We have reservations to stay 3 nights at Esther's Guesthouse in Gimmelwald 9/28 to 9/30. After reading some comments on the Graffiti Wall, I'm wondering if Lauterbrunnen might be a better choice. Late September is pretty late in the season, so I'm afraid that the few restaurants and shops in Gimmelwald and Murren might be closed. We're interested in hiking (2 hours max), and general sightseeing, but are not interested in cooking our own dinner. I've read some positive comments about the Hotel Silberhorn in Lauterbrunnen. I would appreciate any comments. Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32202 posts
Karen, I was in Gimmelwald last fall in late Sept./ Oct. and the weather was perfect! Ir was a bit chilly in the mornings, but a large Duvet made that much easier. Esther's Guesthouse is a good choice, as extensive renovations were completed last year; it's only about a one minute walk from the Cable car.
Regarding restaurants in Gimmelwald, there was only one in the Pensione, and that's been closed since the end of October. I haven't checked lately to see if it has re-opened? Esther's will provide a hearty breakfast, but if the restaurant is still closed I'm not sure if anyone has stepped in to provide dinners?
Another option to consider would be to stay in Murren. It's a beautiful small town, and has a good range of Hotels and restaurants. For hiking you could take the Almend-Hubel Funicular and then hike down (it's about an hour from what I recall, and the scenery is beautiful). If you're really adventurous, you could try the hike down from the Schilthorn!!!
Cheers!
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9100 posts
Late September is still considered high-season in Switzerland and most of Europe for that matter. All the hotels and restaurants in the mountain villages will open and operational. There just won't be as many Americans around:)
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
There are several restaurants, both free-standing and hotel restaurants, in Muerren. I've been to the Lauterbrunnen Valley several times and stayed both in Muerren and Wengen. Muerren is the ideal place, in my opinion, to stay. It's beautifully quaint, simple and alpine. The stroll down to Gimmelwald is a perfect walk. Once at Gimmelwald you can ride the gondola back up...it's a rather steep walk up.
Lauterbrunnen is beautiful, but staying high up in the mountain villages of Muerren and Gimmelwald will give you an even more magnificent view.