We will be in Switzerland for the first time in mid-October for 5 days/6 nights. We are starting and ending in Basel, where we have a friend who lives there. In the short time in between, we are planning one day & night in Lausanne (taking the train from Basel). After that, we would like to spend a couple of days visiting some scenic Swiss mountain views, waterfalls, and idyllic towns. Originally, we were planning on Zermatt, but had read that the Bernese Oberland area was a better choice if there was only time for one place.

Given that we would only have two days and nights in the Bernese Oberland area, what are some suggestions for a base town to stay at in the area and a couple of the top "must-see" sights to visit? We won't have a car but would like to take in a few of the breathtaking mountain and valley views, see some waterfalls or a glacier, perhaps do a little short hiking, and just walk through a picturesque town ot two.

I've read great things about Wengen, Muerren, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Gstaad, and Thun. Which one would people recommend as a base? My Basel friend suggested we avoid staying in Interlaken because it would be more touristy and pricey, although I have read some pros and cons of Interlaken on this forum. Any other suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!

I think you want Lauterbrunnen as a centro base location, but I do like Grindelwald as well.

I like that: Interlaken more touristy than the Swiss mountain towns and villages that exist only because of tourism!

First, all of those towns in the Alps are touristy. That is why they are there. Zermatt perhaps is more touristy than some others, but that is splitting hairs.

The mountains around Zermatt are awesome; they are mountains of character and grandeur. Seeing them is more of a challenge because of the terrain and the steepness of the peaks. As a result there are two main access points to the best views. One is to take the train to the Gornergrat station. You can get off the train before you reach the end station and walk over the relatively flat and treeless terrain to the viewing area at the Gornergrat viewing point.
On a clear day you will have excellent views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and the surrounding peaks.

The cable car center at the west end of Zermat leads to several viewing areas. The highest one is the Klein Matterhorn which is reached in stages in a cable car - a cabin suspended from a cable. As I recall there were 3 stages to the trip. The top station is at an altitude of 12,000 feet and I recall it being quite chilly particularly in the tunnel. The sun was very bright that day and the view was fantastic.

Around Grindelwald - Lauterbrunnen, the views are easier to reach. There are quite a few places that provide superb viewing. I have two favorite places. One is from the crest of the ridge known as the Männlichen which towers some 4,500 feet over the Lauterbrunnen Valley. You can get a good look at the north face of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau plus the supporting cast of peaks.

My other favorite place is the terrace of the restaurant at the gondola station named First (has nothing to do with second). The views from there are rewarding.

To get there go to Grindelwald and take the First Gondola.
The valley station is near the church. If you come by train, walk eastward along the main street for about 3/4 of a mile and look for the cables rising from the station. They will be on your left. The station itself is set back from the main street.

There are other viewing areas there as well such as Schynige Platte and the Schilthorn.

As for a place to stay, the debate continues. For ease of access to transportation that will take you all over the area, select Lsuterbrunnen.

For quiet, car free high villages, take either Wengen or Mürren both of which are perched on the sides of the Lauterbrunnen Valley. For more activity with some good views of the peaks, select Grindelwald.

Thanks, this is very helpful.

We already have a reservation at the Romantik Hotel Julen in Zermatt, so we can always keep that and I'm sure we will be very happy.

I was zeroing in on Wengen as an althernative destination, although there does not seem to be availability at any of the hotels there for our mid-October dates, so perhaps that eliminates Wengen from the choices.

Right now, I guess we will either do Zermatt as planned -OR- instead stay two days in Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen or Murren and go to Jungfraujoch or Schilthorn and try to see some waterfalls or glaciers too.

Decisions, decisions...I wish we had more time to see things!

You will love the Julen! I have visited Zermatt three times staying at the Hotel Daniela (anothe hotel owned by the Julen Family). We had pool privileges at the Julen Hotel (which is much more expensive). The pool area is fabulous as is e Julen's pub restaurant in the basement. I love the area that the hotels are in (the Daniela is only one block from the Julen). The view of the Matterhorn is great from the hotel's balcony.

I have been up the cable cars to Klein Matterhorn and the train to Gornergrat. Both are wonderful. If you can fit both into your stay, do both. If you have time, visit the museum in Zermatt. It is really interesting.

I have also stayed in Wegen, Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen. The OB area is wonderful, but I could stay a week and still not see things. Many hotels in the Wegen, Lauterbruneen area close mid-Oct. as it is "inbetween" seasons. We usually travel to Switzerland in mid-Oct and find more restuarants, hotels, etc. open in Zermatt. That is not to say there are not places in the OB. We stayed at the Hotwel Stubbach last Oct. and had a wonderful time.

Good luck with your decision. You will have a wonderful time at either location.

there is so much to see in the bernese oberland. it doesnt matter if you get a room in grindelwald or lauterbrunnen or wengen anyplace that suits you. i stayed in grindelwald facing the eiger and took gondolas to lauterbrunnen.... the cable cars rides are incredible.....from manlichenn to wengen..... gimmelwald to stechelberg you go down a valley. once you get there you should get a jungfrau region pass which allows you unlimited travel on most gondolas, cog railroads, cable cars in the entire region.......AND they are all connected so efficiently...so swiss.... you will love it !

I just did a quick search to check on summer closing times in the BO - it seems most scenic cable cars/gondolas run through Oct 25 or 26, so closures shouldn't be a problem for you. Here's the site if you need more info:

http://www.jungfraubahn.ch/en/deskto...178_read-3273/