Gimmelwald

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Mattias Nutt
Photo provided by Jost von Allmen
Photo provided by Jost von Allmen
Photo provided by Mattias Nutt
Photo provided by Jost von Allmen
Relish in the seclusion of this car-free village in the Swiss Alps and hike along spectacular mountain trails with the music of ringing cow bells your ears.

There is a saying about Gimmelwald that goes: “If Heaven isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, send me back to Gimmelwald.” Located on a clifftop among soaring peaks, this sleepy, car-free village certainly epitomizes the perfect Swiss alpine experience.

Part of the village’s appeal is that you have to go out of your way to get there. At 4,485 feet (1,367 meters) above sea level without an access road, Gimmelwald is accessible only by hiking or taking the cable car up. The cable car rises up from Stechelberg on the floor of the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Gimmelwald before carrying on to Murren. You can also drive to Murren and hike down, which takes about 45 minutes.

Soak up the sweeping views that surround Gimmelwald in all directions as you approach. Stroll around the village and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. To restrict development and keep the charm of their village, the residents had it declared an avalanche zone. You won’t find anything bigger than a chalet or barn in this traditional settlement of about 120 residents.

Admire the architecture of the typical Swiss chalets, with the earliest being from the mid 1600s. Gaze down into the valley below or up at the peaks towering above you. Gimmelwald sits right beside the Jungfrau-Aletsch area. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage park’s pristine alpine wilderness and look up at its peaks of over 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) high.

During the warmer months, you can hear the cow bells all around on the alpine meadows as you explore the many mountain trails. Watch how the local farmers gather hay by hand to keep the cattle fed through the winter months.

Come winter, watch how Gimmelwald puts on a thick coat of soft snow. All kinds of winter sports are possible in the Schilthorn region and the skiing trails are just a scenic cable-car ride away. Go skiing or snowboarding and come back to the village to enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine beside a log fire.

Gimmelwald is one of the last destinations in Switzerland to retain that true small village feel. Nestled on its cliff-top home in the stunning Alps, this charming farmer’s hub is indeed a piece of Heaven on Earth.

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Essential by Dorint Interlaken
3 out of 5
8-10 Rugenparkstrasse, Interlaken
The price is CA $442 per night from Apr. 25 to Apr. 26
CA $442
CA $471 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Alpine Garden ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (209 reviews)
"Next to platform of train station but quiet. Good breakfast."

Reviewed on Apr. 4, 2025

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
Eiger Lodge Chic
Eiger Lodge Chic
3 out of 5
Grundstrasse 58, Grindelwald
The price is CA $284 per night from Apr. 25 to Apr. 26
CA $284
CA $312 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
Stay at this 3-star ski hotel in Grindelwald. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (437 reviews)
"This property is modern in facility considering its a cabin style lodging which skiers and snow fanatics will appreciate. The location is in Grindewald close to the Terminal station. The place is well kept and very clean. The staffs were all friendly and helpful. Our stay includes free breakfast. ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2025

Eiger Lodge Chic
Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
4 out of 5
Dorfstrasse 168, Grindelwald, BE
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is CA $394 per night from Apr. 30 to May 1
CA $394
CA $427 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 30 - May 1
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Grindelwald. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Best location for ski at Grindelwald."

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hapimag Resort Interlaken
Hapimag Resort Interlaken
3.5 out of 5
Höheweg 95, Interlaken
Stay at this 3.5-star spa aparthotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (243 reviews)
"Beautiful apartment with free breakfast. Amenities first class. Center of interlaken- accessible to train stations and Public transiy"

Reviewed on Apr. 5, 2025

Hapimag Resort Interlaken
Swiss Hotel Apartments-Interlaken
Swiss Hotel Apartments-Interlaken
5 out of 5
Untere Bönigstrasse 8, Interlaken
Stay at this 5-star luxury apartment in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Lake Brienz ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"What a beautiful and homey place to stay while in Interlaken. It was steps away from a grocery store and the train station but also very walkable to the river and restaurants. Staff was incredibly friendly and helpful!"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2024

Swiss Hotel Apartments-Interlaken
Aparthotel Krone - Self Check In
Aparthotel Krone - Self Check In
2.5 out of 5
16 Spielmatte, Unterseen, BE
Stay at this aparthotel in Unterseen. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mystery Rooms and Lake Brienz are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
"This place was nice to stay in interlaken. Close you interlaken west station, close to markets. Interlaken is not a big town so you can walk everywhere if you have your stay booked in interlaken. Because its a self check in there is no one in the front desk to get service. If you need extra service ..."

Reviewed on Dec. 30, 2024

Aparthotel Krone - Self Check In
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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