Introduction
Lauterbrunnen Valley transforms into one of the most surreal winter adventure destinations in the Swiss Alps. With over 72 waterfalls turning into dramatic frozen ice curtains, towering cliffs wrapped in snow, and deep alpine silence, this valley becomes a paradise for thrill-seekers.
Whether you’re a mountaineer, hiker, climber, or simply an adrenaline lover, Lauterbrunnen offers some of the most extreme and immersive winter activities in Interlaken, Switzerland.
1. Ice Climbing the Frozen Waterfalls – Lauterbrunnen’s Most Iconic Adventure
Lauterbrunnen is world-famous for its enormous ice walls, especially Staubbachfall and Mürrenfalls, which freeze into striking blue pillars. Ice climbers worldwide visit the valley to scale these frozen formations.
Two major types of climbing are available: accessible beginner routes and high-grade expert climbs that challenge even seasoned alpinists.
Why It’s an Unforgettable Adventure:
- Massive frozen waterfalls create vertical ice walls up to 300m
- Professional guides offer safe routes for all levels
- Unique formations every winter — no two climbs are ever the same
- Remote icy cliffs create an intense, cinematic atmosphere
Climbers often start before sunrise when the ice is strongest and the valley glows in soft blue light. If you want the most adrenaline-packed experience in the region, this is it.
2. Winter Base Jumping – Extreme Thrill for the Brave
Lauterbrunnen is often called the “Valley of BASE Jumpers.” Even in winter, trained professionals take leaps from cliffs ranging 400–1000 meters high.
This activity is NOT for beginners, but watching the pros glide over the snowy valley is unforgettable.
Adventure Highlights:
- Over 11 official winter jump points
- Massive cliffs create vertical freefall routes
- Winter winds offer cleaner jumps
- A top bucket-list experience for adventure photographers
Only certified athletes can jump, but guided observation tours let you hike to the launch points and feel the rush up close.
3. Winter Hiking Through the “Frozen Cathedral” Valley
The valley’s 800m cliffs and frozen waterfalls make every winter trail feel like a walk through a natural cathedral of ice.
Hikes range from short scenic walks to full-day expeditions reaching car-free villages like Mürren and Gimmelwald.
Adventure Hiking Features:
- Snow-covered paths along frozen waterfalls
- Suspension bridges and cliffside trails
- Quiet, untouched landscapes with minimal crowds
- Routes connecting Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg → Mürren
The silence of the valley in winter amplifies every sound — from cracking ice to falling snow — creating a surreal, meditative adventure.
4. Ice Canyoning – A Rare and Extreme Alpine Adventure
Winter canyoning in Lauterbrunnen is an intense adventure found in only a few places in the world.
You navigate frozen rivers, rappel down icy rock walls, and squeeze through narrow canyon slots filled with snow.
What Makes It Special:
- Rappelling beside frozen waterfalls
- Sliding through icy riverbeds
- Exploring hidden glacial chambers
- Professional gear and guides included
This activity gives a raw, close-up experience with Lauterbrunnen’s icy terrain.
5. Backcountry Skiing & Snowboarding to Remote Valleys
While Lauterbrunnen itself is not a ski resort, it connects directly to massive ski areas like Mürren-Schilthorn and Wengen.
Backcountry routes take you deep into untouched snowfields with panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Why Adventure Lovers Choose This:
- Fresh powder fields far from crowds
- Long technical descents
- Glacier views and narrow couloirs
- Options for skiing, splitboarding, and ski touring
Highly recommended for intermediate–advanced skiers who want more than standard resort slopes.
6. Frozen Waterfall Photography Expeditions
Winter in Lauterbrunnen is a dream for adventure photographers.
Guided tours bring you to icy cliffs, frozen waterfalls, and secluded winter forests. You may even capture ice climbers mid-ascent.
Photography Opportunities:
- Close-up frozen waterfall formations
- Sunrise glow over icy cliffs
- Snowy forests and alpine wildlife
- Aerial-style cliff viewpoints
Great for drone users too (in permitted zones).
7. Snowshoeing to Hidden Winter Caves & Alpine Huts
Snowshoe routes take you off the normal hiking paths into forests, cliff ledges, and hidden corners of the valley.
This is one of the quietest ways to explore Lauterbrunnen’s winter wilderness.
Snowshoeing Highlights:
- Routes to frozen caves behind waterfalls
- Snow-covered alpine meadows
- Peaceful landscapes far from tourists
- Scenic climbs toward Gimmelwald
Snowshoeing is beginner-friendly but still adventurous enough to feel wild and exciting.
8. Winter Paragliding Over Frozen Falls
Paragliding in winter gives an entirely new perspective: white cliffs, blue ice formations, and frozen rivers below your feet.
Take-off points above Lauterbrunnen provide the most dramatic views.
What Makes It Amazing:
- Warm winter thermals for steady flights
- Close views of frozen waterfalls
- Flight paths over the deep valley
- Optional videos and photos from the air
This is a top choice for travelers seeking “soft adventure.”
9. Alpine Via Ferrata (Winter Version)
Via Ferrata Mürren in winter becomes an extreme challenge.
Fixed cables, metal ladders, and cliff bridges allow adventurers to traverse the valley walls.
Winter Via Ferrata Features:
- Icy metal rungs for technical skill
- Narrow cliffside ledges
- Safety lines continuously clipped
- A thrilling swing bridge with snowy views
Only operated with guides in winter for safety.
10. Ice Skating on Natural Rinks
Lauterbrunnen and Mürren often create natural ice fields during winter.
These outdoor rinks offer a beautiful alpine backdrop.
Adventure Notes:
- Natural frozen ponds
- Snowy mountain scenery
- Ice hockey and freestyle skating areas
- Night skating under alpine stars
A peaceful but active winter experience.
11. Helicopter Glacier Tours & Snow Landings
For the ultimate adrenaline experience, take a helicopter tour over Lauterbrunnen’s frozen waterfalls, then land on a glacier for exploration.
Adventure Highlights:
- Fly beside frozen waterfalls
- Land on untouched glacier snow
- Guided glacier walks
- Views of Wengen, Mürren & the Jungfrau region
This is one of the most exclusive winter activities in Interlaken, Switzerland.
12. Night Adventures: Stars, Silence & Frozen Cliffs
Winter nights in Lauterbrunnen are incredibly clear.
Adventure photographers and hikers enjoy nighttime winter expeditions.
Night Adventure Experiences:
- Stargazing under crystal-clear skies
- Photography of moonlit frozen waterfalls
- Guided night snowshoe treks
- Adventure-style night hiking
The valley becomes a magical frozen wonderland after sunset.
✅ Conclusion
Lauterbrunnen Valley is more than a scenic Swiss destination — it is one of the most thrilling places for winter activities in Interlaken, Switzerland. From climbing colossal frozen waterfalls to exploring icy canyons, snowshoeing across untouched alpine meadows, and witnessing extreme BASE jumpers plunge through the cold air, every moment in this valley feels alive and action-packed.
For adventure travelers, Lauterbrunnen becomes a playground of raw nature and adrenaline. The silence of the snowy cliffs, the power of frozen waterfalls, and the dramatic landscapes create an unforgettable winter journey. Whether you’re pushing your limits on a technical climb or discovering hidden winter caves on a snowshoe expedition, each experience deepens your connection to this magical valley.
Lauterbrunnen is the heart of winter adventure in the Jungfrau region, offering outdoor lovers a rare blend of beauty, challenge, and pure alpine thrill. If you’re searching for the most immersive winter activities in Interlaken Switzerland, this frozen wonderland is the perfect place to begin your next cold-season adventure.
Contact Us for more details…
