Hike!
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Hike! There are tons of hiking trails leaving from Gimmelwald. Pass by Esther's Guesthouse for a guide to these trails. The views are breathtaking. Gimmelwald to Schiltorn: The main hike everyone must do at least part of the way (and catch a gondola for the rest if tired) is the one to the Schilthorn, aka Blofeld's hideout in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. This trail is absolutely spectacular. Rick Steves' guide recommends that you hike down from the Schilthorn, but walking up, while more strenuous on the body and heart, is much easier on the legs and balance. It is an intensive trail for non-hikers (but very do-able). It will take at least 5 hours for most people to get to the top of the Schilthorn from Gimmelwald, so pack a lunch and leave early. After passing Schiltalp (the last tiny town you will see on the hike) and crossing a stream of water, the trail will suddenly get steeper. Be careful of the sudden drops and take the hike slower as you get to higher altitudes if you are not used to slightly lower oxygen levels than normal (the summit is over 2900m). Hiking poles are helpful on the way up, and almost necessary on the way down. Bring warm clothes because up high there is snow nearly year round, and the weather can change very quickly while you are underway. The gondola ride down is 48,80 CHF, with a 25% reduction for Eurail passholders. Gimmelwald to Oberhornsee: 7-hour round trip hike. The first 40 minutes or so is up one of the steepest inclines in the area, but it soon gives way to the most amazing series of flower-filled Alpine meadows, cow pastures, and waterfalls you'll ever see. Great, if you can brave the initial brutality. Gimmelwald to Allmendhubel: Those seeking a more relaxing walk for the whole family can take a stroll to Allmendhubel (where you can hear Alphorns being played every weekend) and/or Winteregg (a random restaurant at the end of the walk). Along the way you'll enjoy a near-constant view of the valley below without the huffing and puffing a rugged mountain trail involves.
