Independent guide, not the village siteSchilthorn cable car valley stationUpdated October 2026
Gimmelwald village with wooden chalets on the mountain terrace above the valley

Gimmelwald and Mürren above Stechelberg

Gimmelwald and Mürren are the first two stops above Stechelberg on the Schilthorn line. Both are car-free, quiet and good for half a day of walking.

Photo: edwin.11, CC BY 2.0

By Stechelberg.com editors · Updated

Gimmelwald

A tiny village of wooden chalets on a terrace above the valley. It is the first stop on the Schilthorn line from Stechelberg and is known for its quiet streets, farmland and views down to the waterfalls. There is little to do besides walk, but that is the point.

Our top pick: Lauterbrunnen-Mürren: Swiss Alps Tour from Interlaken

Mürren

A larger car-free village, higher up, with views across the valley to the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. It has a handful of hotels, shops and the cable car to Birg and the Schilthorn. Many visitors stop here on the way down for lunch and a short walk.

Mürrenbachfall

The Mürrenbachfall drops in several steps from the cliffs near Mürren. Sources quote around 417 m for the total drop and list it among the highest falls in Switzerland. It is visible from the valley near Stechelberg.

Build a loop: ride up to Mürren, walk the high path to Gimmelwald, and take the cable car or path back down to Stechelberg.

Lauterbrunnen-Mürren: Swiss Alps Tour from Interlaken

A small-group day trip to the valley and Mürren. 4.8/5 from 26 reviews (October 2026).

Check availability

Mürren: Panoramic Tandem Paragliding with Eiger Views

A flight over the valley. 4.8/5 from over 240 reviews (October 2026).

Check availability

Why book online

  • Free cancellation on most tickets, usually up to 24 hours before
  • Reserved time slot: no queue at the ticket desk
  • Mobile ticket on your phone
  • Reviews from verified travelers

Gimmelwald in more detail

Gimmelwald is a working farm village with wooden chalets, hay barns and a handful of guesthouses. Cars are not allowed, so the only sounds are cowbells, running water and the cable car. Most visitors come for the views down the Lauterbrunnen Valley and across to the Jungfrau massif. A good rhythm is a coffee stop, a stroll through the lanes, then the high path to Mürren. For trip planning, see Stechelberg to Mürren, parking at the Schilthornbahn and weather in Stechelberg.

Check hotel prices in Mürren

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Gimmelwald from Stechelberg?

By cable car, the first stop above Stechelberg, or on foot along a steep path. Allow around an hour on foot uphill and a bit less downhill.

Can I drive to Mürren?

No. Mürren and Gimmelwald are car-free. Park at Stechelberg or Lauterbrunnen and continue by cable car.

Is Mürren worth a night?

Yes, if you want evening quiet and morning views before day visitors arrive. Rooms are limited, so book early for summer.

What is there to do in Gimmelwald?

Walk the quiet lanes, look at the old wooden chalets, follow farm paths towards the Mürrenbachfall viewpoints and enjoy the views down the valley. There are only a few places to eat and sleep, so book ahead.

How long is the walk from Gimmelwald to Mürren?

The high path between the two villages is gentle and usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes one way. Conditions vary by season.

Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It funds the research behind this site.