You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place that makes you stop mid-step and just… breathe? That’s exactly what happened to me in Mürren.
Most travelers rush through this charming village on their way to Schilthorn, but honestly? They’re missing out big time. Mürren deserves way more than a quick pit stop – it’s an absolute gem perched dramatically on a cliff edge, offering some of the most breathtaking Alpine views you’ll ever see.
I originally bought the Jungfrau VIP Pass to visit Jungfraujoch and First, but after spending that much money (let’s be real, Swiss transport isn’t cheap!), I wanted to squeeze every franc’s worth out of it. Best decision ever.
Getting to Lauterbrunnen: Your Starting Point
Since I was staying in Grindelwald, I drove to Lauterbrunnen as my base. The parking situation there is pretty straightforward, and you’ll want to head straight to the cable car station.
But here’s the thing – before you rush up to Mürren, take a moment to soak in Lauterbrunnen itself. This valley is absolutely stunning.
Don’t Miss: Staubbach Falls
Okay, I have to talk about this waterfall real quick. The Staubbach Falls literally drops from the mountain like something out of a fairy tale. I’m not even exaggerating – it’s one of those sights that makes you understand why people fall in love with Switzerland.
The water plunges nearly 300 meters down the rock face, and on sunny days, you can see rainbow mists dancing in the spray. Totally worth the few minutes to admire before heading up.
Mürren Transportation Costs and Options
Let’s talk money because, well, this is Switzerland we’re dealing with.
Round-trip ticket from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren: 23.6 CHF
But wait! If you’ve already invested in a Jungfrau Travel Pass, you’re golden – Mürren is completely covered. No additional cost whatsoever.
Honestly, this is why I love the Jungfrau Travel Pass. Sure, it’s pricey upfront, but when you start adding up individual tickets… it pays for itself pretty quickly.
Check Out Price
The Journey: Cable Car + Train Adventure
The trip to Mürren is actually part of the experience itself. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Lauterbrunnen Cable Car
First, you’ll hop on the cable car at Lauterbrunnen station. The ride up is smooth and gives you your first taste of those incredible Alpine views. As you ascend, the valley floor shrinks below, and you start to appreciate just how dramatic this landscape really is.
Step 2: Grütschalp to Mürren Train
Here’s where it gets really good. After the cable car drops you at Grütschalp, you’ll transfer to a narrow-gauge train for the final stretch to Mürren.
Pro tip: Sit on the valley side of the train (the side you came up from) for the absolute best views. Trust me on this one – I made the mistake of sitting on the wrong side initially and had major FOMO watching other passengers gasping at the scenery.
The train hugs the mountainside as it chugs along, and honestly? The views are so stunning it’s almost overwhelming. Snow-capped peaks, emerald valleys, traditional Swiss chalets dotting the landscape… it’s like someone condensed every Swiss tourism poster into one 15-minute train ride.
Total journey time: About 20 minutes each way
Mürren: The Village That Time Forgot
And then you arrive in Mürren, and wow.
This place feels like stepping into a postcard. Perched at 1,650 meters above sea level, it’s this tiny car-free village that seems to float above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The whole place has maybe 450 residents, but the charm-per-person ratio is off the charts.
I spent about 30 minutes wandering around, and that was honestly perfect. The village is small enough that you can see everything without feeling rushed, but substantial enough that every corner reveals something new.
Image alt tag: Mürren village traditional Swiss chalets with Jungfrau mountain backdrop
The Famous Mürren Log Photo Spot
You’ve probably seen this photo even if you didn’t know it was from Mürren – there’s this perfectly positioned log that frames the most incredible mountain panorama behind it. Everyone stops here for photos, and for good reason.
The backdrop features the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in all their glory. Even if you’re not usually into touristy photo spots, this one’s worth it. The composition is just… chef’s kiss.
What Makes Mürren Special
It’s not just the views (though they’re incredible). There’s something about the pace of life here that’s just… different. Maybe it’s because cars aren’t allowed, or maybe it’s the way locals still wave at visitors, but Mürren has this authentically Swiss mountain village vibe that’s becoming harder to find.
The architecture is classically Alpine – dark wood chalets with flower boxes, traditional shutters, steep roofs designed for heavy snow loads. Every building looks like it belongs in a Christmas movie.
Practical Tips for Your Mürren Visit
Timing Your Trip
The trains run regularly, but – and this is important – the last train back to Lauterbrunnen is earlier than you might expect. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I almost got stranded!
Always check the timetable before you go. Seriously. Swiss trains are punctual to a fault, but they also stop running when the schedule says they stop running.
Best Time to Visit
I visited in late spring, and the weather was perfect – clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and all the hiking trails were accessible. Summer is obviously peak season, but honestly, I think late spring and early fall might be the sweet spots for fewer crowds and still-great weather.
Winter transforms Mürren into a skiing paradise, but that’s a whole different experience (and budget category).
Photography Tips
- Golden hour is magical here – plan to be in position about an hour before sunset
- The train ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities through the windows
- Bring a wide-angle lens if you have one; the mountain panoramas are expansive
- That famous log spot can get crowded midday, so early morning or late afternoon are better
Making the Most of Your Jungfrau Travel Pass
If you’re using the Jungfrau Travel Pass like I did, Mürren is honestly a no-brainer addition to your itinerary. Since it’s completely covered by the pass, you’re essentially getting a bonus destination for free.
The pass also covers:
- Jungfraujoch (the “Top of Europe”)
- First (with those incredible cliff walks)
- Grindelwald-First gondola
- Various other mountain railways in the region
Why Mürren Deserves More Than a Stopover
Look, I get it. Your Switzerland itinerary is probably packed, and adding another destination might seem excessive. But here’s the thing – Mürren isn’t just another mountain village. It’s this perfect example of authentic Alpine life that hasn’t been completely overwhelmed by tourism.
The 30 minutes I spent there turned into one of the most peaceful parts of my entire Switzerland trip. Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t the big-ticket attractions; they’re these quiet moments in beautiful places where you can just… exist.
Getting Back: Don’t Miss the Last Train!
I cannot stress this enough – check those return train times! The service between Mürren and Lauterbrunnen stops running earlier than many other Swiss mountain railways, especially in the off-season.
Missing the last train means either an expensive taxi (if available) or potentially being stuck overnight. Not the worst fate in the world (Mürren has some lovely hotels), but probably not what you planned.
Final Thoughts: Is Mürren Worth It?
Absolutely, 100%, without question – yes.
If you have the Jungfrau Travel Pass, there’s literally no reason not to visit Mürren. It’s free, it’s gorgeous, and it offers a completely different perspective on the Swiss Alps than the more famous destinations.
Even if you’re paying for individual tickets, that 23.6 CHF round-trip is honestly a bargain for what you get. I’ve paid more for disappointing tourist attractions that didn’t deliver half the magic of this little mountain village.
Switzerland has this reputation for being expensive (fair), touristy (sometimes), and overly polished (occasionally). Mürren somehow manages to be affordable, peaceful, and authentically charming all at once.
So yeah, add it to your itinerary. Your future self will thank you for taking the time to discover this Alpine gem.
Have you visited Mürren or other Swiss mountain villages? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
