Is Gimmelwald worth visiting?

Yes — if you're looking for a peaceful, authentic Swiss village experience without the tourist crowds. Gimmelwald is quiet, scenic, and feels like a step back in time.

How do I get to Gimmelwald?

Take the train to Lauterbrunnen, then a bus to Stechelberg. From there, take the Schilthorn cable car — Gimmelwald is the first stop. Alternatively, take the new direct cable car to Mürren and hike down about 30 minutes.

Can I drive to Gimmelwald?

No — Gimmelwald is completely car-free. You’ll need to use public transport or hike in.

What can I do in Gimmelwald?

There’s no major list of attractions — and that’s the charm. Walk around, explore honesty shops, enjoy the mountain views, and relax at a terrace. It’s the perfect slow travel stop.

When is the best time to visit Gimmelwald?

Summer and early autumn are most popular, with flowers and open trails. Winter is quiet and peaceful, while spring offers a mix of melting snow and fewer crowds.

Do I need hiking gear to visit Gimmelwald?

Not for the village itself, but if you plan to hike to or from Mürren or go further into the mountains, basic hiking shoes and weather-appropriate gear are a good idea.

Gimmelwald: The Swiss Mountain Village That Still Feels Real

Most people visiting the Swiss Alps head to places like Zermatt or Grindelwald. But high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, there’s a tiny cliffside village that feels untouched, quiet, and almost unreal. Welcome to Gimmelwald.

Why Gimmelwald is Worth Visiting

You can’t drive to Gimmelwald — and that’s exactly why it’s worth it. This small, car-free village in the Bernese Oberland sits at about 1400 meters, with fewer than 150 people living there. Farming is still very present, and the pace of life hasn’t changed much over the years.

There are no big hotels, no tour buses, no chain stores. Instead, you’ll find old wooden chalets with flower-filled balconies, handmade signs, and honesty shops in front of people’s homes. You just put in your money, take what you need, and move on. It’s all based on trust – something that feels rare these days.

Even though it’s part of the Jungfrau Region, and close to famous spots like Lauterbrunnen and the Jungfraujoch, Gimmelwald is still not on most travelers’ radar. And that’s part of its charm.

How to Get to Gimmelwald

Getting to Gimmelwald is easy, even if it takes a few steps:

Take a train to Lauterbrunnen
Hop on a 15-minute bus ride to Stechelberg
From there, take the old Schilthorn cable car to Mürren – Gimmelwald is the first stop

There’s also a new direct cable car to Mürren. If you’re planning to visit Mürren and Schilthorn as well, use that, and then hike 30 minutes down to Gimmelwald (highly recommended) or take the second leg of the old cable car.

With a Swiss Travel Pass or Half Fare Card, the journey is covered or heavily discounted. Even without one, the return fare is around 13 Swiss francs – a small price for such a unique spot.

Watch instead of reading!

What to Do in Gimmelwald

Honestly? Not much – and that’s the point.

Walk the main road, admire the chalets, breathe in the silence, and explore a few honesty shops. Sit on a terrace, sip something cold, and watch the clouds drift across the valley.

That’s it. And that’s the magic.

Gimmelwald is best visited as part of a day trip that includes Mürren and Schilthorn. If you’re planning a trip to this area, check out my Jungfrau Region Travel Guide – it’ll save you hours of research.

When to Visit

You can visit Gimmelwald year-round, and each season has its own charm:

Summer & Early Autumn: Flowers everywhere, clear skies, open trails.
Winter: Quiet, snow-covered, peaceful. Not a ski resort, but perfect for a winter reset.
Spring: The in-between. Melting snow, returning flowers, fewer crowds. Some trails may still be closed.

Food & Supplies

There are no supermarkets in Gimmelwald, so a little prep goes a long way.

Some guesthouses offer meals, and the Mountain Hostel has a terrace with food and drinks. If you need groceries, head up to Mürren — either by hike or cable car.

But don’t miss the honesty fridges around the village. You’ll find cheese, jam, eggs, dried meats, even alpaca wool – all sold directly by locals. Just drop the payment in the box and go. No salespeople, no checkout – it’s part of what makes the place feel genuine.

Where to Stay

If you’re thinking of staying the night, book early. There are only a handful of places.

Mountain Hostel: Social, simple, great for backpackers, with a stunning terrace
Esther’s Guesthouse: Quieter and more traditional
Pension Gimmelwald: Cozy, family-run, very popular with hikers

No spa. No luxury. Just mountain views and stillness.