The Hidden Town of Gimmelwald – Switzerland
Gimmelwald is an unforgettable Swiss experience – its traffic-free village nestles into a cliff high above Lauterbrunnen Valley and makes for a delightful visit.
Here, only an ocean of air separates cliff walls from mountain trails leading to via ferratas suspended above waterfalls. As you trek along these spectacular mountain trails, listen out for cow bells as they call you back home!
1. Stunning Views
Gimmelwald offers peace and serenity to visitors while also boasting magnificent Alpine views that beg to be explored. The trail from Murren to Gimmelwald is both scenic and easy, making it the ideal adventure for families. Along its route are waterfalls, tranquil cows with cow bells tinkling gently in their ears, charming Swiss chalets and more!
Though not much to see or do in this village, its charm lies in its relative lack of activities. A mountain hostel, pension, and honest shop serve as its touristic center.
An easy and effortless way to enjoy breathtaking views is to walk from the cable car station to Alte Sage Gimmelwald (marked by picnic benches in Google Maps), an approximately 7-10 minute stroll that offers uphill terrain but gentle ascent. On your walk you will have views of Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area’s UNESCO World Heritage site featuring Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains that tower over this small alpine village.
2. Authentic Swiss Culture
Gimmelwald is an idyllic pedestrian village situated atop towering peaks, where traditional Swiss log cabin homes line narrow roads, while troll-like huts dot the landscape. Here, life seems much slower; each day the postman (using either golf cart in summertime or sled in winter) delivers mail and prescriptions, with residents addressing letters by birth date then last name; even cows roaming freely through its lanes are signalled with their distinctive bells to welcome newcomers!
Cheese-making to twirling flags – Switzerland is well known for its cultural wealth. Although not ethnically or linguistically homogenous, Swiss identity is defined by shared values that unite its people. From Hermes Baby typewriters to station clocks – good design from all fields is celebrated and appreciated here; tradition coexists in harmony.
3. Authentic Farmer’s Market
Gimmelwald (pronounced GIM-mehl-vahlt) is one of Switzerland’s most charming mountain towns, featuring traditional log-cabin homes lined with pine needles lining its streets, as well as charming cheese-making huts that peek from beneath trees.
Sleepy villages like this one provide lodging options such as hotels, hostels and pensions – locals are usually friendly despite its remoteness!
Gimmelwald residents make a living raising hay and providing part-time staffing at the Schilthorn cable car; during wintertime Gimmelwald farmers work as sleigh drivers and ski lift operators.
Each summer and autumn, Plainpalais square in this Swiss town transforms into one of the country’s premier flea markets, featuring everything from charming trinkets to handmade jams and cheeses for sale at casual stalls.
4. Hiking Trails
Gimmelwald is a small village known for hiking. There are trails suitable for all abilities and interests here – with Murren being the most popular hike! Beware though; the trail does offer beautiful scenery but can be quite challenging with steep switchbacks, rocks to climb over, scrambling up small hills, etc.
This charming pedestrian village is an outdoor enthusiast’s delight! A car-free paradise filled with lush walking trails and breath-taking views, you can walk between Grindelwald, Murren, and other villages in Lauterbrunnen Valley. If you want something a bit more challenging there’s even a Via Ferrata trail between Gimmelwald and Murren; an exciting hiking route where hikers must clip onto metal rungs with carabiners for safe passage along a challenging hiking route!
