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Gimmerlwald in March?

Posted by on

Hi,

I have been reading Rick's book and Gimmelwald is where I want to take my family. Unfortunately, we can only go in March. Since we are going to be in Manchester (for family wedding), we are going to take our vacation early rathern in summertime when school is out.

I am trying to understand how bad could weather get in March in Gimmerwald. Can you share your experience?

The other option I am thinking of is staying in lower altitude such as Zurich and take trains to Berner Overland.

I was also thinking of adding Vienna to our list but again I am not sure about weather.

Paresh

Posted by
1443 posts

It will still be winter in Gimmelwald in March, so you should prepare for all that goes along with that. Hiking opportunities in the mountains may be sharply limited by snow, even the lower elevation trails, although I would expect walking along the Lauterbrunnen valley to be very enjoyable as always.

You can always have a peek at Gimmelwald's weather by looking at their live webcam.

Luzern is another option to consider. Most visitors like Luzern more than Zurich (it's smaller and cuter) and it is closer to the Berner Oberland. And there are nearby mountain peak excusions.

Posted by
3099 posts

The Swiss Alps got a huge amount of snow earlier in January and it is likely to still be there in March, so expect full-on winter conditions.

Posted by
32212 posts

At that time of year, Gimmelwald will probably not be the best place to stay. You might consider basing in Lucerne rather than Zürich as it's a beautiful (and smaller) city with some interesting sights. Your family might enjoy visiting the fantastic Museum of Transport or take a trip to Mt. Pilatus for some incredible views.

Travel to the Berner Oberland is easy, as it's only 1H:49M from Lucerne to Interlaken Ost, and then a further 20 minutes or so to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen you could make a loop to Gimmelwald, Mürren and then back, possibly with a trip to the Schilthorn.

The Schilthornbahn will be down for maintenance in April, but should still be operating in March. The Allmendhubel Funicular will also be out of service in April.

Posted by
11322 posts

If there is still snow, and it is highly likely that will be the case at least this year, you could stay in Mürren and do some winterwandern or snow walking. They groom some trails to enable people to take scenic walks and it is quite fantastic. You do not need any equipment but Gortex shoes/hikers are a good idea. You can still go to the Jungfraujoch, the Schilthorn, and take a nice walk from Mürren down to Gimmelwald, which will be very quiet in March. (That's why staying in Mürren is a better plan.)

Skip Zurich for certain, except to fly into or out of. You might look at Zermatt, too. I believe they have winterwandern as well.

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