Lauterbrunnen Backpackers 18-35’s, operated under the name Schützenbach and located at Beim Schützenbach, 3822 Lauterbrunnen, is a social youth hostel and campground for backpackers aged roughly 18 to 34 in the Lauterbrunnen Valley of the Bernese Oberland. It combines dorm and private rooms, a tent camping area, and the on-site Stump Bar, and it draws budget travelers who want a lively base for hiking, paragliding, and canyoning beneath the Staubbach Falls and the Jungfrau massif.
What to Expect at Lauterbrunnen Backpackers 18-35’s
The hostel’s own pitch is a place for young backpackers to enjoy a genuine backpacker atmosphere, and the format is deliberately informal: shared dorms, simple private rooms, communal spaces, and an evening scene centered on the Stump Bar. The age policy is a defining feature. Because the property focuses on guests in their late teens, twenties, and early thirties, the common areas skew social, with travelers swapping trail tips and planning group outings to nearby valleys and viewpoints. Rooms are functional rather than polished, which keeps nightly rates low in one of the priciest corners of Switzerland.
Beyond the hostel building, the property also operates a campground with its own information, pitch pricing, sanitary facilities, and equipment pages on the official website, so tent campers can stay on the same grounds and share the bar and activity programming. The setting is the draw: the valley walls rise sheer on both sides, waterfalls drop from the cliffs, and the trailheads toward Mürren, Wengen, and Trümmelbach Falls are all reachable without a car. The official site lists a dedicated activities section, and the hostel reports a Hostelworld rating of 9.9 on its homepage.
- Stump Bar: The on-site bar runs drink specials and events, and its official page also offers the space for private hire, making it the social hub after a day on the trail.
- Dorms and private rooms: Shared dormitories keep costs down, with simple private rooms for pairs or small groups; room types and rates are listed on the official Zimmer & Preise page.
- Campground: A separate camping section covers pitches, prices, sanitary facilities, and equipment for travelers who prefer a tent.
- Group stays: A dedicated Gruppen page serves friend groups and organized parties looking to book shared accommodation together.
- Free parking and Wi-Fi: On-site parking and wireless internet are part of the standard offering, useful for drivers and remote planners alike.
Lauterbrunnen Backpackers 18-35’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Beim Schützenbach, 3822 Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Schützenbach, Lauterbrunnen Valley, Bernese Oberland |
| Operating Hours | Reception and bar hours vary by season; confirm on the official website before arrival |
| Admission / Price Range | $ budget tier; dorm, private room, and camping rates listed on the official site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 4 nights for hiking and activities in the valley |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Short trip from Lauterbrunnen village and its train station; free on-site parking |
| Official Website & Phone | schutzenbach.ch / +41 33 855 12 68 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead from June through September, when dorm beds and camping pitches fill quickly with hikers and paragliders. Arrive by train to Lauterbrunnen station, which connects to Interlaken Ost on the Berner Oberland-Bahn line, then cover the short distance to the Schützenbach area on foot or by local transport; the official SBB timetable lists current services. Drivers can use the free on-site parking. The valley floor is flat, but the hostel’s older, informal buildings may include stairs and shared facilities, so travelers with mobility needs should phone ahead to confirm room and bathroom access.
Within a short walk or ride, the Staubbach Falls drop nearly 300 meters beside Lauterbrunnen village, and the Trümmelbach Falls, a series of glacier-fed waterfalls running through the mountain, sit further up the valley. The cable car and rack railway up to Mürren and the Schilthorn begin in the valley as well, and a gentle valley-floor trail leads toward Stechelberg for an easy half-day walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit at Lauterbrunnen Backpackers 18-35’s?
The hostel targets young backpackers aged 18 to about 34, as stated on its official site. Check the booking page for the exact policy and any exceptions for groups before reserving.
How much does a stay cost?
It sits in the budget price tier ($), far below typical Swiss hotel rates. Current dorm, private room, and camping prices are published on the Zimmer & Preise and Plätze & Preise pages at schutzenbach.ch.
How many nights should I plan?
Most backpackers stay two to four nights, enough for a Mürren or Schilthorn day, a waterfall circuit, and one adventure activity such as canyoning or paragliding arranged through the valley’s operators.
Does the hostel have a bar, parking, and Wi-Fi?
Yes. The Stump Bar operates on site with drink specials and events, and free parking and Wi-Fi are included. Call +41 33 855 12 68 to confirm bar hours and accessibility needs.
When planning your Lauterbrunnen travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Lauterbrunnen, pair this stop with standout local spots including Hotel Jungfraublick, Rotstockhütte, Schiltalp, and Restaurant Weidstübli (0.3 km away).
