Pictures from Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Incase you are confused by the title...we stayed in Interlaken, which is a base camp to enter the mountains. Gimmelwald sits up in the Swiss Alps and 3 train rides, a bus ride, and a lift away from Interlaken. Basically, you sleep in Interlaken and play in the mountains.

Gimmelwald is the most beautiful place we have ever seen...straight out of the movies Heidi and the Sound of Music, and yes at one point we broke with "the hills are alive with the sound of music"...you can see God's work in this place. The town has a saying, "If heaven isn't all it's cracked up to be...take me back to Gimmelwald."

Once we arrived mountain side, we began our hike with a short trip through the small village...sounds of cow bells and farmers working their hay echoed down the hillside. Before we left home we printed out several hiking trails...we chose an easy one which was about 1.25 hours each way. Of course with all our stops to take pictures and soak in the scenery it took about 2.5 each way. Half way through the hike, we found a beautiful spot in the valley where we took a break and had a lovely picnic. We have a video that we hope to post, but just incase...the picnic included a loaf of fresh baked bread, salami, edam cheese, yogurt, plums, and bar of Swiss milk chocolate for desert. As we set down to enjoy this picnic, a wild mountain goat came up for a closer look to see what was on the menu...but Pete got a big rock and promised to protect me, luckily he didn't have to use it. Also...at one point during our hike, the trail narrowed to about 3 feet wide, was very rocky, with a drop about 100 ft on one side directly into the swirling rapids below...pretty scary! It was such a great experience...we regret not alloting more time for this place. You could spend weeks here...if your budget allowed (getting to the mountains is pricey).

There are some hostels and resorts in the mountains, but you have to book them ahead of time. The town of Interlaken was very laid back. Our hostel was nice and the people were really helpful...and they make a mean Sangria :)