Staubbach Falls plunges nearly 300 meters from a hanging valley above the village of Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Highlands. The long, free-falling stream often turns to a fine mist on windy days, earning its name — “Staubbach” roughly meaning “dusty stream.” The falls are an iconic sight in the valley and a highlight for visitors exploring the Jungfrau region.
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| Staubbach Waterfall Switzerland |
The waterfall inspired Romantic poets and artists; Johann Wolfgang von Goethe famously referenced the fall after a visit in the 18th century. The village of Lauterbrunnen sits beneath towering cliffs and hosts many other cascades, making it one of Switzerland’s most photogenic alpine valleys.
Access is straightforward: a short walk from Lauterbrunnen train station brings you to clear views of the falls. A seasonal path (Staubbach Gallery) behind the cascade provides a close encounter with the spray when open; in winter this access may be closed due to ice. Combine the visit with valley walks, cable-car trips, or hikes to nearby waterfalls and viewpoints.
Practical visitor tips: wear non-slip shoes if approaching the base or gallery, carry a light waterproof layer for spray, and visit in late spring or early summer for strongest flow from snowmelt. Summer afternoons often create rainbows in the mist; winter gives dramatic ice formations from the clifftops.
Highlights
- Approx. 297–300 m free-fall — one of Europe’s tallest near-vertical waterfalls.
- Just a short walk from Lauterbrunnen train station — very accessible for day visitors.
- Staubbach Gallery (seasonal) — view the falls from behind the curtain of spray.
- Part of the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley, which features dozens of nearby cascades.
- Photogenic year-round: powerful flows in spring, rainbows in summer, ice features in winter.