Gimmelwald
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• Intending to ascend the Jungfrau out of Lauterbrunnen Valley, we traveled into the valley by rail through Interlaken. However, with increasingly overcast skies, we postponed that journey and enjoyed the west side of the valley instead. A gondola took us from the valley floor to Grutschalp where a stunning view could be had from a popular viewing spot:
  

  

  Left to right, these famous peaks are the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau. If you recognize the distinctive Jungfrau on the right, the following tidbit will help you remember the other two: the monk (Monch) is trying to protect the young maiden (Jungfrau) from the ogre (Eiger).
  
  Leaving the gondola station behind, we set off toward Murren, savoring fine views high above the valley floor:

  

  
  Our path took us past this rivulet, a perfect place to rest:
  

  

  Not far away, the stream plunges headlong over Staubbach Falls, almost directly into the town of Lauterbrunnen.
  
  Our route being more uphill than expected, we opted to join this convenient train halfway to Murren for a lift into town:
  

  

  
  After walking through the resort town of Murren (almost dead quiet this time of year), another gondola transported us gently to Gimmelwald. There, we chanced upon this memorable spot for a picnic:
  

  

  It was so peaceful, while gazing across the valley, we could even hear waterfalls on the side opposite!
  
  Refreshed after lingering over our lunch, off we went to take in this particularly charming Swiss village. The photos speak for themselves:
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  What a pretty spot! We hope it stays that way and, apparently, the villagers do, too. To prevent development by urban planners, they succeeded in having the village declared an avalanche zone.