I am spending two nights in Lucern from 8/28-8/30 and then plan to move onto the Bernese Oberland. I want to stay in one spot for the remainder of my trip (4 nights) but am interested in day trips - love hiking - mountains, lakes - you name it. I will be going w/ my boyfriend (we both are 25 yrs old). We love sight seeing and nature. Let me know what the best plan would be for those full 4 days. Thanks!

Well, I loved Muerren when we stayed there last summer for 4 nights -- plenty of hikes, nature, and just beautiful, beautiful views. It is quiet at night though -- no real "nightlife" if that is important to you. We found that we were so tired from walking each day that after a nice dinner we were ready to go to sleep. Some of the other villages may have more to do in the evenings. I really don't think you can go wrong any where in the Berner Oberland -- it is just fantastic.

Thanks Beth - I have heard mixed reviews on staying in Interlaken. Would you recommend staying in Muerren ove Interlaken? Night life is not as importnat to us than hiking and sight seeing. Nightlife would not be a priority. Just as long as there is a place to get a good meal.

Melissa, <BR><BR>I would not recommend staying in Interlaken at that time of year because temps could still be very high. However, I think Grindelwald or even Wengen would be better resort choices than M&uuml;rren. Grindelwald especially has a broad hotel and restaurant selection and both resorts offer more diverse hiking options than M&uuml;rren IMO.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR>Andre

I definitely would recommend staying at Muerren (or another of the towns at higher elevations) over Interlaken -- especially if you're interested in doing a lot of hiking. There were many trails of all levels starting in or around Muerren.

Melissa,<BR><BR>Because you're going in August, you must be prepared for crowds and crowds and crowding. Interlaken was the most crowded when I was there last August, followed by Grindelwald and then Wengen (didn't get to Muerren that time). So if avoiding crowds is a concern, consider staying at the more remote Muerren or Wengen.<BR><BR>s

Lauterbrunnen is the train hub for his area - great view of Staubbach Falls. If Bob Brown will chime in, he has excellent suggestions for hikes in this area. Enough to keep you busy!

My wife and I stayed in the Bern Oberland and are the same ages as you are. We also are more interested in the hiking. We stayed in the little town of Gimmiwald. Just a 30 minute hike from Murren. In either of these places you are up in the mountains. Interlakeen is nice but if you want to be in the mountains I highly recomment Gimmewald or Murren.

GIMMELWALD!!! - not to be confused with Grindelwald - was one of the best places we've ever stayed (Hotel Mittaghorn). It's kind of hard to get to but you're young and like hiking. It's not a fancy hotel (but comfy), the location was beautiful and extrememly peaceful and the food was great. There are no cars in the village so all you hear in the morning are cow bells. It was worth all the effort to get there. You can find out more at http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/countries/gimmelbit.htm

I don't think I can add any more to the discussion on where to stay. Either Wengen or M&uuml;rren will provide great views of the mountains. Grindelwald is larger, busier, and perhaps more complete. I stay in Lauterbrunnen because I am there for a whole week, and I have found a satisfactory apartment just off of the main street close to the train station and the lift that takes the throng up to Grutschalp and on to M&uuml;rren. <BR><BR>I can talk at length about some of the hikes around the area. Number 1 on my list is the walk from the First gondola station (place name) up to the top of the Faulhorn. On a clear day, the ride up on the gondola is eye popping. <BR>As you near the top of the Faulhorn, it seems like you can see the world. The lakes on either side of Interlaken are the north, and several thousand feet below you, and the main range of the Berner Oberland is to the south.<BR>If you really want to go for an adventure, start at Schynige Platte (early) and take the trail to First. It is one of the classics of the whole area.<BR><BR>There are two more I like, also.<BR>One is to take the lift to a place called Pfingstegg from the lift station "behind" tyhe church in Grindelwald.<BR>From the lift station walk through the farm yard, being sure to close the gates, and visit the restaurant at Stieregg. If you have the agility, you can go farther by crossing the gully just south of the restaurant. <BR>The trail leads over some rough pasture and rocks to a vertical cliff called the Rots Gufer. You might well turn around there. The scenery is that of the glacial world of the higher alps. <BR>The glacier tumbles off of the ridge south of the north face of the Eiger and is truly impressive.<BR>If you are into short walks, take the path (nice and wide) from Grutschalp to M&uuml;rren. The Breithorn and the Jungfrau are in front of you the whole way.<BR>I suggest going that way because if you walk toward Grutschalp, there is extreme danger of a sore neck because you keep swiveling it around to look at the beautiful scenes. <BR>Another fun one is to take the train up to Wengen, then walk from the train station to the cable lift up to the crest of the M&auml;nnlichen Ridge. From there you get some great views. You can walk down to Kleine Scheidegg and continue back to either Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald by train.<BR><BR>One trail I have not yet taken is the Eiger trail. It goes along the base of the Eiger. I need to find out a little more about it myself.<BR><BR>

Melissa: Try to stay out of the really tourist packed areas, (Murren, Wengen, Grindelwald) especially in August, and get out into the more off the beaten path areas. I have been to both and if you want to hike and enjoy nature you would be better off in a place like Kandersteg. Beautiful hiking, Oeschinensee Lake, several mt. huts to hike up to in spectacular locations (Blumlisalphutte and Frundenhutte) easy to get in and out of and plenty of small hotels and restaurants. We liked Zur Poste, 88SF with bath down the hall. Not much nightlife though I admit. Our big entertainment at night was to go and watch the local curlers practice in the indoor ice rink. I truly think you would enjoy this town from your post more than the towns above Interlaken. Have fun.

Thanks for all your replys and advice. I am thinking about staying in Wengen at The Hotel Regina. It seems like there is plenty of hiking; althougha bit touristy in August - it wont be overly crowded rihgt? Hopefully I can get reservations now in this busy time. (Thanks for the Hikng info. I am so excited!!!) So unless anyone thinks Im makng a mistake - I will make my reservations sometime tomorrow in Wengen and be all set.