The secret European village so ‘magical’ it inspired Lord of the Rings

Home to just 2,000 locals and located within the soaring peaks of Switzerland's southwest, Lauterbrunnen proved to be J.R.R. Tolkien inspiration when creating the Elven land of Rivendell

A secret European village known for its stunning scenery inspired J.R.R. Tolkien when writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The English author designed the now-famous Elven land of Rivendell following a hiking trip in Switzerland in 1911. Speaking about the journey Tolkien said: "From Rivendell to the other side of the Misty Mountains, the journey... including the glissade down the slithering stones into the pine woods... is based on my adventures in Switzerland in 1911."

Mountain and fantasy experts have often debated that the majestic, soaring peaks of Switzerland's southwest, in particular the town of Lauterbrunnen, provided Tolkien the colour and beauty to bring parts of Middle Earth to life. Adventurers and fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have visited the area and trekked through the valleys to try and emulate the fantasy experience.

Tolkien was just 19 when he visited the stunning region in Switzerland more than 110 years ago, before he became an English professor at the University of Oxford and one of the most celebrated authors the country has ever produced. He never returned to the area but it certainly made an huge impression on his writing.

Lauterbrunnen, located in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, was one of the areas the author visited and is understood to be a direct inspiration for the settlement of Rivendell. In Tolkien's fictional universe, Rivendell represents a homely place of sanctuary and a magical Elvish otherworld, stacked impossibly up the side of a mountain which confuses where the rock begins and the hand-made structures begin.

The town of Lauterbrunnen is home to just 2,000 locals and stands within towering cliff walls that offer mysterious privacy and protection from the outside world. The area is blessed with stunning landscapes, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush valleys. Like Rivendell, where water flows seamlessly around the elves' homes, the Lauterbrunnen region boasts 72 waterfalls. The most iconic is Staubbach Falls which produces a cascade 300m tall.

Those who visit hoping to recreate the Rivendell fantasy are not short of things to do. As well as hikes and appreciating the area's natural beauty and stunning landscape, Lauterbrunnen offers a range of outdoor activities, from paragliding over the breathtaking scenery to skiing in the winter months.

Visitors can also explore the extensive network of hiking trails, such as the Jungfrau Eiger Walk, providing not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the alpine surroundings. Lauterbrunnen serves as a gateway to charming Swiss villages like Wengen and Murren. Accessible by cable cars, these quaint settlements offer an authentic Alpine experience with traditional architecture and warm hospitality.