Gimmelwald attracts 15% more visitors than 2020 as tourists avoid crowded Swiss hubs

The family left Switzerland’s crowded tourist hubs for a quieter town, and the change turned their dream trip into an even richer experience. After spending a week in the high‑priced, bus‑filled streets of Interlaken, they booked a stay in the small village of Gimmelwald, a place that offers mountain views, local cuisine and a pace that matches their relaxed itinerary.

Switzerland’s popular destinations—Lucerne, Zermatt, Jungfrau—are known for steep hotel rates and packed tourist trails. In recent years travelers have begun to look for alternatives that provide authenticity without the crowds. The country’s tourism ministry reports that “off‑the‑beaten‑path” visits have grown by 15 % since 2020, as visitors seek quieter settings and better value. Families like this one are part of that shift, opting for places that let them explore on foot and interact with residents rather than standing in line for attractions.

Gimmelwald is a 1,200‑meter‑high village that sits on a steep slope overlooking the Lauterbrunnen valley. The family rented a chalet with a panoramic balcony, ate at a local bakery that serves cheese fondue made from milk sourced on nearby farms, and took a guided hike to the Trüebsee lake. Local residents welcomed them, offering tips on hidden trails and a chance to watch a traditional Swiss yodeling performance. The cost of accommodation was 35 % lower than in Interlaken, freeing up budget for a private mountain bike tour and a spa day in a nearby thermal pool.

If the trend continues, Switzerland could see a redistribution of tourist spending, with smaller towns gaining more visitors and larger hubs easing their pressure. Travel agencies are already adding “quiet‑town” packages to their listings, and the Swiss tourism board is promoting lesser‑known villages in its marketing campaigns. For families looking to escape the typical tourist experience, the story of this trip illustrates that a quieter, more intimate setting can deliver the same, if not better, memories while keeping costs down.