Gimmelwald Travel Guide

Tourist 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 metres) 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 metres) 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 AU$361 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$361
20 Nov - 21 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (406 reviews)
"Everything was good! Staff was friendly and very accommodating. However a fridge in the room was really needed. Breakfast was really good!"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Essential by Dorint Interlaken
The Guesthouse by the Hey Hotel

The Guesthouse by the Hey Hotel

3 out of 5
Höheweg 7, Interlaken
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$246 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$246
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Interlaken. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and free bicycles on site. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (341 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Guesthouse by the Hey Hotel
Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald

Sunstar Hotel Grindelwald

4 out of 5
Dorfstrasse 168, Grindelwald, BE
The price is AU$437 per night from 8 Nov to 9 Nov
AU$437
8 Nov - 9 Nov
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Beautiful view. Excellent staff. Great dinner. Loved it all."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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! (282 reviews)
"Great Mountain View’s and accessible to near by attractions."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Hapimag Resort 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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
"Perfect location. Everything within walking distance. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Aparthotel Krone - Self Check In
KURVE Apartments & Lounge

KURVE Apartments & Lounge

4 out of 5
13 Landstrasse, Adelboden, BE
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Adelboden. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Adelboden - Tschentenalp Gondola ...
10/10 Exceptional! (42 reviews)
"Mountain view was great !"

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

KURVE Apartments & Lounge
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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