Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen Switzerland

The Best Valley Hostel to Stay In Lauterbrunnen Switzerland 2026

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Short answer: Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen is widely considered the top hostel in the valley. It offers 92 beds across 26 rooms in three chalet-style buildings, all with mountain views. Shared kitchens and lounge areas in each chalet let you cook your own meals. The hostel’s location (minutes from the train station and Staubbach Falls) plus free Wi-Fi and a relaxed Alpine vibe make it a favorite for backpackers and families alike.

At a glance | The Best Valley Hostel to Stay In Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Quick summary: Valley Hostel sits in the Lauterbrunnen Valley (the “valley of 72 waterfalls”), a short walk from Lauterbrunnen station and Staubbach Falls. Three chalets with shared kitchens, 92 beds across 26 rooms, budget dorms and affordable privates — ideal for hikers, families and groups.
  • Location: Nestled in Lauterbrunnen valley — minutes’ walk to town, with mountain and waterfall views; easy access to valley trails and cableways for Murren / Schilthorn.
  • Rooms & beds: 92 beds in 26 rooms across 3 chalets — mixed & women-only dorms, twins, triples and family rooms; balconies and mountain views common. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Amenities: Fully-equipped self-catering kitchens and lounges in each chalet, free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, family-friendly common rooms and group booking options. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Access: Roughly a 5–10 minute walk from Lauterbrunnen station to the hostel; Staubbach Falls and central shops/restaurants are an easy stroll. Public buses and valley road access nearby. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Pricing (typical): Dorm beds ~CHF 30–40 / night; private rooms ~CHF 80–100 / night (season & booking channel dependent). Check Hostelworld/official site for exact dates. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  • Who it’s for: Budget travellers, hikers, families and groups wanting a social, self-catered base in the valley — great for early starts to mountain trails and cableway days.
Booking tip
Book the official site for group/chalet requests and best cancellation options; compare Hostelworld/OTAs for bed-by-bed pricing during peak season. For busy months (summer, winter holidays) reserve in advance. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Nearby highlights
Staubbach Falls, Trümmelbach Falls (in the valley), Männlichen/Mürren cableways, valley hiking trails and local cafes — all within short reach from the hostel.

Why Valley Hostel Is the Top Budget Stay

Lauterbrunnen is an iconic Swiss valley known as the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls”. Valley Hostel sits centrally in the village, embodying that alpine charm. With 92 beds spread across 26 rooms in three renovated wooden chalets, it offers both dormitories and private rooms. Each chalet has its own fully-equipped kitchen and lounge area, so guests can prepare their own meals. All rooms feature stunning mountain or waterfall views, and many have a balcony. Thanks to this blend of homey comforts and stunning scenery, Valley Hostel earns consistently high reviews from backpackers.

Rooms & Facilities at Valley Hostel

Valley Hostel’s accommodations include mixed and women-only dorm rooms, as well as private double, triple, and family rooms. In total there are 92 beds in 26 rooms. Basic bedding and towels are provided, but guests share bathroom facilities. Each chalet is “self-catering,” meaning you’ll find a kitchen and dining/lounge area available to all guests. This setup is great for saving money on meals. The hostel is explicitly family-friendly (unlike some nearby hostels), and each building has balconies or terraces to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Complimentary amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the property, luggage storage, and free parking for guests who drive.

Pricing & Booking Information

According to Hostelworld, Valley Hostel’s rates start at roughly €38 (CHF ~38) for a dorm bed and €40 (CHF ~40) for a private room. Swiss hostels are generally not expensive – dorm beds in Lauterbrunnen run around CHF 30–40, while private rooms (double or triple) are on the order of CHF 80–120 per night. Rates vary by season, so book early for summer (June–Aug) or peak winter. You can reserve Valley Hostel rooms through its official website or popular booking sites (Hostelworld, Booking.com). Many bookings come with free cancellation until shortly before arrival. Check the valleyhostel.ch website and Hostelworld listings to compare current prices and availability.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Valley Hostel is set amid lush meadows and waterfalls. The Lauterbrunnen valley lies below the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, and the hostel is right in the heart of it. It’s only a 2–3 minute walk from Lauterbrunnen station, which connects by train to Interlaken and other towns. The famous Staubbach Falls (300m free-falling waterfall) is steps away – Camping Jungfrau (adjacent) is described as “directly below the Staubbachfall Waterfall”. Guests can stroll or picnic in the valley meadows, or hike up to Trümmelbach Falls (a series of glacier waterfalls inside the mountain). Cable cars from Lauterbrunnen (near the station) go up to car-free Mürren and the Schilthorn ski area – a thrilling excursion. In winter, skiing is accessible via the Jungfrau ski lifts from Wengen/Grindelwald. Lauterbrunnen’s charm partly comes from its free sights: you can simply walk around the village and admire multiple waterfall views. For more valley highlights (and to plan your visit), see our Switzerland Travel Guide and Jungfrau Region Guide.

Other Budget Stays in Lauterbrunnen

Besides Valley Hostel, Lauterbrunnen has a few other budget accommodations. Schützenbach Backpackers is a popular hostel/campsite aimed at travelers aged 18–34. Its dorm beds start at CHF 34 per night and private doubles at ~CHF 95. The hostel is highly rated (9.9 on Hostelworld) and features a lively bar. Schützenbach offers very simple rooms and free Wi-Fi in all areas, but note that no one over age 34 or under 18 may stay.

Camping Jungfrau Alpine Lodge is an alpine campsite at the valley’s edge, right below Staubbach Falls. It offers cabin-style rooms and bunks. A private room there starts around CHF 129 per night. While pricier, it has a restaurant, ski shuttle, and family-friendly atmosphere.

For truly rustic backpacking, consider Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald (above Lauterbrunnen). It’s accessible by cable car and offers dorm beds from CHF 45 and private doubles from CHF 135 (including breakfast). Gimmelwald is extremely scenic (“one of the most beautiful places in the world”).

In short, your choices near Lauterbrunnen include Valley Hostel (for mixed travelers and families), Schützenbach (young adults only), Camping Jungfrau (campsite/hotel), and the Gimmelwald mountain hostel. Each has different vibes – Valley Hostel is best if you want a central, family-friendly hostel setting.

Travel & Reservation Tips

Lauterbrunnen is very well-connected by Swiss public transit. It’s 12.3 km from Interlaken Ost by rail (about a 20-minute train ride on the Bernese Oberland railway). To plan your journey, use the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website or app and search for “Lauterbrunnen” as your destination. Lauterbrunnen station has free SBB Wi-Fi and lockers (small lockers CHF 8, large CHF 10 for 24h), which is handy if you arrive early.

Valley Hostel itself is about a 7-minute walk up the hill from the station (address: Greifenbach 455g, 3822 Lauterbrunnen). If driving, you can plug its address into Google Maps or Waze; the hostel provides free parking. Also note the Swiss Travel Pass or Jungfrau Pass for unlimited regional transport – these covers buses and cable cars around Lauterbrunnen.

Quick Search & Map Links:

  • Google Search: Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen – reviews and info.
  • Google Maps: Valley Hostel location (visual directions).
  • SBB trains: Swiss Rail (SBB) timetable (enter “Lauterbrunnen” and your origin).

For reservations, the Hostelworld/Booking platforms often allow free cancellation. Check valleyhostel.ch or Hostelworld listings. During peak season (summer and winter holidays), book as far in advance as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions | Valley Hostel — Lauterbrunnen

Practical FAQ for Valley Hostel and staying in Lauterbrunnen — beds, booking, access, nearby sights and seasonal tips.

Which is the best hostel in Lauterbrunnen?
The Valley Hostel Lauterbrunnen is widely considered the top choice. It has the most beds (92 across 26 rooms), kitchen facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a great location near the station and waterfalls. Its family-friendly setup and multiple chalets appeal to groups and families.
How much do hostels in Lauterbrunnen cost per night?
Lauterbrunnen hostels are moderate by Swiss standards. Dormitory beds typically start around CHF 30–40 and private rooms around CHF 80–100. For example, Valley Hostel dorms run about CHF 38 (EUR €38) and privates around CHF 80. Schützenbach Backpackers dorms start at CHF 34. Prices vary by season and advance booking.
What types of rooms are available at Valley Hostel?
Valley Hostel offers mixed and women-only dormitories, plus private double, triple, and family rooms. In total there are 26 rooms (92 beds). Many rooms feature mountain or waterfall views and chalets have shared balconies and lounges.
Does Valley Hostel have a kitchen and common areas?
Yes. Each of the three hostel chalets has a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and dining/lounge area for guests. You can cook meals there; chalets also include sitting rooms and balconies — a strong option for saving on food costs.
Is Valley Hostel family-friendly?
Yes. Valley Hostel is explicitly family-friendly and welcomes travellers of all ages. (By contrast, the nearby Schützenbach Backpackers is an 18–34s hostel and limits guest age ranges.)
What are the nearest attractions to Valley Hostel?
The hostel sits in the famous Lauterbrunnen valley. Staubbach Falls is a short walk (the campsite next door sits directly below the 300 m fall). Nearby highlights include Trümmelbach Falls (inside the mountain), gondolas to Mürren/Schilthorn, valley hiking trails and the village centre with cafés and shops.
How do I reach Lauterbrunnen by train?
Lauterbrunnen station is on the Bernese Oberland line. It’s roughly 12.3 km from Interlaken Ost, about a 20-minute ride on SBB regional trains. Trains run multiple times per hour; check SBB.ch or the SBB app for current timetables.
Does Lauterbrunnen station have lockers or Wi-Fi?
Yes. Lauterbrunnen station offers free SBB Wi-Fi and luggage lockers for rent. Small lockers (25×75×40 cm) cost CHF 8 per 24 hours, and larger ones (47×93×61 cm) are CHF 10 per 24 hours — useful if you arrive early before check-in.
Are there other hostels in Lauterbrunnen?
Besides Valley Hostel and Schützenbach Backpackers, there are few true hostels in the village centre. Travellers often consider nearby villages for alternatives — for example Wengen (above the valley) or the Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald after a cable car ride.
How do I book a room at Valley Hostel?
Reserve online via the Valley Hostel official website or on booking platforms such as Hostelworld and Booking.com (instant booking available). Check cancellation terms and during busy months (summer, holidays) book several weeks in advance.
Why is Lauterbrunnen called the Valley of 72 Waterfalls?
The valley is fed by many Alpine streams and falls. Valley Hostel’s site notes that more than 380 waterfalls pour from the surrounding peaks, giving the area the nickname of “72 falls.” Staubbach and Trümmelbach are the most famous waterfalls visitors seek out.
Is breakfast included at Valley Hostel?
No — Valley Hostel does not offer a free breakfast buffet common to hotels. However, each chalet’s kitchen is available for guests to prepare meals. A neighbouring campsite café/bar serves hot drinks and snacks if you prefer to buy breakfast.
What payment methods are accepted at Lauterbrunnen hostels?
Swiss hostels generally accept major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) and cash (CHF). Valley Hostel reception accepts card payments and CHF — carrying some Swiss francs is recommended for lockers and small purchases.
When is the best time to visit Lauterbrunnen?
Lauterbrunnen is lovely year-round. Summer (Jun–Sep) is best for hiking and green valley views. Late spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds. Winter (Dec–Mar) delivers snow, skiing and dramatic frozen falls. Shoulder seasons often have lower hostel rates. Valley Hostel operates year-round.
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