I'm going to Europe the first 3 weeks on March. We'd like to go to stay a few days in Gimmelwald but concerned about being able to actually get up there in March. Would it be better to stay in Interlaken and if weather permits go up to Gimmelwald during the days? Or would you recommend another place in Switwerland for March? Thanks!
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I don't know about March, but I know Gimmelwald virtually shuts down for tourism in April. However, if you want to stay in the Alps, you should have a large selection from which to choose in Murren (a 20-30 minute walk from Gimmelwald) in March because the ski season does not end until later in the month. And because cable cars provide the main method of transportation to both of these towns, weather should not affect your ability to visit.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32201 posts
Elizabeth,
I doubt you would have any trouble getting to Gimmelwald in March, as the Cable cars will probably still be operating for skiers (Gimmelwald is the first stop above Stechelberg). Check the Schilthornbahn web site for information on their maintenance schedule (there's also a small railway to Murren, and it's only a short walk down to Gimmelwald).
If you want to stay in Gimmelwald, check their web site or Rick's books for accomodation listings (Esther's, Mountain Hostel - I believe the Pensione is still closed?). You could also stay in Murren (larger with more Hotels) or Lauterbrunnen (not far away).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
In general, March is still the ski season in the alpine villages of the Lauterbrunnen Valley of which Gimmelwald is one. Yes you can get there quite easily but you might want to see what's open if you want to stay overnight. RS' favorite Hotel Mittaghorn is closed according to RS' book. However, you might email Esther's B&B at info@esthersguesthouse.ch to see if they are open. I don't think the entire town is shut down although it will probably be a bit quiet. Gimmelwald is not a ski center
You can also stay at Muerren which is 1 gondola stop away. Muerren is a ski area with a bit of business going on. You could stay in Muerren & gondola down to Gimmelwald.
You can also stay in Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen and day trip into Muerren & Gimmelwald. These are not large villages but they are quite scenic. The train from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen takes 25min. You'll need to take the bus from the Lauterbrunnen train station to Stechelberg for the gondola to Gimmelwald