Let’s be honest. When you think of a Swiss mountain village, you imagine wooden houses decorated with flowers, the sound of cowbells ringing off the mountains, and air so clean it feels like you’re drinking cold water. You’re not thinking about traffic, souvenir stores, or crowds. That dream is real. But you might not know its name yet: Gimmelwald. Gimmelwald is perched high on a rocky ledge above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s like a pocket of the old Swiss countryside. This village has slipped through time and is still untouched by modern life. It’s a quiet place, a place where you can truly relax. It’s not just a place to visit it’s an experience you’ll remember for a long time.
Why Gimmelwald?
The Beauty of Realness The Jungfrau region is famous for a reason. Places like Interlaken, Grindelwald, and Mürren are beautiful. But they’re also busy with tourists. Gimmelwald is different. You can only get there by cable car or a long hike, and it’s stayed away from modern development on purpose. There are no big hotels, no clubs, no traffic. The village has about 100 people. Most of them still farm, and it’s more likely you’ll see a farmer with his cows than a big tour group. This is what makes Gimmelwald special.
How to get to Gimmelwald: The adventure begins
Getting to Gimmelwald is part of the fun. Your trip will probably start in Interlaken.
By train:
From Interlaken Ost, take the train to Lauterbrunnen. The ride is beautiful on its own.
By cable car:
From Lauterbrunnen, walk to the Schilthornbahn cable car station. There, you’ll get on the cable car for a breathtaking climb. Your first stop is Grütschalp.
At Grütschalp, you have two choices:
The scenic route:
Take the narrow gauge train to Mürren. Enjoy the views of the valley and the Jungfrau mountains. From Mürren, it’s a 30-minute walk to Gimmelwald.
The direct route:
Stay on the cable car. It goes directly from Grütschalp to Gimmelwald, then on to Mürren. Tip: Make sure you get off at the first stop after Grütschalp. It’s easy to miss!
Where to stay:
Sleep in the Mountains. You don’t come to Gimmelwald for fancy hotels. You come for stunning views. Your lodging choices are few but very special.
Mountain hostel:
This is a favorite among travelers. It has a big terrace with one of the best views in the world, especially of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. Book well in advance.
Esther’s guesthouse:
This is a cozy, family run place with great food and a friendly atmosphere. It feels like staying with a Swiss relative you never knew you had.
Private rentals:
A few local families rent out their homes. These offer privacy and the chance to stay like a local for a few days.
Things to do in Gimmelwald:
The Joy of Being Still. Life in Gimmelwald is slow. Your activities should match that pace.
Hike the north face trail:
This is one of the best easy hikes in the Alps. It’s mostly flat and takes about an hour.
Wander the village:
Just walking through the village is fun. Smell the wood smoke, look at the old chalets with their heavy stone roofs, peek into the barns, and say hello to the local cats. Visit the school and the chapel.
Go to the Schilthorn – Piz Gloria:
The village’s cable car takes you to the top of the Schilthorn. From there, you get a 360 degree view of over 200 peaks. The breakfast buffet is worth the trip alone.
Go paragliding:
For a thrilling experience, book a tandem flight. Soar over Gimmelwald and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. It’s an amazing way to see the area.
Just sit on a bench:
The best activity? Find a bench with a view, maybe with a drink from the hostel. Watch the clouds move across the peaks, listen to the bell sounds, and feel relaxed. This is what Gimmelwald is all about.
Day trips from Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is a great base for exploring the Jungfrau region.
Lauterbrunnen valley:
Take the cable car down and walk through the valley of 72 waterfalls. Don’t miss the Trümmelbach Falls, a powerful waterfall hidden inside a mountain
Mürren:
Just a 30 minute walk away, Mürren is another car free village. It has more restaurants, shops, and a great sports center with a pool offering stunning mountain views.
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe:
While it’s expensive, the journey to the highest railway station in Europe is an engineering wonder. It gives access to a world of ancient ice and snow.
Essential tips for your visit
Pack light:
You’ll be carrying your luggage from the cable car, so pack smartly. Wheels won’t help on these paths.
Cash is king:
Many places, like the Mountain Hostel and small shops, prefer or only take Swiss Francs.
Wear proper shoes:
Even for walking around the village, you need sturdy shoes. For hiking, they’re a must.
Check the weather:
Mountain weather changes quickly. Layers are your best friend. Be ready for sunny, rainy, and cool days even in summer.
Book ahead:
In summer, accommodation in Gimmelwald is limited. Book your stay as early as possible.
Gimmelwald isn’t for everyone. It’s for travelers who enjoy connection over convenience, who love silence over excitement, and who understand that sometimes, the best luxury is simple living.