Interlaken/Jungfrau/Wengen without a car
Jul 25th, 2007, 07:36 AM
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Interlaken/Jungfrau/Wengen without a car
Hello
My sister and I are planning a trip to the area in and around Interlaken, Jungfrau and Wengen (probably flying into Geneva and catching the train) and wondered which village/town would be the best base for a 4 day trip.
We stayed in that area about 15 years ago on a memorable holiday but our parents had a car back then - as we aren't experienced drivers, I'm not sure where would be a good place to stay public-transport wise.
Thanks in advance!
My sister and I are planning a trip to the area in and around Interlaken, Jungfrau and Wengen (probably flying into Geneva and catching the train) and wondered which village/town would be the best base for a 4 day trip.
We stayed in that area about 15 years ago on a memorable holiday but our parents had a car back then - as we aren't experienced drivers, I'm not sure where would be a good place to stay public-transport wise.
Thanks in advance!
Jul 25th, 2007, 07:53 AM
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I'm not one of the Swiss experts or residents on this board, but have been there a number of times, and I recommend flying into Zurich if you want to see this region. And you absolutely don't need a car; trains go everywhere, and the buses are great, too. Wengen is my particular favorite, and you can't have a car there.
Jul 25th, 2007, 08:07 AM
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Zürich airport is about 30 to 50 minutes closer by train to this area, but if you have better connections into Geneva that is fine too.
I suggest either Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren for your base. These are all a short train ride beyond Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen is in the bottom of a lovely valley with cliffs rising high on either side, and waterfalls plunging down. It would have the easiest transportation connections to other areas---but there is plenty to do in this area for your four days, so you may not want to go anywhere else.
Wengen and mürren are car-free villages perched high up on either side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You reach Wengen by train from Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren by a combination of cablecar and train. They both offer lovely views and a range of accomodations. Wengen is a bit larger, and is on the line up to the Jungfraujoch, making that an easy trip from there.
You can find photos of all three at
www.wengen-muerren.ch
And more photos. plus links to hotels in Wengen, at
www.wengen.com
I suggest either Lauterbrunnen, Wengen or Mürren for your base. These are all a short train ride beyond Interlaken. Lauterbrunnen is in the bottom of a lovely valley with cliffs rising high on either side, and waterfalls plunging down. It would have the easiest transportation connections to other areas---but there is plenty to do in this area for your four days, so you may not want to go anywhere else.
Wengen and mürren are car-free villages perched high up on either side of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You reach Wengen by train from Lauterbrunnen, and Mürren by a combination of cablecar and train. They both offer lovely views and a range of accomodations. Wengen is a bit larger, and is on the line up to the Jungfraujoch, making that an easy trip from there.
You can find photos of all three at
www.wengen-muerren.ch
And more photos. plus links to hotels in Wengen, at
www.wengen.com
Jul 25th, 2007, 09:52 AM
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Switzerland has wonderful public transportation: trains/buses/boats. It's better not to drive there. Then everybody gets to enjoy the view.
The town of Interlaken is pretty touristy but it's well located for traveling up into the mountains as well as on Lakes Brienz and Thun.
The town of Interlaken is pretty touristy but it's well located for traveling up into the mountains as well as on Lakes Brienz and Thun.
Jul 26th, 2007, 09:11 AM
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I've been to this area a few times....it is really nice. I also would recommend flying into Zurich if possible. Trains are very nice, clean, efficient and go just about anywhere. I've stayed in Wengen and Murren...both nice places, but I particularly liked Murren because it was in the middle of winter, and there was a huge snowstorm. It was just really cool.
Jul 26th, 2007, 09:26 AM
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We stayed in Lauterbrunnen this summer, and we also visited Wengen. Either one would be great. We enjoyed staying in Lauterbrunnen because we wanted to do some hiking and visit Trummelbach Falls. We did not visit Murren, but so many on this forum enjoy that area as well. Wengen was very quiet and cute. So quaint and clean with beautiful flowers everywhere.
In Lauterbrunnen, I can recommend the Hotel Oberland. We truly enjoyed our stay there. Their restaurant is so popular. They turned away almost everyone who walked up without a reservation. We had views of waterfalls from our room. We walked to Staubbach Falls from the hotel. We did not stay in Interlaken.
We did have a car, but certainly not necessary if you have access to trains. We went to Austria after Switzerland and needed the car to attend some concerts in very small towns (without trains or buses.)
In Lauterbrunnen, I can recommend the Hotel Oberland. We truly enjoyed our stay there. Their restaurant is so popular. They turned away almost everyone who walked up without a reservation. We had views of waterfalls from our room. We walked to Staubbach Falls from the hotel. We did not stay in Interlaken.
We did have a car, but certainly not necessary if you have access to trains. We went to Austria after Switzerland and needed the car to attend some concerts in very small towns (without trains or buses.)
Jul 27th, 2007, 09:04 AM
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Highly recommend the town of Brienz at the edge of pristine Lake Brienz. Lake steamers are included on railpass, as are many cogwheel/funiculars (not the trip to Jungfrau however, thats a private line).
Can't say enough about this hillside village of wooden chalets, its wood-carving school, lakeside beach and famous 'open-air museum' Ballenberg.
Plenty of cafes (but by no means overrun by tourists, beyond occasional bus trippers to Jobins wood-carving store), with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Train accesible to Interlaken, Thun, Lucerne and south to Kandersteg + Goppenstein and the Loetschental (valley).
Can't say enough about this hillside village of wooden chalets, its wood-carving school, lakeside beach and famous 'open-air museum' Ballenberg.
Plenty of cafes (but by no means overrun by tourists, beyond occasional bus trippers to Jobins wood-carving store), with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Train accesible to Interlaken, Thun, Lucerne and south to Kandersteg + Goppenstein and the Loetschental (valley).
Jul 27th, 2007, 09:11 AM
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As you can tell from my screen name, I love Wengen. I would echo the recommendation to fly into Zurich and train it there. Takes about 3-4 hours if memory serves.
You should consider getting a regional pass for your stay in the Bernese Oberland. Depending upon the number of days you are there, your pass will allow some days of free travel and some days of 1/2 price travel on the trains, lifts, buses, funiculars in the area.
Be sure to eat some Egli (Lake Perch) and have Bratwurst mit Zweibel saus and rosti.....
Hope you have a wonderful time.
You should consider getting a regional pass for your stay in the Bernese Oberland. Depending upon the number of days you are there, your pass will allow some days of free travel and some days of 1/2 price travel on the trains, lifts, buses, funiculars in the area.
Be sure to eat some Egli (Lake Perch) and have Bratwurst mit Zweibel saus and rosti.....
Hope you have a wonderful time.
Jul 27th, 2007, 11:44 AM
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I have spent a week and more in Lauterbrunnen with no car.
In fact, you cannot use a car to reach Wengen; you must take the train, or walk, because no public roads lead to Wengen.
There are mountain lifts and various train lines that take you where you want to go. The BOB and the WAG shuttle trains regularly serve the Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen - Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg area.
The train from Interlaken divides at a station named Zweilütschinen. One part goes to Lauterbrunnen and one part goes to Grindelwald. From both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen you can take buses and cable lifts to higher and farther destinations.
Which base? Good question and one that has been kicked around many times on this forum. Grindelwald is the largest by far of the mountain towns. It has the most shops, the most hotels, and the most activity.
Lauterbrunnen is a large villate with mostly one main street and limited activities. It is on the floor of the valley with a scenic view of the Männlichen ridge to the east and waterfalls all along. The Jungfrau looms to the south.
Wengen is higher on the side of the valley and gives better views, but getting in and out is dependent on the WAB train. It runs frequently, so it is no big deal.
Mürren is on the west side of the valley farther "in valley" than Lauterbrunnen.
It is positioned for great views of the Mönch and the Jungfrau.
Which one? Good question. All have their strong points and weaknesses. What one may like, another may not want.
I have chosen to stay in Lauterbrunnen because I can easily get to many other destinations in the Berner Oberland, including Interlaken.
In subsequent visits I have had a car,but that was mainly because we roamed far afield from the valley.
You can see the whole Grindelwald - Wengen area with no car quite easily.
In fact, you cannot use a car to reach Wengen; you must take the train, or walk, because no public roads lead to Wengen.
There are mountain lifts and various train lines that take you where you want to go. The BOB and the WAG shuttle trains regularly serve the Interlaken - Lauterbrunnen - Wengen - Kleine Scheidegg area.
The train from Interlaken divides at a station named Zweilütschinen. One part goes to Lauterbrunnen and one part goes to Grindelwald. From both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen you can take buses and cable lifts to higher and farther destinations.
Which base? Good question and one that has been kicked around many times on this forum. Grindelwald is the largest by far of the mountain towns. It has the most shops, the most hotels, and the most activity.
Lauterbrunnen is a large villate with mostly one main street and limited activities. It is on the floor of the valley with a scenic view of the Männlichen ridge to the east and waterfalls all along. The Jungfrau looms to the south.
Wengen is higher on the side of the valley and gives better views, but getting in and out is dependent on the WAB train. It runs frequently, so it is no big deal.
Mürren is on the west side of the valley farther "in valley" than Lauterbrunnen.
It is positioned for great views of the Mönch and the Jungfrau.
Which one? Good question. All have their strong points and weaknesses. What one may like, another may not want.
I have chosen to stay in Lauterbrunnen because I can easily get to many other destinations in the Berner Oberland, including Interlaken.
In subsequent visits I have had a car,but that was mainly because we roamed far afield from the valley.
You can see the whole Grindelwald - Wengen area with no car quite easily.
Jul 27th, 2007, 02:07 PM
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SusieR, As to what village or town to base a holiday in, some wise person in this forum ( and no it was not me, but I wish it had been) said that when it was all said and done, what it boiled to was what that person actually preferred.
My town is Grindlewald. That works best for me. I think all of the villages have their good points. You can drive into Grindlewald without any problems. Then you can use Grindlewald to accsess the mountains via the mountain lifts.
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My town is Grindlewald. That works best for me. I think all of the villages have their good points. You can drive into Grindlewald without any problems. Then you can use Grindlewald to accsess the mountains via the mountain lifts.
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Jul 27th, 2007, 06:02 PM
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Just got back from Wengen on Sunday. It was our first trip to the area, and we spent time hiking around Wengen, Murren, and Lauterbrunnen.
Wengen and Murren are almost carbon copies of each other-- mountain towns on opposite sides of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Wengen did seem to be a little more busy, which was actually a good thing. Murren was SO sleepy at night. Wengen was sleepy as well, but not to the same extent.
Lauterbrunnen is the most efficient location transportation-wise, as seemingly any time you want to go anywhere from Wengen or Murren, you have to go down to Lauterbrunnen anyway. But it doesn't have the same mountain village charm, and the views aren't quite as good.
I'd say go with Wengen or Murren unless you're cramped for time, in which case Lauterbrunnen will allow you to use your time more efficiently. With 4 days, I think you have enough time to do the mountain towns.
Did not see Grindlewald, so I can't comment on it. But the common knowledge is that it's busier and more touristy, so I steered clear.
For hikes, make sure to note:
Murren to Grindlewald
Schynige Platte
Mannlichen to Kleine Sheidegg
The views are unbelievable and unique on all 3 hikes. I hope you're blessed with good weather on your trip as we were.
Wengen and Murren are almost carbon copies of each other-- mountain towns on opposite sides of the Lauterbrunnen valley. Wengen did seem to be a little more busy, which was actually a good thing. Murren was SO sleepy at night. Wengen was sleepy as well, but not to the same extent.
Lauterbrunnen is the most efficient location transportation-wise, as seemingly any time you want to go anywhere from Wengen or Murren, you have to go down to Lauterbrunnen anyway. But it doesn't have the same mountain village charm, and the views aren't quite as good.
I'd say go with Wengen or Murren unless you're cramped for time, in which case Lauterbrunnen will allow you to use your time more efficiently. With 4 days, I think you have enough time to do the mountain towns.
Did not see Grindlewald, so I can't comment on it. But the common knowledge is that it's busier and more touristy, so I steered clear.
For hikes, make sure to note:
Murren to Grindlewald
Schynige Platte
Mannlichen to Kleine Sheidegg
The views are unbelievable and unique on all 3 hikes. I hope you're blessed with good weather on your trip as we were.
Jul 30th, 2007, 03:14 AM
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Thanks for your helpful suggestions. Our rough plan is as follows and I'd be really grateful for any feedback! We're planning to go in the first week of September and our interests are beautiful scenery, a bit of hiking (but we're not experts!) and good food.
Day 1
10.35am flight from London to Zurich from London City Airport on Swiss Air (not yet booked).
Arrive Zurich around 1.15pm local time.
3pm train from Zurich to Interlaken (one change) and arrive at Interlaken Ost at 5pm.
Check into hotel in Interlaken (Rugenpark B&B, Hotel Blume, Susi's B+B, Swiss Inn or Arnold's B+B, based on Trip Advisor reviews).
Evening - 6.30pm Dinner in Interlaken or maybe a boat cruise?
Day 2
Boat trip to Brienz.
Afternoon - check out of Interlaken hotel and take train to Lauterbrunnen.
Check into hotel in Lauterbrunnen (probably Hotel Staubback or Oberland, again based on Trip Advisor reviews)
Short hike
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen
Day 3
Jungfrau day trip (via Wengen - 20 minute cog train from Lauterbrunnen?)
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen (or the revolving restaurant?)
Day 4
Grindelwald and cable car.
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen
Day 5
Check out of hotel around 12 noon and take train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken. c 12.30pm - 2.30pm train to Zurich
Arrive at airport for around 3.30pm.
5pm - flight back to London
Day 1
10.35am flight from London to Zurich from London City Airport on Swiss Air (not yet booked).
Arrive Zurich around 1.15pm local time.
3pm train from Zurich to Interlaken (one change) and arrive at Interlaken Ost at 5pm.
Check into hotel in Interlaken (Rugenpark B&B, Hotel Blume, Susi's B+B, Swiss Inn or Arnold's B+B, based on Trip Advisor reviews).
Evening - 6.30pm Dinner in Interlaken or maybe a boat cruise?
Day 2
Boat trip to Brienz.
Afternoon - check out of Interlaken hotel and take train to Lauterbrunnen.
Check into hotel in Lauterbrunnen (probably Hotel Staubback or Oberland, again based on Trip Advisor reviews)
Short hike
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen
Day 3
Jungfrau day trip (via Wengen - 20 minute cog train from Lauterbrunnen?)
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen (or the revolving restaurant?)
Day 4
Grindelwald and cable car.
Dinner/night in Lauterbrunnen
Day 5
Check out of hotel around 12 noon and take train from Lauterbrunnen to Interlaken. c 12.30pm - 2.30pm train to Zurich
Arrive at airport for around 3.30pm.
5pm - flight back to London
Aug 1st, 2007, 10:07 AM
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SusieR- the Hotel Oberland is much closer to the train station than the Hotel Staubbach. (In case you want to know!) Make reservations for dinner if you want to eat at the Hotel Oberland. It's tasty and gets very busy!
Aug 7th, 2007, 04:42 PM
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I am planning to stay in Lauterbrunnen. Any suggestions for a Hotel besides Oberland and Staubbach which are both booked (I am making plans for the last week in August)? I'm searching Orbitz and Kayak but it's hard to tell where the other listings are located.
B&B would be fine too.
B&B would be fine too.
