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Murren Switzerland hiking

The Ultimate Mürren Hiking Guide

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Nestled in the Bernese Highlands, Mürren is a Swiss village that’s reminiscent of an alpine fairytale. You’ll find zero cars roaming the streets and 360° views of snow-lined peaks around its slopes. With its glorious vistas and location near Schilthorn and Jungfrau, Mürren is the perfect spot to witness Switzerland’s alpine scenery. 

Mürren also has the prestige of hosting several of the most exciting hiking trails in Switzerland. From treacherous summit climbs to the spine-tingling Vía Ferrata, hiking in Mürren caters to serious adventurers. The village attracts some of the world’s bravest trekkers and daredevils searching for that latest thrill. We couldn’t agree more, and Mürren is among our top picks for a Switzerland hiking vacation.

With wildflowers, waterfalls, and rugged cliffs around you, hiking around Mürren will keep your camera busy. To help plan your visit, we’ve created a Mürren hiking guide to help you locate the trails suitable for you. Regardless of which paths you choose, you won’t go wrong hiking in Mürren and enjoying its splendor. 

Where is Mürren and how to get there 

Mürren rests high above Lauterbrunnen and has the perfect position to admire the Valley of 72 Waterfalls. Since Mürren is a car-free village at the base of Schilthorn, you may be wondering how to arrive at this magical place. Your only realistic options to reach Mürren are by train and cable car. From there, you can wander the town and surrounding area on foot to begin your hiking adventures. 

The following routes to Mürren are your best options:

  • Take the cable car from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, then ride the gauge train to the Mürren BLM Station.
  • Ride the cable car from Stechelberg, change at Gimmelwald, and continue to Mürren. If you’re starting from Lauterbrunnen, there’s a bus to Stechelberg. 

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How to prepare for hiking in Mürren

Preparation is the key when hiking in Mürren, and it’s a hassle to forget something after reaching the village. To ensure you have everything you need for your trekking adventure, refer to our Ultimate Switzerland Hiking Guide. It covers the proper clothing and gear you’ll need for a safe expedition into the Swiss Alps. The terrain around Mürren can be steep and rocky, so you want to be prepared for anything. If you forgot to pack something on your list, Staeger Sport Muerren is a local shop with all your equipment needs. 

Before you start hiking in Mürren, it’s wise to have a detailed paper map with you as a backup. Yellow covered maps scaled at 1:50,000 are the ideal choice to study many hiking trails around Mürren. You’ll find hiking maps in book stores and kiosks at larger train stations, but they’re also available online. It’s also worth checking in with the Mürren tourist office for updates on the trails. You’ll get updates on trail closures, hiking conditions, and can ask for directions to the trailhead for your hike. 

Also check out: Our Switzerland hiking guide for packing and clothing tips.

Mürren hiking trail map 

5 best Mürren hiking trails

While Mürren offers dozens of hiking trails and can keep you busy for weeks, we’ve narrowed the choices for you. We think these 5 Mürren hikes best capture the stunning beauty of the village’s surroundings. Whether you’re searching for an easy stroll or daring mountain climb, we’ve got you covered. 

1. Mürren to Schilthorn Hike 

  • Distance: 15.9 km
  • Duration: 4-6 hours 
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Starting Point: Beside Gruebi road in front of Sportzentrum Mürren 
  • Route Type: Loop 

Instead of riding the cable car and taking the easy way up to Piz Gloria, you’ll make the 1600 meter ascent on foot. Hikers up for the challenge hop off the cable car in Mürren for this challenging and sometimes technical climb. Don’t even think about conquering this trail without proper footwear since you’ll encounter steep slopes and loose gravel. 

While the first section is a tame dirt path, it begins a fierce climb once you pass Schilthornhütte. The 360° views of the snow-capped Bernese Alps are worth the struggle and provide an excuse to catch your breath. With the Lauterbrunnen Valley below, you’ll stand in a grassy field amidst blooming flowers. Watch out for livestock animals like cows or sheep grazing around the path. 

Before arriving at the Schilthorn summit, make sure to get a snapshot of the jagged mountain peaks sparkling on Grauseewli Lake. After your ascent, the Schilthorn hike comes with the reward of lounging in the revolving restaurant and enjoying a meal. Getting the chance to hang out at the same spot as James Bond makes this Mürren hike our top choice. Plus, you can’t beat those stunning panoramic shots of Mönch, Jungfrau, and other 4,000 meter peaks. 

Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

2. Vía Ferrata: Mürren to Gimmelwald

  • Distance: 2.1 km
  • Duration: 2-3 hours 
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Starting Point: Behind Sportchalet Mürren
  • Route Type: Point to Point 

The Vía Ferrata is among the most thrilling experiences in Switzerland, and there are several routes across the country. While you’re in Mürren, the Vía Ferrata to Gimmelwald is a must-do expedition with epic views. Using a series of steps and ladders, you’ll traverse a cliffside edge 500 meters above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. With the valley floor directly beneath your feet, this Mürren hike is an adventure of a lifetime. 

After coursing the metal rungs, you’ll walk across a suspension bridge between the rugged cliffs. It’s a death-defying feeling with just a catwalk beneath your feet, but the mountain vistas are unreal. You’re literally standing above the treetops with the snow-capped peaks rising above the sharp valley below. If you’re worried about safety, you’ll be fastened with a clip & harness into a sturdy wire for your protection. 

Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

3. Northface Trail

  • Distance: 6.9 km
  • Duration: 2-3 hours 
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Starting Point: Schilthornbahn (Schilthorn Cableway Station)
  • Route Type: Loop

For an easier jaunt with classic Switzerland views, the Northface Trail is a Mürren hike suitable for your entire group. Start your journey by climbing the paved pathway for a stunning panorama overlooking Mürren and picturesque farmlands. The slight ascent presents breathtaking images of the snow-capped peaks towering above Swiss chalets. If you have spare time, veer off the loop and into the forest to watch Sprutz Waterfall tumbling off the rocky cliff. 

As you venture further into the valley and alpine meadows, the Northface Trail continues to inspire you with unbelievable mountain vistas. Wildflowers carpet the landscape during summer, and the mighty Birg and Schilthorn peaks soar above you. Don’t be surprised to spot cows or goats grazing in the adjacent meadows or even sharing the path with you. The final golden snapshot before exiting the loop presents the Valley of 72 Waterfalls in its utmost glory. 

Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

4. Mürren to Stechelberg via Tanzbodeli

  • Distance: 15.8 km
  • Duration: 4-6 hours 
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Starting Point: Beside Exile on Main Street clothing store 
  • Route Type: Point to Point 

After a short 2 km stroll to Gimmelwald, the path to Stechelberg via Tanzbodeli offers the best vistas of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Start within a peaceful forest and trek alongside an alpine river before watching the trail open to rugged peaks. Once you cross the river, a treacherously steep climb out of the forest awaits your journey to Tanzbodeli. Sturdy hiking shoes make the adventure easier since you’ll face a slight rock scramble on your ascent. 

When you’re out of the forest, you’ll reach a plateau that presents spectacular views of Jungfrau with clear skies. From the rocky ledges, you could spend hours just admiring the majesty of the Bernese Alps. The bird’s eye view of the cliff walls soaring above the lush, narrow valley will make your jaw drop. And the gargantuan peaks surrounding Tanzbodeli only add to the grand spectacle of this Mürren hike. 

For a refueling snack onwards to Stechelberg, swing by the famous Obersteinberg Hotel & Restaurant for a break. The rustic building sits beneath snow-covered peaks and provides stunning views of glaciers and waterfalls above the valley. Before completing the adventure in Stechelberg, capture more images of the alpine scenery before venturing back into the forest.   

Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

5. Mürren – Oeschinensee Hike 

  • Distance: 29.1 km 
  • Duration: Multi-Day
  • Difficulty: Hard 
  • Starting Point: Between Alpenruh & Mürrenbach
  • Route Type: Point to Point 

Part of the Via Alpina, the route from Mürren to Oeschinensee is your go-to multi-day trekking adventure. Get ready for an exhilarating hike that ventures through mountain passes, alpine meadows, and dense forests. Standing at the rocky ledges feels like you’re atop of the world as you watch freefalling waterfalls tumble into the Lauterbrunnen Valley. 

Once you pass Mürren, the route changes from a paved road to a regular hiking trail. You’ll venture into pristine meadows and onwards to a mountain pass that offers a sensational view of Schilthorn. Hiking around rocky ledges and glacier ice, you trudge along to the magical Oeschinensee (Oeschinen Lake). The terrain transforms from beautiful meadows to a rocky path the steeper you climb. Your legs will likely be begging for a break, but the Jungfrau Mountain views from here are unbelievable. 

From the Oberbärgli mountain hut, you’ll meet the turquoise-blue Oeschinensee engulfed by rugged cliffs and evergreen firs. The panoramic shot of the glacial lake is worth the energy you exert on the Via Alpina. Waterfalls tumble down the cliffside as you make the steep descent along the Öschibach Creek to the lake. Be prepared for crowds at the shoreline since there’s a cable car that transports tourists to Oeschinensee. You’ll meet travelers from across the globe who make the journey to witness the deep-blue colors of this unreal lake.  

Map not loading? Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

Need a break from hiking? Also check out our Switzerland Cycling Guide

What else to do in Mürren? 

With this much beauty around town, there have to be other exciting activities in/around Mürren. Right?

Mürren caters to more than just hikers and offers other unforgettable adventures in the area. Whenever you’ve decided to take a break from the trails, give these options a whirl to ease your itch for adrenaline. 

Paragliding over Lauterbrunnen Valley

When you’re hiking around Mürren, you’ll notice paragliders soaring high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you’re up for a high-flying experience, this Tandem Paragliding experience takes you for a spectacular thrill ride through the valley. On your flight, soak up the views of Mürren, Gimmelwald, Wengen, the Schilthorn, and the surreal Jungfrau mountain range. 

The weightless feeling of flying like a bird gives your legs a break while tuning up the adrenaline a few notches. Your flying time is around 15-20 minutes, but the rare glimpses of the waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and beautiful greenery from above last a lifetime.   

Ride the train to Jungfraujoch 

One of the best things to do near Mürren is riding the train to Jungfraujoch and reaching the roof of Europe. This day trip from Zurich to Jungfraujoch lets you admire the majesty of peaks surrounding Europe’s highest railway station. You’ll make stops in Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Kleine Scheidegg before arriving at Jungfraujoch. 

The snow-capped peaks of Jungfraujoch inspire mountain lovers with jaw-dropping vistas. From the cogwheel train, you’ll have a fantastic view of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. And the Sphinx Observation Terrace offers the perfect vantage of the Aletsch Glacier. Your return journey includes a stop in Lauterbrunnen, the picturesque town that sits beneath Mürren in the Valley of 72 Waterfalls.  

We love to hear from you

Thanks for checking out our Mürren hiking guide. Hopefully, this has provided the information you need to plan an adventurous trekking vacation in Switzerland. If you have hiking experiences from Mürren or other tips to recommend, please leave a comment below.

For more information about Switzerland, please visit this Switzerland Travel Page. Or check our travel tips for more general travel information! 

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