Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald

The beds aren’t all equally comfortable, which feels a bit unfair depending on which one you get. Evening check-in can also be rushed and chaotic, because the same staff are looking after the restaurant and may be busy there. I spent two nights here and had a good experience overall. The hostel is in a cozy chalet with a great location and incredible views, and the restaurant pizza is good. Most beds have dividing walls, giving you more privacy and darkness than a typical dorm, which made sleeping more comfortable. The shared bathroom setup has some drawbacks. If I understood correctly, there’s only one small bathroom for the whole hostel, used by men and women, and it could feel cramped when the place is full. There are just three sinks, so there can be a wait in the morning. The shower holder is around waist height, meaning you have to hold the shower head to wash your hair. Even so, it’s a nice place with a good atmosphere.

The views are amazing, but they weren’t worth this experience. I booked two nights at Mountain Hostel and couldn’t even last one. After being awake all night, I left around 5:30 a.m. and took the gondola down to Lauterbrunnen. I’d like a refund for the second night, though I doubt that will happen. Don’t be taken in by the TikToks and videos online as I was. I’d stay in Lauterbrunnen or Mürren instead. Save your time, money, and sanity, and avoid this place at all costs. The room had 16 people and no fans or ventilation to move the air. The temperature, smell, and noise were terrible. I’ve never been in a hostel that felt like we were all sharing one giant bed. Strangers’ hot breath in my face and people kicking me all night made it miserable. Honestly, my stay at Mountain Hostel was awful. I wish I could give negative stars.

We stopped at the restaurant after paragliding and learned from our guide that they have fun themed evenings. It was 80s night that evening. The pizza was delicious, with a crispy crust, and there was a great selection of beers. The mountain views surround you, and it’s somewhere we’d return to if we lived nearby. This review is for the restaurant only.

The weather wasn’t great while I was there, but the cozy hostel made me feel comfortable anyway. It has such a warm atmosphere, and everyone was incredibly friendly 🤩🤩. The pizza, punsch, and brownies were delicious too.