Visiting Gimmelwald, One of Switzerland’s Most Charming Alpine Villages — from Romanshorn by Train

Switzerland has stunning alpine gems, but few places capture that “storybook mountain village” feel like Gimmelwald. Hidden on a clifftop in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, this tiny village is car-free, peaceful, and full of old-world charm. Here’s how we travelled to Gimmelwald from Romanshorn by train and what we did during our three-day and two-night stay. 

Day 1: Romanshorn to Gimmelwald 

We began our journey on a Monday morning at the end of July 2024, catching a train from Romanshorn and travelling across the country toward the Bernese Alps. After a scenic ride through central Switzerland, we arrived in Interlaken Ost in the late morning. From there, we transferred to a train heading toward Lauterbrunnen, a village famous for its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. If you’re planning a similar trip, you can easily check train schedules using the official SBB railway website: SBB Network – IC81 Line

We took a break for lunch at one of the charming restaurants in Lauterbrunnen. It was the perfect spot to recharge, surrounded by towering cliffs and the sound of waterfalls. Rather than taking the bus, we opted to walk to the Stechelberg gondola station, which took us around two hours. 

The walk followed a gentle path along the river, with stunning views of the valley. At the Stechelberg station, we took a gondola that took us 5 minutes to reach Gimmelwald. The moment we stepped into Gimmelwald, it felt like stepping into another world—a peaceful alpine village with traditional wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies, and views that stretched for miles. 

Even though we had spent most of the day travelling, we couldn't resist going for a walk to explore the village before sunset. Gimmelwald is small and wonderfully walkable. We wandered down narrow paths, passed rustic barns and cosy homes, and paused every few meters to take in the stunning mountain scenery — towering peaks on one side, sheer cliffs on the other.

One of the unexpected highlights? The cats of Gimmelwald. Several curious and friendly felines roamed freely around the village. Some lounged on fences or napped in garden corners while others came right up to us, eager for some attention. 

It added a warm, local charm to the village — as if the cats were unofficial hosts welcoming us to their mountain paradise. 

Day 2: Visiting Mürren, Schilthorn and Allmendhubel

On the second day, we had a cosy breakfast at our hotel. To our surprise, a friendly cat joined us — and even managed to steal our butter when we weren’t looking! Definitely the most adorable breakfast bandit we’ve ever met. 

That day, we continued exploring by taking the gondola to Mürren and then to the Schilthorn, where panoramic views and icy peaks await. It’s also a must-visit for James Bond fans, as the mountain was a filming location for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. 

Tickets for Schilthorn can be quite expensive, so it’s best to plan ahead. You can check updated prices and timetables here: Schilthorn Info & Tariffs.

We continued our journey to Allmendhubel, a sunny plateau known for its panoramic views and alpine flower trails. The ride up was short but scenic, and at the top, we were welcomed by sweeping views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. The air felt thinner, fresher, and everything was postcard-perfect. There's also a lovely Flower Trail (Blumenweg) that loops around the hill, lined with alpine flora and educational signs — a peaceful and easy walk with maximum reward.

Day 3: Back to Romanshorn via Lucerne 

On the third day, we packed our bags and bid farewell to the peaceful mountain charm of Gimmelwald. After descending back down to the valley via gondola and catching a train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken, we hopped aboard a special panoramic train to Lucerne. This leg of the trip was an unexpected highlight — huge windows offered breathtaking views of lakes, mountains, and forests, making the ride feel more like a sightseeing tour than just transportation. 

Once in Lucerne, we strolled to the historic Musegg Wall, a medieval fortification with towers that are open to visitors during the warmer months. The views from the top were absolutely worth the climb. 

Just a short walk from the Musegg Wall, we met another furry friend — a super friendly kitty who seemed happy to greet passing travellers. It felt like the perfect sendoff before continuing our journey back to Romanshorn.