Major city · Switzerland
Gimmelwald
Stay 1–2 nights for quiet and valley views, or visit as a 2-hour stop between Stechelberg and Mürren; skip if you want shops or nightlife.
Gimmelwald is a car-free hamlet of about 130 people on a cliff above the Lauterbrunnen valley, reached only by cable car or on foot. There are no shops, no through road and a handful of beds, so it works as a quiet base for walkers or a short stop on the way up to Mürren. Book beds early in summer.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CHF
- Best months
- Jun–Sep for walking; Dec–Mar for snow
- avoid Nov and late Apr–May (lifts and huts on reduced schedules)
- Airports
- ZRH · BSL · GVA
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Central Europe ↗Six of the nine countries here — Austria, Switzerland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia — charge a time-based motorway vignette, mostly digital and linked to the number plate; buy it before the first motorway past the border, because cameras, not toll booths, do the checking.
- Central Europe ↗Temporary police checks at internal Schengen borders are common in this region in 2026 (Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovenia among others — check): keep your passport on you on every cross-border train, bus and road even though there is no fixed control post.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is in the Schengen area but not the EU: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Switzerland ↗Switzerland is outside the EU customs area: allowances on meat, alcohol and tobacco are strict and checked at borders.
- Switzerland ↗Motorways need a vignette (sticker or e-vignette) before you drive on them.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Gimmelwald117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Gimmelwald, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Swiss franc (CHF).Switzerland-wide
- SIM or eSIMSwisscom, Sunrise and Salt sell prepaid SIMs (ID needed); Swisscom covers the most mountain terrain.Switzerland-wide
- Tap waterTap and fountain water is excellent.Switzerland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Service included; round up or leave 5–10% for good service.Switzerland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/J. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Switzerland-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a mountain hamlet; the real risks are steep wet paths, fast weather changes and cable-car or bus last departures.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsStation toilets cost CHF 1–2 (≈ US$2–3); restaurants and department stores are free for customers.Switzerland-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 144 ambulance · 118 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops close early on Saturday in small towns and all day Sunday, except stations and airports.Switzerland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZRH Zurich Airport (Train to Interlaken Ost, then BOB to Lauterbrunnen and Postbus to Stechelberg; about 3.5–4 h).
- Getting aroundOn foot only.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee in a mountain hutCHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8)
- BeerBeer in the hostel barCHF 5–8 (≈ US$7–10)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekCHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCHF 45 (≈ US$60)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per roomCHF 170 (≈ US$250)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per roomCHF 220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CHF 80 (≈ US$100) · Mid CHF 140 (≈ US$180) · High CHF 240 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZRH Zurich Airport (Train to Interlaken Ost, then BOB to Lauterbrunnen and Postbus to Stechelberg; about 3.5–4 h) · BSL Basel-Mulhouse (Longer rail route via Bern; about 4.5 h) · GVA Geneva Airport (Rail via Bern to Interlaken Ost; about 4.5–5 h)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
Feb
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Mar
Best
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Apr
Avoid*
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
May
Avoid
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Oct
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Nov
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Best
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
Best: Jun–Sep, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C) low), wettest May (14 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Gimmelwald: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
10 rd
Feb
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
9 rd
Mar
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
11 rd
Apr
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
May
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Sep
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
Oct
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
Dec
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot only. The lane to Mürren takes about 30 min uphill and is pushchair-friendly; steeper short cuts cross its zigzags. The cable car links Stechelberg, Gimmelwald, Mürren, Birg and the Schilthorn.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mürren
goDoor to door: 15–40 min
Cable car one stop up, or walk the lane about 30 min uphill
Shops, sports hire and the railway station; the village sits at the north end, the cable car at the south.
Lauterbrunnen
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Cable car to Stechelberg, then Postbus
Staubbach Falls at the south edge; Trümmelbach Falls are inside the mountain on the same bus route.
Schilthorn summit
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h up
Cable car via Mürren and Birg
Only worth the fare on a clear day; check the summit webcam before buying.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Cable car and bus to Lauterbrunnen, then WAB train
Car-free village on the way to Kleine Scheidegg.
Door to door: 2–2.5 h
Via Lauterbrunnen and Zweilütschinen, or over Kleine Scheidegg
A full day out rather than a quick hop.
Door to door: About 1.5 h
Cable car, Postbus and BOB train
Use it for lake boats, bigger shops and onward trains.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Village core (Kirchestatt / Nidrimatten)
All beds sit 150 m above the cable-car station; walk up with bags, no cars.
Mürren (3 km uphill)
Use Mürren for shops, more beds and the railway if Gimmelwald is full.
Stechelberg (valley floor)
Cheaper and road-accessible, but you ride the cable car up each day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- CHF 70–110 (≈ US$90–140) excl. bed
- Mid
- CHF 110–180 (≈ US$140–250) excl. bed
- High
- CHF 180 (≈ US$250)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 2 nights × CHF 170 | CHF 340 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CHF 140 | CHF 560 |
| Schilthornbahn Stechelberg–Gimmelwald, one way2 × CHF 8 | CHF 16 |
| Postbus Lauterbrunnen–Stechelberg, one way2 × CHF 5 | CHF 10 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CHF 20 | CHF 40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CHF 97 |
| Trip total≈ CHF 266 per person per day, bed included | CHF 1,063≈ US$1,400 |
Pension and guesthouse doubles quoted around CHF 120–190
2026 estimate in Swiss francs; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee in a mountain hut | CHF 4–6 (≈ US$5–8) |
| Plate of rösti or soup with bread | CHF 16–26 (≈ US$20–35) |
| Alpkäse cheese, 200 g from a farmMade in summer only | CHF 8–14 (≈ US$10–18) |
| Beer in the hostel bar | CHF 5–8 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Cable car Gimmelwald–Mürren, one way | CHF 8–12 (≈ US$10–15) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | CHF 15–30 (≈ US$19–40) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No shops, no cash machine and no pharmacy in the village; buy food and supplies in Mürren or Lauterbrunnen.
- A new Schilthornbahn line bypassing Gimmelwald was planned to open in 2025: confirm which station serves the village before you travel.
- Last connections from Interlaken leave around 23:00 and are sometimes replaced by buses; check the day's timetable.Last connections from Interlaken leave around 11:00 PM and are sometimes replaced by buses; check the day's timetable.
- Restaurant service at the hostel and pension needs booking, especially in winter when hours are shorter.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 144
- Fire
- 118
- Air rescue (Rega)
- 1414
- European emergency
- 112
Pocket card
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GimmelwaldGimmelwald
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Uf die Adrässe, bitteTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Ambulance144
- Air rescue (Rega)1414
- European emergency112
Embassy
No embassies in the village; most are in Bern, with consulates in Zurich and Geneva. US citizens: the embassy is in Bern.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Stechelberg → Gimmelwald, cable car: about CHF 8 (≈ US$10), 5 min
- Lauterbrunnen → Stechelberg, Postbus: about CHF 5 (≈ US$7), 15 min
- Interlaken Ost → Lauterbrunnen, BOB train: about CHF 8–10 (≈ US$10–13), 20 min
Say or show
- Grüezi — Hello (GROO-tsi)
- Merci vielmal — Thank you (MER-si FEEL-mal)
- Was choschtet das? — How much is it? (vas KHOSH-tet das)
- Ei Billett uf Mürren, bitte — One ticket to Mürren, please (eye BIL-let oof MÜR-ren, BIT-te)
- Cha i mit Karte zahle? — Can I pay by card? (kha ee mit KAR-te TSA-le)
- Wo isch d'Luftseilbahn? — Where is the cable car? (vo ish LOOFT-zyle-bahn)
No shops or cash machine in the village: bring food, cash and any medicine from Lauterbrunnen or Mürren.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Gimmelwald. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep for walking; Dec–Mar for snow · avoid Nov and late Apr–May (lifts and huts on reduced schedules) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZRH, BSL and GVA: last Postbus and cable-car departures field-checked, taxi fallback from Lauterbrunnen, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: village lane, Mürren path, Stechelberg descent, Allmendhubel.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Schilthornbahn, Trümmelbach Falls, Staubbach Falls) and eat pages with last orders.
- Winter and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.