THIS valley might look like your average spot in Switzerland with towering mountains and pretty chalet adorned villages – but it has a whopping 72 waterfalls.
It’s called Lauterbrunnen which literally translates to ‘loud springs’ after the crashing sound of falling water.
It’s known for its car-free mountain villages filled with pretty chalets and shops – but what draws visitors to it is the sheer amount of cascading waterfalls, of which there are over 70.
One of the largest and most well-known is the Staubbachfall Waterfall, which sits in the village of Lauterbrunnen – named after the valley.
It’s 297metres tall and is the highest free-falling waterfall in Switzerland.
In perspective, this is almost as high as London’s Shard, which stands at 309metres tall.
There are lots of viewpoints to see the Staubbachfall Waterfall, and those who want to get up close and personal can take the small path to the foot of the falls.
During the summertime, the falls are illuminated in the evenings.
Another waterfall is called Mürrenbachfall, which is even taller, and the water falls from a height of 417 metres.
There’s also the Trümmelbach Falls which a series of 10 unique underground waterfalls – and the largest of their kind Europe.
These impressive waterfalls have made their way through a mountain valley over thousands of years.
Visitors can see them on man-made paths, which are ticketed and cost around £15.
Thanks to its position at the base of the Swiss Alps, Lauterbrunnen is also a sought out ski destination.
As part of the Jungfrau Ski Region, it’s a great place to hit the slopes with 275km of runs and 40 ski lifts.
The best time to visit depends on whether you want to see the waterfalls in all their spring glory, or explore the village in time for ski season.
For those who want to take advantage of hiking, visit between June and September.
Or for a winter wonderland experience, go between January and February.
Unsurprisingly, visitors have described it as “breathtaking” and like “stepping into a storybook”.
The valley has also been compared to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
And it could have been the inspiration for the author, who visited in 1911.
Not only can you explore the village of Lauterbrunnen by foot, you can also see it and its neighbouring villages by cableway.
Just opposite the main train station is a 100 person cableway that runs from Lauterbrunnen to Mürren.
In just four minutes it climbs 686 metres and has been said to have “breathtaking views.”
Other nearby mountain villages are Wengen, Mürren, Gimmelwald and Stechelberg.
For more on exploring Europe, one writer went on Europe’s ‘Route 66’ with 46 attractions and beautiful beaches along the way.
And another writer went hiking in Switzerland and found cheese, chocolate and a new set of muscles she never knew she had.