If you love cycling in nature, this post is for you. We’ll give you all the tips for an unforgettable bike ride in the Swiss Alps. I’ll tell you in advance that the tour is very simple and doesn’t require much physical preparation, so come and check out all the details of this unmissable ride.
Section of the trail descending from Mürren to Lauterbrunnen
Where to take the tour
We went to the charming and famous town of Lauterbrunnen for the tour. Lauterbrunnen is approximately 2 hours by car from Zurich and 2:30 by train.
Directions: Arriving in Lauterbrunnen
Grütschalp Gondola and Train to Mürren
If you are coming by car, as soon as you arrive in Lauterbrunnen you can park your car in one of the village’s parking lots and then go to the train station and buy a ticket to the village of Mürren via Grütschalp, but be careful because the route works in 2 stages, first gondola and then train, buy the ticket at the train station but cross across the street where the gondola station is.
The station is right at the entrance to the village, on the main street near the restaurants.
View from inside the gondola
The gondola takes less than 10 minutes to reach Grütschalp, where you will immediately transfer to a train to Mürren, the ticket is a single ticket and as soon as you get off the gondola you can get on the train, it may sound complicated but it is very simple and intuitive.
View from the train
The train route is scenic with amazing views of the Alps where you can see the panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, a tip is to sit on the left side of the train for the best views.
Panoramic view of the mountains
The train journey takes about 20 minutes and the ticket costs CHF11.20.
In Mürren there are a few bike rental stores, we rented ours from Stäger-Sport, and we paid CHF40 francs for each bike for the whole day, CHF30 francs for half a day and the helmet is included in the rental price.
To return the bike, the store gave us a ticket to hand in with the bike down in Lauterbrunnen, exactly where we took the gondola up.
Tips
Ask the clerk at the bike rental store for tips, he’ll tell you about the route and suggest what’s best for you, as we had no mountain biking experience he suggested a quieter trail, if you have experience there’s another trail.
It’s important to be careful with the brakes, always use both together and don’t brake harshly.
Down the mountain
Start of the trail from Mürren
As soon as you start the trail there is a small rise, the only one on the route, and the rest is downhill. I confess that I was apprehensive at first because I didn’t know what was waiting for us down the mountain.
Part of the tour
You will descend from the village of Mürren to Lauterbrunnen. The route is approximately 10 km downhill, with unbelievable scenery surrounded by the Alps and pine trees.
Once we’d finished the trail and arrived in the village of Lauterbrunnen, we decided to cycle there too and explore this fairytale setting.
Finishing the trail, arriving in Lauterbrunnen
Returning the bike
To return the bike you just have to go to the same place where you got on the gondola, the one at the beginning of the tour. You leave the bike there and they transport it by gondola to the store and you don’t have to worry about it.
Total tour cost: CHF 51.20 francs
Bike rent: CHF40 francs
Gondola Ticket: CHF11.20 francs
Summary
Arrives in Lauterbrunnen ➡ Takes the gondola to Grütschalp ➡ Transfers from the gondola to the train to Mürren ➡ Rents the bike in Mürren ➡ Takes the downhill trail from Mürren back to Lauterbrunnen where the bike is also returned
We took the opportunity to end the day by stopping at one of the restaurants in Lauterbrunnen to have a bite to eat and enjoy the view.
This is one of those tours that we want to recommend more and more here on the blog, where you have experiences that go beyond traditional tourism. It was an incredible experience, one of our favorite in Switzerland so far.
I hope this has helped you plan your trip, and if you have any questions about the tour, just leave a comment here. Have a good trip!
Mürren is a small Swiss mountain village with less than 500 inhabitants, situated above the famous Lauterbrunnen valley in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland’s famous highlands.
Mürren is one of the most beautiful villages in the Swiss Alps
Mürren is one of those picturesque little Alpine villages that is a little more secluded and quiet, free of cars. It is one of the ideal destinations for winter sports and one of the most visited for skiing, but it is also beautiful in the summer and ideal for hiking or cycling. Surrounded by mountains and greenery, with a spectacular panorama overlooking the famous Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, it is a perfect destination in both seasons.
In this post, you’ll find all the tips on what to do in Mürren and be enchanted by this fairytale village, the ideal choice for those looking for a peaceful atmosphere with beautiful scenery.
As soon as we arrived in Mürren, I was amazed by the silence and tranquillity of the village. It quickly captivated me with its small-town charm and fresh mountain air.
In my opinion, it’s a great refuge in the Alps, and if you like calm, you’ll love Mürren too.
How to get to Mürren
Mürren is part of the Bernese Oberland canton, in the district of Interlaken. The village is accessible via the Lauterbrunnen Valley, and it’s there that you’ll park if you’re travelling by car or get off the train if you’re coming by public transport.
There are two main ways to get to Mürren from Lauterbrunnen, as it is a car-free village and you need to take one of the cablecars to Lauterbrunnen or Stechelberg, which is in the Lauterbrunnen district itself.
1: Cable car + train via Grütschalp
View from the train going to Mürren. The tip here is to sit on the left side for the best views
This cable car is located opposite the train station at the entrance to Lauterbrunnen near the main street. From the train station, you just have to cross the street to get to the cable car station, which is next to the Coop supermarket. You can buy the ticket at the train station or at the cable car station, which takes 5 minutes to get to Grütschalp. When you get off the cable car, the train is already waiting and the journey to Mürren takes 15 minutes.
This is undoubtedly my favorite option; the panoramic views from the train are breathtaking, a true Swiss train experience.
Price cable car + train round trip: CHF 20.20
2: Schilthorn Cable Car: From Stechelberg
View from the cable car to Mürren
On the opposite side of the main entrance to Lauterbrunnen, at the end of the valley, is Stechelberg, where you’ll find the station for the cable car up the famous Schilthorn mountain. One of the intermediate stops is in Mürren, so it’s also an option for getting to the village. The ride takes about 10 minutes. I recommend this option for anyone visiting Schilthorn.
Price from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren Roundtrip: CHF 22.40
What to do in Mürren in the summer
In the summer, Mürren is a great place for hiking and cycling. You can enjoy a stroll in the center of town, walking from one side of the small village to the other in 15 minutes, and then take a hike, the most suitable of which is from Mürren to Grütshalp and from Mürren to Allmendhubel.
This photo is from the day we went for a walk in Mürren after climbing to the top of Schilthorn mountain
We visited Mürren on two different days. One day we went up to the top of the Schilthorn mountain, and we also visited it to do a mountain bike trail, I wrote a full post about this delicious and unforgettable ride.
This photo is from the day we went mountain biking
What to do in Mürren in winter
Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and Sledding
The village is well known for its winter sports; you can go skiing, snowboarding, or even sledging.
You can sledge from Mürren to Gimmelwald or take the funicular up to Allmendhubel, which takes 5 minutes. There are also snowshoe trails there. Allmendhubel has a huge playground, particularly great for family outings with children.
The slope for beginner skiers is in Allmendhubel, while for intermediate or advanced skiers it is in Birg, both of which can be reached via Mürren.
You know those little snow-covered houses we saw on the internet? Mürren is one of those examples. As its snow density is very high, it is the ideal destination to enjoy the winter. If you are not interested in sports, it is an ideal resort to enjoy a magical winter and enjoy the snow with a good mug of hot chocolate on the balcony, as well as with walks in the village and in the little shops. It is one of those perfect refuges to enjoy this winter atmosphere.
When to go?
The most visited months are in winter, from November to the beginning of April, with Christmas being the most crowded, and summer in July and August. Spring and fall are the months when you’ll find the village emptier, so if you’re looking for an alternative, May, June, and September are great months to experience a quieter trip.
Month of our trip: September
I hope you have an incredible trip and enjoy this magical place.
Places to visit near Mürren
Lauterbrunnen: The Enchanted Valley of the Lord of the Rings
Gimmelwald: An authentic Alpine village
Männlichen & Kleine Scheidegg: Breathtaking Trails and Landscapes
Everything you need to know to explore the best of Interlaken in Switzerland on a one-day trip; this is one of the best regions to base yourself in on a trip to Switzerland.
View of Lake Brienz
A region with breathtaking landscapes, the Swiss Alps, mountains, lakes in unimaginable shades of blue, green valleys, and many surprises along the way, there are also many activities and sightseeing options here, so it should definitely be on the list of things to do in Switzerland.
You know that kind of landscape that looks like it’s straight out of a book or a movie, with fascinating scenery that doesn’t seem real? Well, you’re going to see a lot of it here.
View of Brienz Village
In this post, you’ll see what to do in 1 day in the Interlaken region, tips on incredible walks with cinematic landscapes, and, what’s even better, 1 day of free walks to balance out the costs of your trip. We know that climbing the mountains and some activities are very expensive in Switzerland, but this tour will help you balance out the costs. With lots of nature and crystal blue lakes, stopping off in two charming little villages, this will be our itinerary. Are you ready? Let’s go!
Our first surprise of the day was at a very famous lake that caught the eye, Lake Lungern. It is located before you reach Interlaken and can be seen on the way by car or train from Lucerne to Interlaken, which is how we passed it. There is a lookout point at the top of the Brünig Pass where people can stop and take a photo like the one above.
LakeBrienz
View of Lake Brienz in the village of Brienz
From there, you head to the lake and village of Brienz, a 20-minute drive from Lake Lungern. The lake is striking from afar because of its pure turquoise-blue color. If you are struck by the beauty of a blue lake, you will immediately know that it is Lake Brienz.
Brienz Village
Take the opportunity to walk through Brienz Village, which is very small and full of beautiful views. A simple walk will leave you feeling refreshed.
Giessbach Waterfall
Brienz village from the climb to the Giessbach waterfall
Leaving the town of Brienz, you arrive at a fairytale place in 10 minutes: the Giessbach Waterfall. The path to it is cinematic; as you head towards the waterfall, the town of Brienz is left behind, framing a magical view as in the photo above
There is no charge for access, but take coins for the parking lot, which costs 5 Swiss francs. The parking meter only accepts 5 franc coins, so remember to change your coins before you get there. As soon as you park your car, you’ll be close to the waterfall and within a few minutes, you’ll hear the sound of the water.
Hotel Grand Giessbach in front of the waterfall
It faces the Hotel Grand Giessbach, a wonderful hotel that, in contrast to nature, makes the landscape even more magical.
Climbing to the top of the waterfall
The waterfall is not yet very famous for tourism, so it’s a place away from the crowds and very peaceful.
You walk along a footbridge and pass under the waterfall.
As you climb to the top of the waterfall, the view of Lake Brienz becomes even more beautiful.
The whole tour is stunning, surrounded by the lake, the Alps and the mountains. I confess that this is a travel find, you know those places you go to without many expectations and it becomes one of your favorites. We spent a few hours exploring the waterfall and walking around it.
Landscape around the waterfall
It’s certainly one of the places I recommend the most and think is most worth visiting.
IseltwaldVilla
Iseltwald Villa
Leaving the waterfall, in 15 minutes you’ll reach the beautiful village of Iseltwald, a small Swiss village with a bucolic landscape that will make you feel like you’re in a book. The walk here doesn’t take that long, just a short stop for a walk in a traditional village and perhaps a stop for a snack, here there are restaurants with beautiful views of the lake.
Lake Thun
View of Lake Thun
Another 40 minutes or so of driving will bring you to the little town of Thun, where you’ll find some nice surprises. The town is crossed by an emerald green river, with medieval buildings and scenic views. You can walk around the town center, have a coffee and explore this beautiful town.
EXTRA TIPS
If you’re staying in the Interlaken area, there are 3 more places in Thun that I recommend you visit. I think adding them to this one-day trip might be too much if you like to take your time, but if you have time or would like to explore more places nearby the next day, here are my tips: Spiez Castle, Beatus Caves, Hünegg Castle and its magnificent park – all three are very close by and well worth a visit.
Spiez Castle
Cavernas Beatus
Hünegg Castle and its park
How to get to Interlaken
Zurich Airport
Car: 1:45 h (140 km)
Basel Mulhouse Airport
Car: 1:55 h (155 km)
Geneva Airport
Car: 2:40 h (215 km)
When is the best time to visit Interlaken?
Interlaken is a beautiful region and one of the most visited in Switzerland. It’s well worth a visit in any season of the year, but I suggest spring and summer, between April and September, to enjoy the scenery and walks.
Summary of our trip
Time of our trip: April – Spring
The average price of meals: €25 euros
Average daily rate for accommodation: €120/150 euros for an Airbnb apartment for 2 people.
Favorite of the day
Visit to the Giessbach Waterfall
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it helps you plan your trip.
Other ideas for places near Interlaken to include in your itinerary
Lake Blausse is one of the most famous lakes in Switzerland, known for its crystal-clear turquoise-blue color. Blausse is a romantic lake nestled among trees and stands out for the transparency of its water.
Lake Blausse is one of the most famous lakes in Switzerland
Surrounded by beautiful forests, Lake Blausse offers a stunning setting for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The reflections of the trees and mountains on the peaceful water surface create an awe-inspiring view. It is an ideal location to unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
This tour is suitable for people of all ages.
When you research your trip to Switzerland, you will definitely find Lake Blausee. It is famous for its unique color and is widely shared online, making it one of the most popular and visited lakes in the country.
The lake at the end of the day is usually very empty, which is great for those who like to take photos without many people around.
The good news is that accessing the attraction is not expensive compared to many others in Switzerland, and it is also not difficult. From the parking lot, you can easily reach the lake with a short walk of less than 5 minutes. This stroll is suitable for people of all ages.
Turquoise and Crystalline Water
The Blausse Lake is very small, so we can go around it in just a few minutes.
Around 15,000 years ago, a landslide occurred in the Kander Valley, resulting in the formation of holes in the soil. Blausee, which is fed by underground waters from the Kander River, stands out with its unusually clear water that takes on a deep blue hue.
Legend
At the bottom of the lake, there is a statue that is easily visible. According to legend, many years ago, a girl was found dead in the lake. The legend states that the girl used to meet her lover at the lake, but even after his death, she continued to visit the place and shed tears every night. It is believed that the blue color of the lake is a result of her tears, which matched the color of her blue eyes.
When To Go?
If you want to avoid crowds, avoid the months of July and August. Another option is to visit the lake later in the day. Just don’t do what we did 🙈. We got distracted along the way while driving, stopped at various places, and almost forgot about the time. When we arrived, the sun was already behind the mountains, which definitely affected the color of the lake.
The lake looks beautiful in all seasons, with lush green nature in the spring and summer months, enchanting orange tones in autumn, and a snowy white wonderland in winter.
Where Is It Located?
The lake is located in the Bernese Oberland region, in Kandertal, between Kandersteg and Frutigen.
From Zurich: about 2 hours and 10 minutes
From Lucerne: about 2 hours
From Grindelwald: about 1 hour
From Bern: about 50 minutes
From Interlaken: about 40 minutes
Visiting Lake Blausse
Opening hours:
From mid-June to mid-September: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
From September to October, they close earlier at 5:00 pm
The entrance fee must be paid at the souvenir shop located near the parking lot entrance.
Ticket price:
Monday to Friday: CHF 10.00
Saturday and Sunday: CHF 12.00
In winter, admission is free.
The ticket price includes a boat ride on the lake and parking as well.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
The lake is small and easily accessible, making it suitable for a half-day trip. However, the total duration of the trip may vary depending on your location and the travel time from your city to the lake.
During our visit, we were staying near Lucerne. We took the opportunity to make a stop at Lake Brienz before heading to Lake Blausee later in the day.
Restaurants and Picnic
There are two restaurants available at the lake: one at the entrance and the main restaurant with an outdoor dining area. The main restaurant is known for its organic trout delicacies, but it also offers a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes.
If you prefer to bring your own food, there is a small area equipped with barbecue grills where you can enjoy a picnic with a lovely view. Additionally, there is a playground area for children.
Blausse is considered one of the most beautiful and famous lakes in the country, making it a destination worth visiting. As mentioned before, easy access and reasonable prices are also advantages of this trip.
I hope you found this post helpful in planning your trip and that you enjoy your visit to Blausse!
If you’re in Milan and looking for a memorable day trip, consider visiting the charming city of Verona. Located in the northeastern region of Italy, Verona is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and romantic atmosphere.
Verona Arena
Verona is one of those cities that shows us the Italy we idealize with picturesque streets, lots of charm, details, and authenticity.
Italy is my favorite country, and I won’t deny it; for me, it’s the most complete country that exists. I am completely in love with Italy, and every time I visit a new city, I reaffirm that. Verona showed me how unique Italy is, and I want you to experience it too. 😊
Let’s go! This itinerary is for 1 day in Verona, but I found out that the city has much more to offer, and 2 days would be ideal. The atmosphere in Verona invites you to stay and experience it calmly, so if you have two days, take advantage of it 😜
HOW TO GET THERE
There is an airport in Verona, but prices are usually high. So, you can stay in Milan and take the train to Verona from there. The Milan and Verona route is a classic day trip that is very easy to do.
The train from Verona to Milan takes approximately two hours and costs about €12.90 (price in 2021). You will take the train at Milan’s main station, the Stazione Milano Centrale, and you can buy the ticket there or, if you prefer, buy it one day in advance. In Verona, you will get off at the Estazione Porta Nuova. If you have luggage, the station provides luggage storage, so you can leave it there instead of carrying it with you. You can check the schedules and prices here.
THINGS TO DO
1: Ponte Scaligero (Castelvecchio Bridge)
Castelvecchio Bridge, Verona, Italy
Descending from the station, you will walk towards Castelvecchio. There, you will pass by the Castelvecchio Bridge, which is a wonderful medieval-style bridge that looks beautiful from all angles. It is a classic postcard of Verona.
2: Arco dei Gavi
Arco dei Gavi, Verona, Italy
Next to Castelvecchio is the Arco dei Gavi. This impressive arch, also called the Gavi Arch, showcases the city’s rich history and architectural beauty.
3: I Portoni Della Brà
I Portoni Della Brà, Verona, Italy
As you continue walking towards the center, you will come across the famous I Portoni della Brà. These impressive archways highlight the area’s rich history and architectural charm.
4: Piazza Bra
Piazza Bra, Verona, Italy
Afterwards, head to Piazza Bra, the main square of the city, a square with very charming, colorful buildings and one of the main attractions of the city, the Verona Arena.
5: Verona Arena
Verona Arena, Italy
At Piazza Bra, you will find the Arena di Verona, which is a Roman amphitheater that brings to mind the Colosseum. The Arena di Verona is a magnificent architectural masterpiece that dates back to the 1st century AD. It is one of the largest amphitheaters in the world and has a seating capacity of around 30,000 spectators.
6: Via Mazzini
Via Mazzini, Verona, Italy
If you walk along Via Mazzini, a shopping street with several little shops, it will lead you to Piazza delle Erbe and then to Casa di Giulietta.
7: Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)
Juliet’s House, Verona, Italy
As soon as you reach Piazza Erbe, turn right and go towards Casa di Giulietta. The house is often crowded with tourists waiting to take a photo with Juliet’s statue and follow the legend that touching Juliet’s breast brings luck in love. The house displays furniture and clothes used in the movie Romeo and Juliet. Although there is no evidence confirming the existence of the Montecchio and Capuletti families or the ownership of this house by the Capuletti family, the story has become deeply rooted in the city’s culture. Access to the garden where the statue is located is free. If you wish to visit the house, there is an admission fee. Click here to view prices and opening hours. During my visit, the entrance fee was €6.00.
8: Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe, Verona, Italy
I simply loved this square. The buildings have frescoes; it’s a small square with a fountain in the center and many details—those little squares that embrace us ❤️. Right next to the square is the Arco della Costa.
9: Arco della Costa
The Arco della Costa is a famous landmark. It is known for its unique architectural design and historical significance.
10: Torre dei Lamberti e Palazzo della Regione
Torre dei Lamberti, Verona, Italy
In just 2 minutes, you’ll reach the Torre dei Lamberti, which is visible from both Erbe and Signori squares since they’re right next to each other. The tower is situated in the Palazzo della Ragione and welcomes visitors. I can only imagine the stunning view from the top, although I didn’t have the chance to go up myself. The entrance fee is €8 for most days, except on Mondays when it’s slightly cheaper at €5. You can check the latest prices and opening hours here.
11: Piazza dei Signori
In 1 minute, you will be at Piazza dei Signori, another charming and welcoming square with restaurants and tables on the street. I went in December and there was a Christmas market with several stalls selling food and mulled wine, what a dream guys ❤️
12: Sant’Anastasia Church
On the way, you will pass by the Basilica of Saint Anastasia, and right nearby is the Duomo di Verona. Whenever I go to Italy, I never miss the opportunity to enter all the churches. I always have good surprises accompanied by history and architecture lessons.
13: Pietra Bridge, Roman Theather and Castel San Pietro
Then walk to the Adige River to reach Ponte Pietra. By crossing the bridge, you will arrive at the Roman Theater. A little further up the hill is Castel San Pietro. If you continue walking for another 15 minutes, you will reach the Giardino Giusti. All of these attractions are a must-see.
Verona is a small city and can easily be explored on foot. The historic center of the city is closed to cars, and only residents and taxis are allowed. If you are traveling by car, there is a parking lot called Parcheggio Centro, which is a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
If you visit in the summer, you will easily be able to follow this itinerary. In winter, it might be a bit more rushed because the sun sets early and it starts to get dark around 4:30 p.m. Unfortunately, that was my case, so I really want to go back to Verona because I have the feeling I could have explored the city much more. If you visit in the winter and have the opportunity, stay for 2 days.
Verona is a wonderful city, and it’s no wonder it is known as the city of love.
Amazing Places to Visit in Europe
A fairytale in the English countryside of the Cotswolds
One of the most beautiful and visited villages in Austria, Hallstatt
The most beautiful city on the Romantic Road in Germany Rothenburg
One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe, Bruges
One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Taormina
