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Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Gimmelwald Overview & Key Highlights

Gimmelwald sits ne­stled in Switzerland's mountains. A small village, it offe­rs stunning views. Pretty Swiss buildings dot its landscape. Hiking trails wind through nature­ untouched by modern life. He­re visitors can escape crowds and noise­. For outdoors enthusiasts, Gimmelwald has much to offer. It stands at Schilthorn's base­, allowing a peaceful atmosphere­. Locals in this remote area maintain cultural traditions. Those­ seeking tranquility and connection to nature­ often choose Gimmelwald.

Gimmelwald Travel Guide: Logistics & In-Depth Tips

Nestled in the Jungfrau region, Gimmelwald remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, retaining a charming, authentic character. It is also famous for being a car-free village, contributing to its tranquil atmosphere.

 

Reasons to Visit:

  • Breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps
  • Peaceful, traffic-free environment
  • Access to world-class hiking trails
  • Cultural immersion in Swiss alpine life
  • Close to the famous Schilthorn peak

 

Things to Avoid:

  • Visiting without cash, as there are no ATMs in Gimmelwald.
  • Expecting luxury accommodation; Gimmelwald is more rustic and quaint.

 

Accessibility Level: Medium

Gimmelwald is a small, car-free village, so it requires using cable cars or hiking to access. The terrain is steep in areas, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Address:

Gimmelwald, 3826 Lauterbrunnen, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

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Basic Info

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COUNTRY & Region

Switzerland,
Europe

ACCESSIBILITY LEVEL​

Medium
Currency icon

LOCAL CURRENCY​

Swiss Franc (CHF)
Price level icon
High
Safety Level icon

SAFETY LEVEL

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Recommended Duration

• 3-5 hours (Half a day)
• Full day
• Overnight
• 1-7 days

Electricity

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Electricity

220-240V, 
50Hz
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Plug Type

• Type C (Round pin)
• Type J (Three round pins)
Plug types
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Activities To Do In Gimmelwald

Best Time To Visit Gimmelwald

May to September. The warm summer months provide ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities. For snow enthusiasts, December to February offers a charming winter experience.

Average Temperatures Per Month

Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.

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Safety Level

Gimmelwald is an exceptionally safe, peaceful alpine hamlet with virtually no crime, so standard personal safety precautions are all that is required. Your main consideration should be mountain and outdoor safety, including checking daily weather forecasts before hiking and wearing proper terrain footwear. Be sure to check cable car operational schedules so you do not miss the last transit down the mountain or to neighboring towns.

The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 112 (Universal) / 117
Ambulance: 112 (Universal) / 144

No internet needed • Includes local translations • Free for TravelingWiz readers

Spoken Languages

Swiss German is the primary language spoken, but many locals understand English due to tourism.

Learn The Language

  • Hello: “Grüezi”
  • Thank you: “Danke”
  • Please: “Bitte”
  • Goodbye: “Auf Wiedersehen”
  • Excuse me: “Entschuldigung”
  • Yes: “Ja”
  • No: “Nein”
  • Do you speak English?: “Sprechen Sie Englisch?”
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Trip Cost & Budgeting for Gimmelwald, 2026

Everything you need to know about money while traveling
Is Gimmelwald expensive for tourists in 2026? Yes, Gimmelwald is expensive, reflecting Switzerland's high cost of living. Expect to pay around CHF 5.20 for a cappuccino, CHF 7.50 for a pint of domestic beer, and CHF 30.00 for a standard main meal. These Human Verified prices show that while rustic, this Alpine village requires a solid budget. Use the data table below to calculate your specific daily budget based on your travel style. With TravelingWiz's Human Verified data, a typical traveler should expect to spend around $322 USD per day for a mid-range trip in Gimmelwald. Click the Trip Cost Calculator button below the table to work out your personal budget for this trip.
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LOCAL CURRENCY​:

Swiss Franc (CHF)
Price level icon
High
Credit cards are widely accepted at local lodges, but carry cash for the village's self-service honesty shops.

Per person, per day – pocket cash for small purchases.

Local: 50
Swiss Franc (CHF)
≈ 62 USD

Full daily spend estimation (accommodation, food, transportation, attractions).

Travel Style
Swiss Franc (CHF)
≈ USD ($)
Budget
145
179
Mid-range
260
322
Comfort
570
705

The Prices, Daily costs, and calculator results are estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs may vary based on season, booking timing, personal spending habits, and currency fluctuations. TravelingWiz cannot be held responsible for discrepancies between these estimates and your final trip expenses.

  • • Buy a regional transit pass: The Berner Oberland Pass or Swiss Half Fare Card dramatically reduces the cost of cable cars and trains to and from Gimmelwald.
  • • Shop at the Coop in Mürren: Gimmelwald has no supermarket, so hike or take the cable car up to neighboring Mürren to buy groceries and picnic supplies.
  • • Bring a reusable water bottle: Pristine, delicious Alpine tap water is free at fountains throughout the village, saving you from buying bottled water.
  • • Try the local honesty shops: Purchase fresh alpine cheese, sausage, and milk directly from local farmers' self-service fridges at great prices.

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What To Pack

Pack comfortable hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, especially in the summer months. For winter visits, warm layers, waterproof jackets, and snow gear are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must due to the high altitude and bright sun reflecting off the snow.

Related Events

Gimmelwald Country Open Air
An outdoor country music concert in a green meadow in Gimmelwald, Switzerland, with the Alps in the background.
The Gimmelwald Country Open Air is a delightfully unique music festival held in the heart of this tiny alpine village. Drawing music lovers from across the region, this intimate festival features live country and folk bands performing outdoor sets on a rustic stage. Surrounded by towering cliffs and green pastures, attendees can enjoy local Swiss food, dance on the grass, and experience a lively, friendly atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the village's usual tranquil silence.
Categories: Music | Festivals | Community Events
Date & Time: Usually a weekend in mid-August
Address: Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald, 3826 Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Location: Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald grounds
Swiss National Day Celebration in Gimmelwald
People gathered around a festive bonfire in the alpine village of Gimmelwald during Swiss National Day.
Experience an authentic, intimate Swiss National Day in the car-free village of Gimmelwald. Unlike large city celebrations, Gimmelwald marks August 1st with deep-rooted local traditions. The evening features a spectacular bonfire set against the dramatic backdrop of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. Locals and visitors gather to enjoy traditional Swiss folk music, patriotic speeches, and children marching with paper lanterns through the village's historic wooden chalets.
Categories: Holidays | Community Events | Historical and Cultural
Date & Time: August 1st annually
Address: Village Center, 3826 Gimmelwald, Switzerland
Location: Gimmelwald Village Center
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Maya’s Final Checklist for Gimmelwald

Logistics shouldn’t be the focus of your trip—the experience should. I’ve hand-vetted these essential partners to ensure your arrival, stay, and exploration are as smooth as an Athenian breeze.

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FAQs

Gimmelwald is known for its serene alpine landscapes, car-free environment, and hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps.
Gimmelwald is accessible by cable car from Stechelberg or Mürren. There are no direct roadways, as it is a car-free village.
Yes, Gimmelwald is an excellent base for hiking, with trails leading to the Schilthorn, Mürren, and beyond.
The best time to visit Gimmelwald is from May to September for hiking and scenic views, or December to February for a quiet winter experience.
Gimmelwald has a few guesthouses and restaurants offering traditional Swiss cuisine. However, options are limited, so plan ahead for meals.
Gimmelwald primarily offers rustic and quaint accommodation options, such as guesthouses and hostels like the Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald, rather than luxury hotels. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Some accommodations may offer included breakfasts.
Yes, Gimmelwald is considered suitable for families, largely due to its car-free environment which provides a safer space for children to explore. The cable car ride is often a highlight for kids, and various outdoor activities are available.
Beyond hiking the world-class trails, popular activities include paragliding, visiting nearby waterfalls like Trümmelbach Falls, and exploring neighboring car-free villages like Mürren. Skiing and snowboarding are popular in the winter months in the wider Schilthorn region.

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