Gimmelwald Travel Guide
Discover the natural beauty, cultural landmarks, food scene, and local customs of Gimmelwald in this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Gimmelwald
- List of Places to Visit in Gimmelwald
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Gimmelwald
- The North Face Trail
- The Grindelwald-First Bike Route
- Best Things to Do in Gimmelwald: Activities and Tours
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Paragliding
- Week-Long Itinerary for Gimmelwald
- Food and Drink Scene of Gimmelwald
- Where to Stay in Gimmelwald: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Gimmelwald Downtown Hostel
- Pension Gimmelwald
- What to Buy in Gimmelwald: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Swiss Chocolate
- Swiss Cheese
- Local Culture and Customs of Gimmelwald
- Best Time to Visit Gimmelwald
- Do’s and Don’ts of Gimmelwald
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Gimmelwald: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Gimmelwald
- Where to Go Next from Gimmelwald: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Interlaken
- Grindelwald
- Conclusion
Introduction to Gimmelwald
Located in the beautiful Bernese Highlands in Switzerland, Gimmelwald is a charming village that has managed to retain its traditional Swiss character while offering visitors a range of outdoor activities. With stunning views of the surrounding mountains and opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, Gimmelwald is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The village is also home to some historically significant cultural landmarks and a vibrant food scene that showcases the best of Swiss cuisine. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best of Gimmelwald and offer you insider tips for your next trip.
List of Places to Visit in Gimmelwald
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Mürrenbachfall
One of the most impressive waterfalls in the region, the Mürrenbachfall is located just outside of Gimmelwald. This waterfall drops 417 meters and is beautiful throughout the year.
Trummelbach Falls
The Trummelbach Falls are a series of ten waterfalls that are fed by the melting glaciers of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. These falls can be reached by a short train ride from Gimmelwald and are definitely worth a visit.
Aebi House
Built in the early 1700s, the Aebi House is a beautiful example of traditional Swiss architecture. Now a museum, visitors can tour the house and learn about the history of Gimmelwald.
Natural Attractions of Gimmelwald: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Schilthorn
Located in the center of the Bernese Alps, Schilthorn is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Switzerland. Visitors can take the cable car from Gimmelwald to the top of the mountain, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn Glacier
One of the largest and most beautiful glaciers in Europe, the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn Glacier is a must-see for visitors to Gimmelwald. The glacier is located near the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains, and visitors can take a guided tour to explore the glacier and learn about its history.
Hiking and Biking Trails
Gimmelwald is surrounded by beautiful hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the Swiss Alps. From easy walks through the valley to challenging hikes up steep mountain trails, there is something for every level of hiker in Gimmelwald.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Gimmelwald
The North Face Trail
This challenging hiking trail takes visitors up the steep north face of the Eiger mountain. The trail offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is recommended for experienced hikers only.
The Grindelwald-First Bike Route
This 14-kilometer bike route takes visitors through stunning mountain scenery and offers breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The route is suitable for intermediate-level bikers.
Best Things to Do in Gimmelwald: Activities and Tours
Skiing and Snowboarding
Gimmelwald is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter months. Visitors can take the cable car to Schilthorn, where they can enjoy a variety of ski runs and snowboarding jumps.
Paragliding
For those looking for a thrill, paragliding is a popular activity in Gimmelwald. Visitors can take a tandem flight with an experienced paraglider and enjoy stunning views of the Swiss Alps.
Week-Long Itinerary for Gimmelwald
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit the Mürrenbachfall and Trummelbach Falls |
| Day 2 | Take a guided tour of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn Glacier |
| Day 3 | Explore the Aebi House Museum and learn about the history of Gimmelwald |
| Day 4 | Hike the North Face Trail |
| Day 5 | Bike the Grindelwald-First Bike Route |
| Day 6 | Ski or snowboard at Schilthorn |
| Day 7 | Paraglide over the Swiss Alps |
Food and Drink Scene of Gimmelwald
Must-Try Dishes
Rösti
A traditional Swiss dish, rösti is a savory potato pancake that is often served with cheese and bacon.
Cheese Fondue
Made with melted cheese and served with bread for dipping, cheese fondue is a classic Swiss dish that is perfect for a cold winter evening.
Local Beverages
Swiss Wine
Switzerland is home to some excellent wines, including Pinot Noir and Chasselas.
Kirsch
A traditional Swiss fruit brandy made from cherries, Kirsch is a popular after-dinner drink in Gimmelwald.
Where to Stay in Gimmelwald: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Gimmelwald Downtown Hostel
Located in the heart of the village, the Gimmelwald Downtown Hostel is a great option for budget travelers. The hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and shared bathrooms.
Pension Gimmelwald
This guesthouse is located just outside of the village and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, and guests can enjoy delicious homemade meals in the on-site restaurant.
What to Buy in Gimmelwald: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Swiss Chocolate
Switzerland is famous for its chocolate, and visitors to Gimmelwald can find a wide variety of delicious chocolates in local shops.
Swiss Cheese
From Gruyère to Emmental, Switzerland is home to some of the world’s best cheeses. Visitors to Gimmelwald can bring home a selection of cheeses to enjoy at home.
Local Culture and Customs of Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is a traditional Swiss village, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions. It is customary to greet people with a smile and a friendly “Guten Tag,” and visitors should dress modestly when visiting cultural landmarks and churches.
Best Time to Visit Gimmelwald
The best time to visit Gimmelwald is in the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the hiking trails are open. The winter months are also a great time to visit for skiing and snowboarding.
Do’s and Don’ts of Gimmelwald
Do:
- Try the local cuisine, including rösti and cheese fondue.
- Explore the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps.
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Leave litter or damage the natural environment.
- Disrespect local residents or cultural landmarks.
- Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting churches or cultural landmarks.
Safety and Health
Safety in Gimmelwald
Gimmelwald is a safe destination for travelers, and crime rates are low. Visitors should still take precautions to protect their belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
Health in Gimmelwald
Visitors to Gimmelwald should be in good health, as the village is located at a high altitude. Those with respiratory or heart conditions should consult with their doctor before traveling to Gimmelwald.
Getting to Gimmelwald: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Gimmelwald
The closest airport to Gimmelwald is Zurich Airport, which is approximately 200 kilometers away. Visitors can take a train or bus from the airport to Interlaken, and then take a cable car and bus to Gimmelwald.
Bus Stations Near Gimmelwald
The closest bus station to Gimmelwald is in Stechelberg, which is approximately 3 kilometers away. Visitors can take a bus from Stechelberg to Gimmelwald.
Other Options
For visitors traveling by car, there is a parking lot in Stechelberg where they can park their car and take a cable car and bus to Gimmelwald.
How to Get Around in Gimmelwald
The village of Gimmelwald is small enough to explore by foot. Visitors can also take a cable car or bus to visit nearby attractions like Schilthorn or the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Bietschhorn Glacier.
Where to Go Next from Gimmelwald: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Interlaken
Located approximately 20 kilometers from Gimmelwald, Interlaken is a popular tourist destination that offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural landmarks.
Grindelwald
Famous for its stunning mountain scenery, Grindelwald is located approximately 35 kilometers from Gimmelwald and is a great destination for hiking and skiing.
Conclusion
Gimmelwald is a charming village that offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re interested in hiking, skiing, or exploring the local culture and cuisine, Gimmelwald is sure to delight. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your next trip to this beautiful destination in the Bernese Highlands.
