We do not ski but plan to be in Murren at Christmas time. I have two questions I hope someone can help me with.
Would 3 nights be enough time. We would arrive on day one, go to Gimmelwald day 2, play in the snow on day 3 then depart on day 4. Is that enough time.
We would be arriving December 23, departing the 26. Will things be open the 25 (sled or snow bike rentals on Christmas day) will trains be running the 26, Boxing day?
Thanks,
Lisa
We were in Murren 2 years ago just a few days before Christmas. We’re not skiers, but we had a blast on the sleds! Rental facilities are set up near the Schilthornbahn for the sleds and any other equipment/clothing you may need.
The was an early large snow and conditions were perfect. 3 nights is actually 2 full days which should probably suit you just fine.
Will things be open? Well, your hotel will definitely be open :-) don’t know about anything else, but I would really doubt it. Try to choose a hotel with a restaurant so at least you’ll have a place for dinner without having to wonder if the restaurants will be open. If you arrive from Lauterbrunnen and Grutschalp and there is snow, be aware that there are free luggage sleds (large) to get your luggage to your hotel. Just ask for the key at the station ticket counter and unlock the chain and take a sled for your luggage. Then return the sled of course.
We’re in Murren every year, but that was our first winter time there.
Muerren is a ski resort and Christmas is their busiest (and most expensive) time of the year. The question is if you can even find a place that will let you stay only 3 days. They might have a 1-week minimum. Everything will be open, there is money to be made.
Try the hotel alpina for your 3 nights. That’s where we stayed during our December visit.
Actually I just went to their website to test booking for your dates and 3 nights in a double room is 570chf or 630chf for the valley/Mountain View which is really very nice. Those rates include bfast.
Trains will run as will lifts, no question! Restaurants? Probably.
A day in Gimmelwald is likely to be, um, boring. Walk down from Muerren (20-30 minutes), pass through Gimmelwald, take the gondola to the valley, bus to Lauterbrunnen, gondola up to Grutschalp, walk back to Muerren on the groomed trail for "winterwandern." Spend your other day on the Wengen side, take the Maennlichen lift or take the train to Kleine Scheidegg.
Thank you very much for the help and suggestions!
During our winter Christmas trip we used our sleds all the way from Murren to Gimmelwald. Yes, it’s a beautiful walk unless it’s packed with snow. THEN it’s a perfect sled route!
I still can’t get over how much fun we had.
Tim, We saw a few people doing that sledding and sure looked like fun! I would probably end up off a cliff so we walked.
To the OP, do bring winter walking shoes, preferably hikers with Gortex. You will want good tread.
Regarding the comment about Christmas being the busiest time, it's not quite accurate: the busiest week is New Year week just after; Christmas is much quieter as it is very much a family holiday. Still high season, still need to book months in advance, but should be able to find rooms for less than a week.'s stay.
In addition to the sleds, we rented gloves, boots, bibs - they have it all.
