A Guide to Trümmelbach Falls with Kids

It’s no secret that at Ciao Bambino, we’re big fans of Switzerland family vacations. One of our favorite stops to suggest on an itinerary around glorious Mürren in the Jungfrau Region is Trümmelbach Falls. This glacier fed, mountain made accessible natural phenomenon is simply spectacular and arguably the most incredible of all the waterfalls in Europe.

The Michelin Guide gives the water falls one of their coveted 3 star ratings and it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We discovered the reason for this — Trümmelbach Falls is quite simply astounding as visitors witness up to 20,000 litres of water per second drain from the Eiger (3970 m), Mönch (4099 m) and Jungfrau (4158 m) mountains from inside the mountain.

The photos really don’t do this attraction justice. Part of the experience is hearing the water. Let’s just say it’s deafening. I’ve gone twice now and on each visit that first interaction with the falls produces a rash of giggles from all ages — you just can’t believe what you are seeing and hearing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bZ735WGKQE

Here’s a taste … but truly, this is something that has to be experienced in person to be fully appreciated.

Trümmelbach Falls is a series of ten glacial waterfalls. Seeing them involves some serious stairs, inside and outside of the mountain. Some of the journey is accessible by tunnel lift (dark and disconcerting, but short) to take the edge off the climb. You will still get a mini-workout climbing up at the departure point, and then you can walk down to the valley floor at a leisurely pace.

Please trust me when I say that this is NOT a good place for toddlers. Children under 4 are not permitted. I felt the need to be in arm’s length of the school-age kids in our group.

If You Go

The falls are open daily from April through November. Entrance fees are 11 CHF per adult and 4 CHF per child. They do not accept credit cards so bring cash! Parking is easy but the Lauterbrunnen Valley bus system is amazingly efficient. We also stopped in the little cafe near the entrance and they have delightful snacks, cakes, and coffee. Wear proper shoes (no flip flops) and bring a rain jacket as the spray off the falls can be intense.

Photos courtesy of Amie O’Shaughnessy

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Switzerland on Ciao Bambino

Best places to visit in Switzerland: A great 1-week itinerary for families

Kid-friendly hiking on the Children’s Adventure Trail in Murren, Switzerland

Switzerland with kids must-do: Jungfrau Railway to the Top of Europe

How to choose the perfect home base in Switzerland’s Jungfrau Region