Bern, Switzerland OR ???
 

I need to fill a two day gap from August 26-28 between my stay in Interlaken (will be going up to Gimmelwald) and Geneva. I was thinking Bern would be a nice place to visit. I was wondering if anyone has any opinion on staying there, or would you suggest another city for a two day stay? Also I need some suggestions on accomodations in Bern, or another city which you recommend. I have a budget of about CHF 100 per night for a double room. I appreciate any suggestions!
Thanks!
~candyqueen

I spent a day in Bern a couple of years ago and my suggestion is don't! Besides a rather lazy bear and a bridge there is not much to see and/or do. Sorry to be negative without having a positive alternative suggestion, but I really regretted not spending time elsewhere.

candyqueen-

I also am not fond of Bern either. I found it dirty, with lots of bums hanging around the train station. The hotels are expensvie and rooms are tiny. 100CHF won't get you very far in Bern.
I would suggest going to Lucerne instead.

Be sure you're not in Bern on Sunday. Everything is closed!

Although I liked Bern, there's not much to do and see for more than half day to one whole day. We stayed just one day and stayed overnight catching a train the next day.
What kileybug described that's about all there is to see in Bern.
I don't agree with yk totally. I don't know about bums at the train station; I guess we didn't hang around that long enough to notice any. Hotels are not that expensive; we stayed at Goldener Schlusel which is inexpensive. I didn't find that Bern was dirty at all at least not more than any other city.

francophile-

Maybe it was just my bad luck when I was in Bern seeing all the bums :(
It was my least favorite place during my 2-week trip in Switzerland last year.

I have two questions:
Why Bern?
Why Gimmelwald?

I can think of dozens of better places in Switzerland.
You must have read Rick Steves book if you picked Gimmelwald thinking it was something special.

Too bad Steves does not know what he is talking about.

yk, I visited in 2002 so maybe things have changed a bit. Anyway, I do agree that Bern isn't a must see destination. I would have liked to have visited Lucerne instead but we didn't have enough time to go there. I've been to Lucerne a long time ago and I recall that it's much nicer than Bern-small place as well though.

Bob:
Why Bern? - Well, I had heard from a few people it was a nice place to see, but obviously, there are more people who think otherwise!

Why Gimmelwald - Because I really want to go up into the mountains, and after searching on the internet and through guidebooks, I settled on Gimmelwald because it looks absolutely gorgeous! Do you think you have a better suggestion for up in the Swiss Alps? And no, I haven't even picked up a Rick Steve's book in all my planning, so you can't give him any credit for me choosing Gimmelwald, sorry!

Well I guess Bern is getting scrapped from the intinerary... So a few of you said Lucerne... Why Lucerne? What is there to see/do there? Enough to keep me entertained for two days? Where's a good place to stay?

Thanks for the advice and all the suggestions!
~candyqueen

Bern is not the most attractive town in the world... which is confirmed by quite some posters. But it is not that bad either.
It depends a lot on what you want to see and how you organize.
What to say about it?
- It has an interesting old town, well preserved, with a nice cathedral, and let's say with half a day of strolling potential.
- It has some interesting museums.

What else is there to see in the neigbourhood, doable by train? Murten (or Morat in French), medieval little town, on a hilltop next to the Murtensee, half a day strolling potential.
Fribourg, the old city center, half a day strolling potential.
Gruyeres, with the castle.

Hotel in Bern.
Finally you could stay in Bern or in Fribourg. Both cities are major stops on the train route to Geneva. Fribourg is generally cheaper than Bern, which may help with your budget.

Travel.
Fribourg is centrally located between Bern (20 min by train), Morat (20 min train) and Gruyères (bus, 1 hour).

Other suggestion.
Why not go directly to the Geneva lake, Montreux for example... but it may be a bit difficlt to respect your budget.

I stayed in Bern the first two times I visited Switzerland (before I knew better). I would pick a base city and take day trips, so Bern seemed like a good choice at the time. I have no desire to ever go back to Bern, although I've passed through many times via train. It's just not that interesting to me.

I've since learned where I like to stay in Switzerland. Neither Interlaken or Gimmelwald would be my choice though. Sure, Gimmelwald is gorgeous, but so is the entire Berner Oberland. Gimmelwald is tiny, I mean tiny, and there's not much to do other than relax and soak up the scenery. If that's what you're into, you might very well like the place.

For me Gimmelwald is a nice place to pass through while walking or sledding down from Murren, but that's about it.

Because you'll already be in the area, you might want to consider spending those two days in Murren (perhaps instead of Gimmelwald), Wengen, Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald. All are villages with great scenery and plenty to do.

Other nice places to visit are Zermatt (more awesome scenery), Engelberg (yet more scenery - only one hour by train from Luzern) and Luzern.

Kandersteg is also worth a look. I've not stayed there yet, but I think about it every time I go by on the train.

Have fun.

Here are some hotels that might be in your price range:

Murren: Chalet Fontana, Hotel Edelweiss, Eiger Guesthouse

Wengen: Hotel Baren, Hotel Edelweiss, Bernerhof

Lauterbrunnen: Hotel Jungfrau, Hotel Staubbach

I have no first hand experience with these hotels - just passing them along as possibilities.

Luzern is great: Scenery (lake and mountains), shopping, things to see and do, good german/swiss food, convenient. Do a search on Luzern on this website and you'll get lots of positive comments and ideas. Enjoy!

Well, I was not intending to step on anyone's foot about Gimmelwald and Bern.
I was perhaps too quick in my post.

The views from Gimmelwald are fine and you will indeed get quite a good view of the main ridge of the Berner Oberland from there. I just never found anything there of a destination quality.


Rick Steves did tout the place in preference to others, and I have yet to figure out why, except he found a cheap place to sleep. As a result I think people are misled, so my gripe is with him rather than others.

I can easily see getting off of the Luftseilbahn at the Gimmelwald stop enroute to Mürren (you change cars there anyhow) and having a look around. I am sure you can find a place to eat lunch and enjoy the views.
Then, continue up the hill to Mürren either on foot or by re-boarding the Luftseilbahn.

Mürren is of course one of the premier resort villages in the valley. For higher spectacular views, take the tram from Mürren to Allmendhubel, from which trails go even higher.

I think Melnq8 described the Bern situation perfectly. Bern is ok, but one visit there for about 4 hours satisfied my curiosity on a very wet day. It is the nation's capital and, for that reason, many people go there.

In terms of spectacular, all encompassing views, I strongly recommend the crest of the Männlichen and the trail from First to the Faulhorn. And, if you are up to it, walk the trail from Mürren toward the Sefinenfurka (pass). I don't think I recommend trying to struggle up that thing unless you are dedicated or you are on your way to the Kiental or even the Oeschinensee near Kandersteg, which is usually an overnighter.

One final question here. Some people confuse Grindelwald with Gimmelwald because of the slight similarity of the names.

Grindelwald is the largest village in the Berner Oberland area accessed by train from Interlaken Ost. It has many houses, hotels, and a long main street full of all kinds of shops.

Check out the area of Murten,Avanches,Broc(chocolate factory)Grueyere(cheese)We found this a delightful area.We also liked Gimmelwald although Murren might have more lodging opportunities.

In defence of Bern: I visited Bern in 2001 and stayed 5 nights, spent two full days in the city, one day trip to Grindelwald/Kleine Scheidegg, one day trip to the Lakes of Biel/Neuchatel/Murten. I lOVED Bern and did not get bored at all. But I must admit I am a fan of art, architecture and history, so it depends on your interests ...

Here are some main sights: The Gothic cathedral is stunning with originally preserved medieval stained glass windows, the beautiful sculptured portal (final judgement) and great views from its tower. The figure play at the clock tower (Zytgloggeturm) is fun. In general I liked to stroll through the perfectly preserved old town with Baroque and classical style facades, endless arcades with interesting shops, good cafes and restaurants. The many beautiful fountains with figures add to the pleasure. Not to miss is a guided (free) tour of the Swiss Parliament building. Excellent for recreation are the roses garden (with cafe and view of the old town), the enchanting garden "Elfenau" by the Aare river and the Gurten Mountain, accessible by funicular with views of the city and Alps. I also liked the house where Albert Einstein lived, now home of a small museum. Very interesting is the Historical museum with some treasures of the Burgundy battles and other works of art from medieval times. For art lovers - the Kunstmuseum houses the largest collection of Paul Klee paintings.

Nightlife was surprisingly good. Lots of open air cafes and restaurants; bars, small theatres and clubs in the old town.

For accommodation I can recommend the Pension Marthahaus www.marthahaus.ch

Anyway, I don't think Lucerne is a good option since it is opposite direction to Geneva. You might consider a place on Lake Geneva. Montreux-Vevey is a very beautiful region, but expensive. If you pick that area, in any case take the train from Interlaken to Montreux via Spiez - Gstaad. It is the scenic "Golden Pass Panoramic Express".

Well, now that I have had conflicting reviews, I'm not sure what to do. I mean, it's only two days, so if I hate the city, I'll be gone before I know it. I think I'll have to look into the many cities recommended to me, and make my decision from that. If anyone has any other suggestions, keep 'em coming! :)

Well, I think I may choose to stay in Luzern.. It's not too far from where I would like to be, and there seems to be some positive comments on the town itself.

Now all I need to find is decent accommodations for about CHF 100-120 per night for a double room (August 26-28). Any suggestions?

Thanks for all the advice!
~candyqueen

Candyqueen -

Here's a good site that might help you locate a hotel in Luzern:

www.luzern-hotels.ch

Your budget will probably limit you to ** properties.

You might want to check out this one as well:

Hotel Alpha - central, quiet, 10 minute walk to train station, 5 minute walk to old town - 120-130 CHF per night for a double room with ensuite.

www.hotelalpha.ch

Finding hotels in Luzern in your price range is not easy, especially if you wish to be in/near the Altstadt. A few options are:

1. Hotel Roesli--125chf/nt without breakfast (http://www.roesli.ch/)

2. Hotel Alpha, -- 120chf/nt with breakfast. On PilatusStrasse--10 minute walk from train station, 5 from Altstadt. Has been recommended in Frommers travel books(http://www.hotelalpha.ch/e_default.asp

3. Hotel Lowengraben--95chf/nt including breakfast. This is the former jail/prison that has been refurbished and looks interesting. In the
Altstadt, but quite a hike from the train station (http://www.loewengraben.ch/)

5. Tourist Hotel--great view, simple accommodations ranging from dorm room to private rooms with or without facilities ranging from 98-160 chf/nt with breakfast. Frommers recommendation (http://www.touristhotel.ch/English/English_index.htm)

What about reviews of the Hotel Pickwick. I've read that it is mostly for younger travelers (which I am one). I got a rate of CHF 125 per night, and the hotel itself looks nice. It's right on the river, and not too far from the train station... Any opinions?

Candyqueen:

I got the following info from the Switzerlandisyours website. If the Mr. Pickwick they refer to is the same Pickwick you're looking at, it's located above a pub.

Lucerne : Inexpensive hotels

Des Alpes
Comfortable rooms, some with balconies, in an old building with a picturesque waterfront setting and a good restaurant.
Rathausquai 5
Phone : ++41 041/410 58 25
Fax : ++41 041/410 74 51
Web . www.forum.ch/des-alpes

City
Very basic place a little west of the centre on a busy street (so ask for a back room), with poky rooms laid with lino that are nonetheless kept clean.
Baselstrasse 15
Phone : ++41 041/410 40 40
Fax : ++41 041/410 40 60

Derby
Plain, decent, generic ?garni? place in the Old Town, with compact, characterless rooms.
Falkengasse 4
Phone : 041/410 26 62
Fax : ++41 041/410 42 82

Löwengraben
Luzern?s Old Town prison from 1862 to 1998, now converted into a surprisingly classy, comfortable hotel. The staff frogmarch you down the long corridors to the spotlessly refurbished cells, some with en-suite shower and all with barred windows. Prime choice is the panelled Director?s Suite, the former prison governor?s office, with a double bed where the desk used to be.
Löwengraben 18
Phone : ++41 041/417 12 12
Fax : ++41 041/417 12 11
E-mail : [email protected]

Mr Pickwick
In spartan contrast to Des Alpes next door, an English-style pub with rooms above, sharing the excellent views but not the welcoming management style of its neighbour.
Rathausquai 6
Phone : ++41041/410 59 27
Fax : ++41 041/410 51 08

Schlüssel
By far the most characterful low-end accommodation in town, and the oldest hotel in Luzern to boot. Some rooms overlook the quiet square and the formal gardens of the eighteenth-century Segesser mansion.
Franziskanerplatz 12
Phone : ++41 041/210 10 61
Fax : ++41 041/210 10 21

Tourist
Clean, bright and very central, this has the atmosphere of a student dorm although the quality of the rooms (and the management) belies that. Some have suntrap balconies facing the river ? peaceful, since the bankside road is quiet.
St Karliquai 12
Phone : ++41 041/410 24 74
Fax : ++41 041/410 84 14
E-mail : [email protected]
Web : www.touristhotel.ch

I had looked into the Mr. Pickwick because of location/view and low price. It's 110 chf/nt cheaper than the Des Alpes at that time of year (though MrP does not include breakfast). In the end, I took the Des Alpes because of feedback from others and discussion in Rough Guide that MrP is more of a young, backpackers place.

If price/view combo is your major criterion, and you don't mind the possibility that it has a younger, more "active" crowd, then it could work. If price plus a more sedate crowd is your thing, you might look into the Alpha or Lowengraben.

Before I went to Interlaken a few years ago, we stopped in the small town of Bey. I believe we started in Lauserne(sp?) and took a bus to Bey. It was absolutely breathtaking! There is a beautiful hostel/chateaux overlooking the most marvelous scenery. I would only go here if you need some time to chill out. Nothing to do but hike, eat cheese and chocolate! Might be worth some more research if you are interested. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Do go with Luzern. I think Bern is an attractive little city (it reminds me a bit of Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany), but it really doesn't offer much for most travelers for more than a day. Luzern is even more beautiful, has amazing natural surroundings, and you can go to the top of mountains, take a cruise on the lake, and lots of other great things. You won't regret picking Luzern.

As far as Gimmelwald goes, it has some charm, but I would greatly prefer to stay in nearby Murren. You can still visit Gimmelwald.

Hi candyqueen. Thank goodness, Ingo, defends Bern, which I remember as a graceful old town with arcaded streets and a dandy collection of fountains. However, if you are traveling by train, there's no need to move there. It's a quick hour from Interlaken's west station. Easy trip, and you can probably combine it with a visit to Thun, if you're one of those "what's there to do there?" people. And while I'm on the subject, you can visit Lucerne as a daytrip from Interlaken Ost as well, if you love train rides through gorgeous scenery -- in this case, be sure to choose the train which travels via Brienze and Lungern through the Brunig pass rather than the ones that route you through Bern. This trip is about 2 hours, so you do have to like trains.

You can also visit Bern from Lac Leman, if you'll consider staying in Montreux or Lausanne instead of Geneva. By the way, Lausanne is also a lovely old town that very few people mention.

I guess my long-winded point is that I think you should divide your time between
your two places without scheduling another hotel in between. There are so many daytrip possibilities from Interlaken and Lac Leman (notice that I wish you could be tempted toward Montreux, Vevey, Rivaz, or Lausanne rather than Geneva), that you could stay seven nights in each. J.

Apologies for overuse of commas and adding an 'e' to Brienz -- typing faster than I'm thinking.

also one too many returns and a missing 's' on routes. Don't mock me; I'm a teacher. Or maybe I'm Monk. whatever. Switzerland is wonderful.

In September 2002 we spent two days at the HOTEL ALPINA in Murren. It is the area in Switzerland we most want to go back to. The hotel was about $85 at the time, but now costs more. Hotel was nothing fancy, but was clean with comfortable beds and a spectacular view from the balcony. The breakfast was substantial and there's a Co-op grocery store if you want to skip a couple of restaurant meals to splurge on a room with a view. http://www.muerren.ch/alpina/

We also spent two days at the HOTEL ZUM HIRSCHEN in Kussnacht am Rigi - a fifteen minute train ride out of Lucerne. We were close enough to enjoy the city, but far enough out to stick to our budget and enjoy the small town atmosphere. The town was pretty and most of the time we wanted to be there instead of Lucerne, but had the option. http://www.zurichhotels.biz/forview/...-hirschen.html

Good points, jw! The idea not to move to a different town is wonderful. I am getting old :)

Ingo

I'm with Ingo and jmw44. I loved Bern. Besides the good list from Ingo, I would add to Ingo's comments:

Tour of the Swiss Parliament. It's loosely based on the U.S. system. Our tour guide (in English) was terrific. You need to make a reservation for the tour and arrive early because security is very tight.

Alpine Museum. We enjoyed our "preview" of the Berner Oberland area through the displays and the history of alpine exploration and tourism.

View of the city from the Rose Garden. We were there in October, and it was a bit gray. Made for a wonderfully moody photo of the town. In the spring or summer, it would be spectacularly green and colorful.

The Clocktower is great. Tour was very informative and the seeing the mechanics from the inside was fascinating.

Did anyone mention the fountains all over town? It was fun to track them all down as we wandered around.

The historic core of Bern has World Heritage status and deserves it.

An aside with apologies to candyqueen: Ingo, I suppose you might not know who Monk is. There's a television series in the states in which the hero is an obsessive/compulsive ex-policeman. I'm obviously not an ex-policeman, but I think I'm becoming more obsessive by the day. In my classroom I like the tables just so, but I explain to the students that it is a matter of aesthetics rather than a psychological problem. (please, God.) J.