Hike Back in Time to Gimmelwald, Switzerland

If you are planning to backpack in Europe this summer, consider taking a detour off of the beaten path. Gimmelwald, Switzerland, is a small village overlooking the Lauterbrunnen Valley. Just south of Interlaken, the town is nestled high in the Swiss Alps. You will find no cars here, and will also need to bring your own groceries, as there is no food store. The people live in the old world with just the right amount of the new world admitted. Traditional farming methods are still used today. The views around Gimmelwald are spectacular! Travelers from around the world pass through to take in the beauty of this old fashioned place.

Getting to Gimmelwald requires a few modes of transportation. First, take theInterlaken Ost-Lauterbrunnen train, making sure to get off at the Lauterbrunnen stop after a twenty minute ride. Next, take the only bus to Stechelberg, which is the last stop. If you have some time, consider walking. It takes an hour and a half to walk without stopping to enjoy the scenery. The bus takes less than fifteen minutes, but sacrifices the scenic hike. Finally, take the gondola and get off at the first stop. You are now in Gimmelwald.

Now that you have arrived, you should check into your temporary housing. Gimmelwald offers a few choices for sleeping. There is a hostel that offers a male room, female room and lovers room, all shared sleeping quarters. Make reservations before you go, as you would hate to go all that way to find yourself without a bed. Click here to do it now. If you prefer a more private setting, you can stay at the Hotel Mittaghorn. Click here for more information.
While staying in this portal to the old world, get out and take in the scenery. Hiking to the top of Schilthorn, a peak in the Alps near Gimmelwald, is the one local excursion you must take. If you are up for a day hike, you can make it in under six hours with plenty of stops. If you are not up for the climb, take a gondola to the top. Once there, take in the view while eating at the Piz Gloria restaurant. You will want to have your camera along for this hike. Talk with other backpackers at the hostel and hotel to learn of other hikes, and make some friends in the process. Spending a few days in Gimmelwald is worth the effort. The journey will let you to see the remnants of traditional Swiss culture, along with breathtaking views of the Alps. Once you have been, you will not soon forget the beauty of this place.

References:
Gimmelwald, Switzerland, http://www.gimmelwald.com/
Rick Steves, http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/switz/gimbd.htm
The Mountain Hostel, http://www.mountainhostel.com/