We knew the clouds and rain were coming, and for our 3rd and 4th day in Murren, we happy to slow down. Laundry needed to be done, and the Bellevue hotel had the only laundromat in town. The machines were fairly easy to use, and one load to wash and dry was 10 chf, total.
No wake-up alarms, no running to train stations, just laziness, and getting up before the end of breakfast by 10:00am. A short jaunt to the Coop store and brousing in the few gifts shops provided entertainment.
As the forecasts predicted the heavy rain would hold off until late afternoon, we decided to hike down to Gimmelwald, which is an easy walk, about 45 minutes. It's a beautiful walk, crisp mountain air, waterfalls in the distance, and not quite fall yet. [In 2017 we did this walk as part of our RS Tour, which was a few weeks later, and the leaves were a beautiful golden.] We saw more chickens and goats than cows, which was mysterious, because I had heard cowbells from the hotel room. Gimmelwald almost looks like a movie set: wood stacked for winter precisely in order, the Swiss farm houses placed perfectly on the lush green hillsides, and the cool, clean air. As one first comes into the village, there's the "Honesty Shop", which is a small one-room store with local crafts and snacks, which is unmanned. Pick out your purchases, grab a bag, and slip your money into an envelope , into the box. I read that considering the high costs of Swiss labor, the owner still makes a nice profit, even if a few items "disappear". Further down the road are smaller honesty shops: just cupboards outside of farm houses, offering cheeses and fresh sausages. A little further down is "The Amazing Window Store," outside a B&B, which offers crafts and oil paintings, [subject: local scenery.] I did purchase a 5"x7" oil painting, a very unique souvenir.
Gimmelwald is very small, and I wouldn't envision actually staying there, as there's nary a grocery store, and maybe 2-3 cafes. We wandered a little more, and took the gondola back to Murren. Heavy rain came in the evening, and we took our wine and a book down to the welcoming Hotel Bellevue lobby.
Our last Murren day was also very cloudy, but again, Murren is a great location for a slow down. This would be our second miss for the Schilthorn , but having experienced all the glory of the Jungfrau, we weren't disappointed. We took short hikes, watching the clouds for rain, knowing that this would be our last day in the Alps, and that our trip was winding down. Four nights in Murren was perfect. The rain and heavy fog arrived in the evening, giving an eery glow to the lights, with haunting visibility.
When would we return the Alps?
I’ve been enjoying your trip reports, Pat! We spent time in Murren last month and had a great meal on the terrace at Hotel Bellevue (and used their laundry facilities). I have a soft spot in my heart for Gimmelwald, but Murren was a better fit for us (traveling with kids). Prost!
Gimmelwald is very small, and I wouldn't envision actually staying
there
A friend and I actually stayed there! It was great. We stayed in an AirBNB cottage rental that last time I checked was no longer available. Access to Mürren was easy to pick up groceries. I would stay in Gimmelwald again for the peace but would definitely consider staying in Mürren, too. The whole area is beautiful.
Thanks for the report. It brought back a lot of memories of our time in Murren, and a specific memory of doing laundry in the Bellevue Hotel laundromat. The machine we weren't using started spewing water straight out the front -- all over the floor. DH went in to the front desk to report it. The woman told us it happens all the time as people jam the money in all the wrong crevices of the machine. I was glad we did it correctly! --but maybe she thought it was our load of laundry and we were covering up for our laundry incompetence!
Love the honesty boxes around there. I got a lovely block of cheese to enjoy on our hotel's balcony.
So happy to hear about one of our favourite places!
Hi Pat! I’ve enjoyed reading your trip reports. On the walk from Mürren to Gimmenwald, are there any benches along the way? We’re in our 80s and won’t be doing any hiking or biking but this walk sounds doable if there are rest stops along the way.
I don't remember benches but I think you could always just sit on the ground, if that's possible. It really is an easy walk, on a paved path, 30-45 minutes. You could take the gondola up and down, then just wander thru the village, which has a few cafes, which offer rests.
So glad you're going. Safe travels!
Emily, there are benches the closer you get to Gimmelwald. The benches were strategically placed so you could listen to short descriptions about the village.
Walking from Mürren to Gimmelwald is downhill and more like a stroll than a hike.
Thanks Pat and Carol. We’re more likely to take the walk knowing there’s an occasional bench. I can easily get up from the ground ( thank you Pilates) but my husband finds it more of a challenge.