Murren

Perched on a sunny terrace 1,638 meters above sea level, Murren is the highest continuously inhabited village in the canton of Bern. Its unique location on a cliff edge provides an unparalleled vantage point over the Lauterbrunnen Valley, often referred to as the Valley of 72 Waterfalls. The village's strict car-free policy ensures that the air remains crisp and the soundscape is dominated by cowbells and mountain breezes rather than traffic.

Historically a farming settlement, Murren developed into a premier tourist destination in the 19th century, heavily influenced by British winter sports enthusiasts. Today, it retains its rustic charm with dark timber chalets adorned with vibrant geraniums in the summer and thick blankets of snow in the winter. Whether you are taking the cable car up to the Schilthorn's Piz Gloria, hiking the North Face trail, or simply enjoying a fondue with a view of the Eiger, Murren offers an idyllic and immersive alpine escape.

Reasons to Visit

• Unobstructed, panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountain peaks.
• A peaceful, car-free environment perfect for relaxation and escaping city life.
• World-class hiking trails in the summer, ranging from easy walks to challenging alpine treks.
• Excellent winter sports infrastructure with direct access to the Schilthorn ski area.
• Authentic Swiss alpine culture and traditional chalet architecture.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid visiting during the shoulder seasons (November and April/May) as many hotels, restaurants, and cable cars close for maintenance.
• Do not underestimate the mountain weather; always carry warm and waterproof layers even on sunny days.
• Avoid relying solely on credit cards; keep some cash for small mountain huts.
• Do not hike off marked trails, as the alpine terrain can be treacherous and unpredictable.

Local Transportation Tips

Since Murren is car-free, walking is the primary mode of transportation within the village. The village is small enough to traverse on foot in about 15-20 minutes. For traveling outside the village, the Schilthornbahn cable car connects Murren to Stechelberg in the valley and up to the Schilthorn peak. Alternatively, the Bergbahn Lauterbrunnen-Mürren (BLM) operates a scenic train from Murren to Grütschalp, where a cable car descends to Lauterbrunnen. Bicycles are also popular in the summer for exploring the surrounding trails.

Travel Etiquette

• Greet locals on hiking trails with a friendly 'Grüezi'.
• Respect the natural environment by staying on marked trails and taking all trash with you.
• When dining, it is customary to wait for everyone to be served before eating, and to say 'En Guete' (enjoy your meal).
• Tipping is included in the bill by law in Switzerland, but rounding up or leaving a small extra amount for exceptional service is appreciated.

Recommended Age Group

Murren offers a magical alpine experience, but its high altitude and rugged terrain make it better suited for certain age groups.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. While the main village path is paved and stroller-friendly, the high altitude can affect infants, and medical facilities are limited.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the Allmendhubel 'Flower Park' playground, easy nature trails, and the novelty of cable cars.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Excellent opportunities for adventure sports, including skiing, mountain biking, and the thrilling Via Ferrata.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for hiking, wellness retreats, photography, and enjoying the local gastronomy.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. The village is relatively flat, and the extensive cable car network allows seniors to reach high alpine peaks and enjoy spectacular views without strenuous hiking.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The main street running through Murren is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
• The cable cars from Stechelberg and the train from Grütschalp are wheelchair accessible, allowing barrier-free entry to the village.
• The Schilthorn cable car and the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant are fully wheelchair accessible.
• However, most hiking trails outside the immediate village are unpaved, steep, and not suitable for wheelchairs.
• Travelers with mobility issues should ensure their chosen hotel has an elevator, as many traditional chalets do not.

Did You Know?

Murren is considered the birthplace of modern alpine ski racing. In 1922, the British pioneer Sir Arnold Lunn set the first ever slalom course here, and two years later, he founded the Kandahar Ski Club in Murren, which played a pivotal role in popularizing downhill skiing worldwide.

Cool Statistics

• Elevation: 1,638 meters (5,374 feet) above sea level.
• Population: Approximately 400 year-round residents.
• Number of cars: 0 (excluding a few electric utility vehicles).
• Schilthorn elevation: 2,970 meters (9,744 feet), accessible directly from Murren.