Chilchbalm Glacial Basin
Take the cable car one stop down to Gimmelwald and follow a gentle valley path through forest alongside the Sefinen river to one of the most dramatic natural amphitheatres in the Alps. High rock walls, glacial streams and waterfalls surround you at the end of the valley. There's even a small cave with a fireplace near the basin — perfect shelter on a rainy day. The path is mostly gradual with no technical sections, making it one of the more accessible hikes in the area. The dramatic payoff at the end makes it feel far more impressive than the effort required.
Highlight
Arriving at the glacial basin — the scale of the rock walls surrounding you is breathtaking and completely unexpected.
Laura's Tip
This hike is great on any day, but it works especially well on cloudy or rainy days. The forest keeps you sheltered and the waterfalls are even more dramatic in wet weather. One of my favourite bad-weather hikes in the region.
Start
Gimmelwald village
Getting There
From Mürren take the Schilthornbahn cable car down one stop to Gimmelwald. Exit the station and follow signs towards Chilchbalm / Sefinental.