Skip to content
Book the Falls

Switzerland · Bernese Oberland

Staubbach Falls

Staubbachfall

One of dozens of waterfalls lining the sheer walls of Lauterbrunnen valley, this one so thin and wind-blown that Goethe wrote a poem about it after visiting in 1779. A short path climbs to a platform partway up for a closer look at the falling spray.

Inspired a Goethe poem and Tolkien's Rivendell valley Essentials guide

One of dozens of waterfalls lining the sheer walls of Lauterbrunnen valley, this one so thin and wind-blown that Goethe wrote a poem about it after visiting in 1779. A short path climbs to a platform partway up for a closer look at the falling spray.

Staubbach Falls drops 297 metres (974 ft) on the Staubbach. It is a horsetail-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Lauterbrunnen, with BRN the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.

Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; strong winds can blow the thin drop sideways into mist before it lands.

What you can do here

Paragliding

Tandem flights launching from the ridges above the valley.

Find paragliding here

Hiking

From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.

Photography

Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.

When to go

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; strong winds can blow the thin drop sideways into mist before it lands.

Entry: Free

Getting there

  • Base townLauterbrunnen
  • AirportBRN
  • CountrySwitzerland
  • RegionBernese Oberland, Europe
  • AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint

On the map

46.5928, 7.9078

Quick answers

How tall is Staubbach Falls?

Staubbach Falls drops 297 metres (974 feet). It is a horsetail-type waterfall on the Staubbach.

When is the best time to visit Staubbach Falls?

Peak flow is May to July. Spring snowmelt gives the fullest flow; strong winds can blow the thin drop sideways into mist before it lands.

What can you do at Staubbach Falls?

Beyond the viewpoints: paragliding, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.

How do you get to Staubbach Falls?

The usual base is Lauterbrunnen, and the closest airport is BRN. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Free.