This is the first time I am using this service but from the little I have seen, I'm sure you can provide a wealth of information. My wife & I are planning 2 weeks in Swiz, Aus and So. Germany in Sept. We are seeking info as to more "off the beaten track" for accomodations, trails, activities in the BO area. Sounds like a car is not a necessity and in fact, even a pain in that area? Thanks so much for your sage advice.

What is the BO area?

My guess is 10SPLYR is talking about the Berner Oberland.

If you want off the beaten track stuff in the BO, then stay in Gimmelwald. It's tiny, rustic, no fancy hotels, and no cars. People who love 5-star hotels and have to be pampered burst into flames at the mere mention of Gimmelwald.

http://www.gimmelwald.com/pics/gimme...elwaldview.jpg

Cars are unnecessary in that region since the public transportation is very good.

The BO hiking trails are numerous for any difficulty level and are all spectacular. Hotels and TI offices can give you lots of information on trails and maps. There's also a great little book, "Hiking in the Bernese Oberland," that I bought recently that has lots of great advice. I forget the author name. Amazon has it.

I thought BO stands for Back Office, but Barnese Oberland makes a lot of sense.

I think I have found the "BO area" several times on both sides of the pond. It had nothing to do with the Berner Oberland.

This points up the inadvisability of using abbreviations in thread titles, if nothing else.

OOOPPS - always a rookie. Yes we are talking about the Berner Oberland area in Switzerland. Thnx for the input - although I do have a Back Office!

"What is the BO area?"

There was a really bad BO area in the stairwell of my hotel in the Loire. My wife and I stayed well clear of it.

A car is not necessary IMO and, in fact,. some of the places in the Berner Oberland are basically inaccessible by car.

Be warned that it is hardly "off the beaten track" in terms of nobody else being around..it is a very popular destination and, depending on the timing of your visit, there could be many folks there. But the scenery is worth your efforts.

I have visited the BO area twice, both times with a car and glad I did. If you hit any bad weather or even a heavy overcast you have options for quick day trips.

Oh, I'm glad the whole thread's not some huge complaint about people not using deodorant. (That's all that came to mind when I saw "BO.&quot I do HATE acronyms!