Hike
Hike
$
3-4h
If you’re looking for an authentic, idyllic , rustic mountain village , Gimmelwald is the one. Gimmelwald is a quaint, car-free village perched at 1367 metres, accessible by a cable car ride. Perched on a cliff edge above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, providing stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
🐮🐓🌼The village boasts 13 farms and picturesque houses adorned with vibrant flowers, maintaining its authentic character and unspoiled environment.
In winter, it's a hidden paradise for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing, while summer beckons you with scenic trails through lush meadows and stunning mountain views.
📌Top Travel Tip:
Start your day early by taking the cable car from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald. The cable car ride itself offers breathtaking views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding Alps.
Things to do:
🏚️Scenic Walk Through the Village:
Take a leisurely stroll through Gimmelwald to appreciate the traditional wooden chalets, charming decorated barns, flower-adorned fountains, and rustic cheese houses dotting the village meadows. This peaceful walk will give you a sense of the village's charm and serenity. It’s honestly a dream!
📌Stop by the Chässpycher Cheese storehouse
You can find it along the village’s main road, a 4-minute walk from the cable car station. The rustic, flower-decorated facade of the Chässpycher Cheese storehouse is a must see!
Check out the Kuhglockenhaus.
Along Gimmelwald’s main road and between the two hotels, Olle & Maria’s Bed and Breakfast and Pension Gimmelwald, you can find Kuhglockenhaus.
It’s has the hanging cowbells arranged in size outside. If you are coming from the village’s cable car station, you should arrive at Kuhglockenhaus before the Chässpycher Cheese storehouse. Kuhglockenhaus is only a 2-minute walk from Gimmelwald’s cable car station.
☕️Stop by the local Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald for a hearty Swiss breakfast. Enjoy fresh bread, local cheese, cold cuts, and perhaps some homemade jams, all while taking in the magnificent views.
🍻Try The Village’s Award-Winning Beer
Gimmelwald isn’t just famous for its idyllic village. It’s also known for Schwarzbier (Dark Beer) that has won several awards over the past few years.
This beer is called Schwarz Mönch, and it’s one of the reasons why you must visit Gimmelwald, especially if you’re a beer lover! Did you know that Schwarz Mönch Beer was inspired by a mountain that looms over Gimmelwald?
❤️Buy A Souvenir From The Honesty Shop
If you’re after a truly unique experience in the Jungfrau Region, then Gimmelwald and its Honesty Shop are a must-visit. Here, you can have a shopping experience like no other, filled with meaning!Honestly, it’s amazing to see a shop based on traditional values. In Gimmelwald’s Honesty Shop, there are no sales assistants or long lines to deal with. Instead, you’re free to browse at your own pace and select the items that catch your eye. Once you’ve made your selections, simply place the correct amount of cash in an “honest envelope” and drop it in the red “honesty box” provided. It’s a straightforward and honest way of shopping that’s all too rare these days.
💦Hike To Sprutz Waterfall
What’s so great about Sprutz is that the hiking trail takes you right behind the waterfall. Upon reaching the waterfall, you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing spray of cold alpine water.
🐄 Visit a Local Farm:
Gimmelwald is known for its small farms and traditional way of life. If possible, visit a local farm to see the livestock and learn about alpine farming practices. Some farms sell homemade cheese and other products.
🥾Tanzbödeli Hike: If you enjoy hiking, a hike to Tanzbödeli is highly recommended. This viewpoint offers one of the most spectacular panoramas, looking down over the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding peaks. The hike is moderately challenging and will take a few hours round trip.
Starting Point: The mountain village of Gimmelwald.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on fitness level. Follow the signs towards Obersteinberg and Tanzbödeli.
🌸Trail to Obersteinberg
The trail takes you through alpine meadows, dense forests, and past traditional Swiss chalets. The views are stunning, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs of the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
🫕Obersteinberg: This is a popular stop, offering you a rustic mountain inn where you can take a break and enjoy refreshments. The inn provides stunning views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Ascent to Tanzbödeli Trail:
From Obersteinberg, continue the ascent towards Tanzbödeli. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you gain elevation.
⛰️Views: As you climb, the views become increasingly spectacular, with panoramic vistas of the Bernese Alps. On clear days, you can see iconic peaks such as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Tanzbödeli Plateau Arrival:
After a steep ascent, you’ll reach the Tanzbödeli plateau. This open, grassy area offers a flat space to rest and take in the 360-degree views of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic.
Descending
Return Route: Descend back the way you came, returning to Obersteinberg and then to Gimmelwald.
📸 Enjoy beautiful views of Lauterbrunnen:
There are two specific places in Gimmelwald if you want to enjoy this view. The first is “Allmiweg,” and the other is the village viewpoint, labeled as “picnic benches” in Google Maps. The easiest it is the picnic benches at the far end corner of the main road of Gimmelwald. If you are coming from the cable car station, walk straight towards Alte Säge Gimmelwald. You should arrive at the picnic benches within 7 to 10 minutes.
🚡Schilthorn and Piz Gloria
A short cable car ride away, the Schilthorn offers an unforgettable experience. Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant at the summit, was famously featured in the James Bond film "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service." The views from the top are extraordinary, with the added attraction of the Bond World 007 museum.
🎬Bond World 007: Explore the Bond World 007 museum at Schilthorn, which offers interactive exhibits about the film and its connection to this iconic location.
🍽️Dinner at Pension Gimmelwald:
Pension Gimmelwald offers a cosy dining experience with hearty Swiss cuisine. Enjoy dishes such as fondue, raclette, or rösti, made from local ingredients.
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