing flower boxes. Three local flags were proudly on display. The red and yellow flag emblazoned with a bear represents Bern, Switzerland’s capital city. Since the Lauterbrunnen Valley lies in the Bernese Alps, you’ll see this flag flown frequently alongside the white cross for Switzerland. The third flag represents the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and features three white waterfalls and a proud mountain goat, or ibex, kicking up its hooves.

One of the waterfalls represented on the flag is the magnificent Staubbach Falls, one of Switzerland’s tallest. And wouldn’t you know it, the Staubbachbänkli (“bänkli” refers to little benches or seats in Swiss German) offers a view of this very waterfall, as well as an even better overlook of the valley itself.

The visit to Staubbachbänkli meant taking a brief detour from the main route. After admiring the view, I headed uphill to rejoin the trail, passing a large newly built barn and a small ski lift. I turned left to follow the sign toward Mettlenalp. Soon, I was walking through the cool, lush forest. There were a few steep uphill sections as I made my way to Hasenbach Falls. Rustic steps of wood and stone helped ease the way.

Eventually, I came to Hasenbach Falls. It was… underwhelming. Perhaps this small waterfall sees more water in the spring and early summer, but in August it was a mere trickle. Still, it’s a pretty spot, and makes a good turnaround point if you prefer to return to Wengen and skip the terrors that lie ahead. Wait, no, not terrors! Just an unrelenting course of death-defying switchbacks leading straight down to the valley floor. Wait, did I say death-defying? Of course not! These trails are perfectly safe…

Safe, yes, but not for everyone. Strong knees, quality hiking boots, and good stamina are all required. Trekking poles are also highly recommended, although I hiked without them. After leaving Hasenbach Falls, I passed a few other lovely viewpoints with benches, then came to a crossroads in a small meadow. From here, I took the trail toward Trümmelbach.

This is where the going gets tough. The trail was extremely rocky and uneven, and I was thankful for the cable railing, which prevented me from slipping more than once. Perhaps it goes without says, but rocks are hard! They don’t make for a soft landing. This would also be an easy place to twist an ankle or worse.

But wow — those views! I loved catching birds-eye glimpses of the Lauterbrunnen Valley as I made my way down. There’s nothing like a great view to keep me going.

I got a reprieve from the rocks when the trail led away from the cliff and through a small pasture. The way was still undeniably steep, but the change of scenery was a pleasant diversion. As I crossed the meadow, I caught sight of multiple waterfalls lacing the rock walls at the base of the Jungfrau Mountain.

Beyond the meadows, more stairs lay ahead. I was thankful to see them, as stairs are often easier to navigate than a steeply sloping trail. They also lessen the risk of a serious fall. Do you like stairs? If so, this trail has a lot of them.

There were more grand views as well. One rocky promontory was especially stunning. Taking advantage of the clear weather, several paragliders drifted into view, spiraling lazily down to the valley below. I think their way down was easier than mine, and certainly less hard on the feet.

After yet more stairs, the trail approached Trümmelbach. Not the famous waterfall one can visit from the valley, but the stream that gave the waterfall its name. In German, the word “Bach” means stream or brook. “Trümmelbach” means “drumming stream”. It’s a fitting name for this river that barrels through a narrow mountain gorge with a thunderous roar. Waterfalls pitch and roil below the trail bridge, and a stern sign warns hikers not to linger due to the risk of flash floods.

I heeded the warning and did not linger on the bridge. After all, I still had a lot of stairs to go — first up, and then back down. Not to mention another steep section of slippery rocks that had me hanging on to the cable for dear life. Finally, as my knees began to buckle, I made to the valley floor. Level ground at last!

The trail deposits hikers near the entrance to Trümmelbach Falls. It’s a convenient time to visit the falls, but I recommend taking a break first. There is a café and restrooms at Trümmelbach, as well as a bus stop. From here, it’s short bus ride to the village of Lauterbrunnen.

As for me, my hike was not yet done, although the hard part was behind me. From Trümmelbach, I followed the Lauterbrunnen Valley Walk into town before taking the train back to Wengen. It was a pleasant way to wind down. But regardless of the challenges (and perhaps in part because of them), I was more than happy to have hiked from Wengen to Trümmelbach. Sometimes the trail less traveled is indeed a journey worth taking.