Description

Where cowbells ring and gently floating clouds sporadically share their views of some of Switzerland's most precious gems: Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, it’s hard not to fall in love with this enchanting valley, just as Tolkien did, taking inspiration for the elven city of Rivendell as he wrote his masterpiece: The Lord of the Rings.

Arriving in the Lauterbrunnen valley gives the sense of stepping into one of Tolkien’s novels.

Water cascades down the sides of abrupt cliffs, on top of where paragliders and base jumpers take their mark.

Start your run from here or ride the cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald – the quaint Swiss village that will take your breath away with its views.

The scenery is lush and green.

The sound of trickling water guides you along the trail, away from the quiet villages of Mürren and Gimmelwald.

Rock hop over streams and trample across loamy forest trails under the Jungfrau, taking care not to step on salamanders as you get lost in your own head thanks to the beauty of your surrounds.

Breaking the feeling of solitude midway, stumble across the Hotel Obersteinberg before continuing up to Oberhoresee.

The stunning turquoise lake is perfectly situated at the turnaround point and the refreshing alpine water begs for you to jump in.

Bask in high altitude sunshine before enjoying the flowy trail back to Gimmelwald, where the Mountain Hostel has the deck prepared for you with first-class views and insanely good pizza! Nearest station: Lauterbrunnen Travel time from Zurich HB: approx 2:25hr https://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/at-the-station/railway-stations/further-stations/station.7384.lauterbrunnen.html