Are you looking for an alpaca farm in Lauterbrunnen, or do you want a fun little stop, especially with kids? Then Lampaca Farm is a surprisingly nice place to visit. You stand between llamas and alpacas, with the mountains of the Lauterbrunnen Valley around you and Staubbachfall practically around the corner.
We stopped here on 1 May with our daughter and mostly found it a funny, easy-going activity. Not a big animal park, but a small farm with a friendly owner, curious animals and views that almost automatically make you grab your camera.
Are you in Lauterbrunnen and do you want to do something different for a moment, instead of only looking at waterfalls? Then Lampaca Farm is a really nice short stop. Especially if you travel with kids, but secretly we also just really enjoyed it ourselves.
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Where is Lampaca Farm in Lauterbrunnen?
Lampaca Farm is surprisingly central in Lauterbrunnen. From the famous Staubbachfall, you can walk there in about five minutes. You walk to the other side of the water, past the church, and then you are basically already there.
That makes this place ideal to combine with Staubbachfall. So you can first visit the waterfall and then walk over to the alpacas. Or the other way around, like we did: first see the animals and then sit in the sun near the waterfall.
Also useful: the farm is on the route towards the Trümmelbach Falls. Many people walk from Lauterbrunnen along the water in that direction. So you almost pass this place automatically. Perfect as a short stop during a day in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Our experience at Lampaca Farm
When we were there, we spoke with Miquel, the owner. At that moment, he had been running his farm for exactly one year. That immediately gave the visit a personal touch. You notice that he built this himself and really enjoys it.
At that time, he had six animals in total: four alpacas and two llamas. He told us that this was a conscious choice. With this number, it still feels a bit like a hobby. Making it bigger would immediately mean more responsibilities and a lot more work.
That small scale was exactly what we liked. No crowds, no mass tourism and no strict programme. Just a few animals, a beautiful piece of land and someone who calmly tells you more about it. It actually fits very well with a day in Lauterbrunnen.
Feeding alpacas and taking photos
You can feed the animals with a small bucket of grass and flowers. And believe me: as soon as they see that, they come straight towards you. They have food all day, but apparently such a snack is still much more interesting.
The animals were friendly and calm, but clearly focused on the food. You can also pet them, especially on the neck and back. They do not like it as much on their head. This was explained calmly, which is nice when you visit with children.
What we also really liked: Miquel helped us take some photos. That meant the three of us could be in a picture together with the alpacas and llamas. Perfect, because usually someone is always missing from the photo.
When we were there, the animals had just been shaved. That happens around spring. Because of that, they looked pretty funny: their backs and bodies were short-haired, while their heads and lower legs still had lots of fluffy hair. As if the hairdresser had stopped halfway through.
What is the difference between llamas and alpacas?
When you see them next to each other, you suddenly start to recognise the difference between llamas and alpacas quite well. Llamas are usually bigger and a bit stronger-looking. They have a longer face and their ears point more upwards and outwards.
Alpacas are smaller, look a bit softer and often have a fuller coat. They look a little more cuddly, although that does not mean you can just pet them anywhere you want.
Their behaviour is also slightly different. Miquel told us that llamas are often more confident. They calmly walk in front if they feel like it. Alpacas are a little more careful, but as soon as food is nearby, they all suddenly become very enthusiastic.
Fun detail: alpacas are mainly kept for their soft wool, while llamas were often used as pack animals in the Andes.
Can you walk with alpacas in Lauterbrunnen?
Yes, at Lampaca Farm you can also go on walks with llamas and alpacas. There are different options, including a shorter walk of about 40 minutes and a longer option. We did not do this ourselves, but it did look fun.
According to Miquel, winter is actually one of the most beautiful times to do this. Then you have snow, mountains and the animals all together. That does sound like one of those typical Swiss scenes that hardly needs any extra explanation.
If you want to walk with the animals, I would contact them in advance. For just feeding and taking photos, you can stop by spontaneously.
They do not have their own website, but it is best to contact them through their social channels. You can find their socials via Linktree.
Perfect to combine with Staubbachfall
What makes Lampaca Farm especially good is how easy it is to combine with other places. We were there for about half an hour, which was exactly right. After that, we walked to Staubbachfall in just a few minutes and sat in the sun for a while.
Staubbachfall was much busier. That is why we actually liked that we had visited the alpacas first. A short break from the crowds, something different to do and then on to the famous highlights again.
If you only have a short time in Lauterbrunnen, you can easily make this combination: Staubbachfall, Lampaca Farm and then maybe continue walking through the valley.
Also useful on the way to the Trümmelbach Falls
Are you walking from Lauterbrunnen towards the Trümmelbach Falls? Then Lampaca Farm is a logical stop along the way. That walk through the valley is already beautiful, with the water next to you and high rock walls all around.
By stopping here for a moment, you make the route a bit more varied. Especially with children, that is nice. Not just walking and looking at waterfalls, but also feeding animals in between.
The Trümmelbach Falls themselves are also special: waterfalls inside the mountain, where meltwater from the surrounding mountains rushes through. A completely different experience from this calm animal stop.
Is Lampaca Farm fun with children?
Yes, definitely. Especially because it is short and simple. You do not have to go on a long walk or sit still somewhere for ages. Just feed the animals, look around, take photos and continue your day.
With a baby, it is of course mainly fun for yourself, but even then it is a nice calm stop. No crowds, no fuss and you are quickly on your way again when it has been enough.
Just pay attention: as soon as there is food, the animals come closer with a lot of enthusiasm. Not scary, but for small children it can be a little exciting. Stay calm, listen carefully to the explanation and do not touch their heads or ears.
How much time do you need?
For a short visit without a walk, I would count on about 30 minutes. That is enough to feed the animals, ask questions and take some photos.
If you go on a walk with the llamas or alpacas, you will of course need more time. Then count on at least 40 minutes to more than an hour, depending on which option you choose.
So it is not a half-day activity, but rather a fun short stop. And that was exactly its strength for us.
Stay in Lauterbrunnen or in the region?
Do you want to combine Lampaca Farm with Staubbachfall, the Trümmelbach Falls and other highlights in the region? Then Lauterbrunnen is a great base. You are right in the valley and many places are easy to reach on foot, by bus or by train.
You can stay in Lauterbrunnen itself, but also in Interlaken, Wengen or Mürren. Lauterbrunnen is the most convenient if you want to stay close to the waterfalls and this farm. Keep in mind that it gets very busy during the day and parking your car can be difficult, although hotels here often have solutions for that. Interlaken gives you more choice in terms of restaurants and accommodation, but it is just outside the area where you will be walking. We stayed in a really nice apartment in Lütschental, right between Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. That was especially nice with a baby, because it was quieter and we still did not have to go out for dinner every evening.
View hotels and apartments in Lauterbrunnen via Booking.com
Practical tips for Lampaca Farm
- Check in advance if you can visit. It is a small-scale place, so opening times and options can change.
- Book ahead if you want to walk with the animals. For a walk, I would not just show up and hope for the best.
- Count on about 30 minutes. For feeding, taking photos and looking around, that is enough.
- Combine it with Staubbachfall. It is about a five-minute walk away.
- Let children get used to the animals calmly. The animals are friendly, but they come closer with enthusiasm when there is food.
Lampaca Farm: gentle animals between the Swiss mountains
Lampaca Farm is not a big attraction, and that is exactly its charm. It is a simple, personal stop where you stand between llamas and alpacas, with the mountains of Lauterbrunnen around you.
For us, it was one of those moments you do not necessarily plan as a highlight, but that turns out to be really fun afterwards. Something different from waterfalls, cable cars and viewpoints. Just half an hour of feeding animals, taking photos and listening to someone who talks about his farm with real joy.
Are you in Lauterbrunnen and looking for a short, fun stop with kids, or just something light-hearted in between? Then I would definitely include Lampaca Farm.
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