Nestled in the Swiss Alps there is a tiny town that looks like it’s been plucked straight from the  pages of a fairytale. This miniature village has existed pretty much untouched by the changes of the modern world – even cars are banned here.

There’s traditional wood chalets, no shortage of colourful window boxes and the occasional goat. It’s got a population of just 130 people, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit. For a truly unique holiday where you can forget about the world, Gimmelwald in Switzerland has to be on your list. 

Gimmelwald is at the far end of the Lauterbrunnen valley, about 60 kilometres south-east of Bern.

It may be small, but the beauty of Gimmelwald more than makes up for it. The views it offers of the mountains are truly unrivalled and its winding streets are the perfect place to wander and explore. When it comes to things to do, Gimmelwald is not exactly stacked with museums and galleries – but you can enjoy a slice of the idyllic life that its locals enjoy. 

There are no chain shops to browse, but instead you can buy local cheeses, jams and souvenirs from honesty stalls outside people’s homes. There is no one manning these shops – instead, you’ll leave your cash in a money box like the locals do. 

Because the village is entirely car-free, you obviously can’t drive there. It’s roughly a half-hour drive from Interlaken to the cable car station at Stechelberg. From there, visitors leave their cars in the valley and take a five-minute cable car ride up to the village. 

For winter visitors, this charming little village sits right on the cusp of Switzerland’s most famous ski fields. The village is a stop on the same cableway that links Stechelberg with Mürren and, higher up, the Schilthorn. 

This ski area is known as the highest winter sports area in the Bernese Oberland. You can take the cable car up to Mürren in the morning, then spend the day skiing on slopes from black diamond to easy beginner runs – there’s something for everyone at every skill level to enjoy. 

If you want to explore a new kind of life in the Swiss Alps, then Gimmelwald is a gorgeous spot to spend a few days. Just make sure you are well prepared. In the winter, temperatures can be freezing so make sure there’s plenty of room in your suitcase for layers and raincoats. The extra layers are worth the effort to experience the true beauty of the Alps that this tiny town offers.