Speaking of being the only Americans, we rode the Post Bus up to Griesalp last year.

There was a large amount of construction in progress and heavy vehicles were everywhere.

We went into a cafe next to the bus stop for a snack before heading down.

A man from Bern was there with his mother. She was born there and had not returned in many, many years. I think she was both saddened and amazed at the construction going on way up in the hills.

The man was so amazed that we were Americans that he paid for our snacks.

Lauterbrunnen by contrast is overrun with Americans. The summer waitstaff all spoke English, some with American accents. Zermatt is much the same.

If you have good weather, those 7 days will go so fast you will wonder where they went!! I look back now at my visits there and they seem to have gone pooof.

Hi Bob,
Well this time they are going to hear Aussie accents, that will be something different!

I only said to my hubby yesterday how quick the 7 days will go with a few day trips and hiking trips - oh well we will just have to plan to go back again.

Bob_Brown,

It sounds like you went to Griesalp just for the day on that trip. Have you ever spent the night there? If so, what would you recommend? I read about Pension Golderli in one of my books, and it sounds lovely, but there may be other choices. On our next trip, I am thinking of sending the "kids" (all in their twenties and fluent on German) on the 2-day hike from Mürren to Oeschinensee (over the two passes, Sefinenfurka and Hohtürli), which would mean an overnight stay in Griesalp. The rest of us would take the luggage (theirs and ours) around on the train, and meet up with them at Oeschinensee. It sounds like a great hike, but I don't know anyone who has done it or even been to Griesalp. Since you mentioned it, I thought I could ask you. Thanks.

Cicerone,
We've changed our dates to June, and our location to Kandersteg.

Do you know if there is a cyclist museum in Switzerland? I found a photo in my mother's things of Albert Buchi who raced in the early 1930. He was either a friend of the family or a relative, and i would like to learn more about him. Using Google only shows race results.
My grandparents, Thaler and Siegrist were married in Tagerwilen in 1889 and came to the U.S. right after.

I did not stay overnight in Griesalp.
I think that doing so would be possible because last summer there was a major construction effort underway.

I have not done the trails to the Öeschinensee or the Sefinenfurka.
There are unfortunately some joint surgery issues that have precluded my doing it. (Age is also a factor.)

That particular hike over the Höhturli would be an adventure to remember.
Rather than coming down to Griesalp, there is a mountain shelter up there.

Kev Reynolds book might give more information on just where the shelters are located.

The scenery up there is awesome. I just wish I had the strength to do it!!

I think I may be a bit too late in this reply, but we have spent the last two years holidaying in Brienz. It is a beautiful town, central for everything, and a brilliant place to stay. The only thing I would say is that the first year we stayed in an apartment overlooking the lake, which was lovely for the view, but a little noisey at night and in the early mornings. If you are right on the lake you are also have the main road right behind you, so traffic noise is a problem early mornings. The apartment you mentioned is also next to the rail station. This year we found a house split into two apartments five mins uphill from the lake, still with a lake view, but oh peace and quiet. The only noise we had was the sound of goat bells in the fields and the steam trains from the Rothornbahn passing occasionally. It had everything we needed, garden grill, dishwasher, washing machine,first rate accommodation and very friendly owners from Germany who could not be more helpful. The next door neighbour looked after the apartment and was on hand if we needed anything. Also the cost of the whole house (3 bedrooms - 2 appartments) was the same as the small appartment we rented last year. Details of this chalet can be found at www.brienz.net/de/home.htlm
Although this site is all in German the owners speak excellent English and are only too happy to answer any questions you may have.

bookmarking

Maudie,
Did you ever decide on staying at the
Al Porto apartment? It looks great and looks to be very relaxing on their website.

Hi Ronkala,

I have found another apartment that is just behind the town with a view over the rooftops and out to the lake. Here is the website if you want to have a look.
http://www.jobins.ch/e/index.htm

I am emailing them at the moment to sort out prices etc. I found there wasn't a lot of accommodation to suit two couples most had bunks rather than 2nd beds. For some reason this house appealed more as we have it to ourselves rather than sharing 1/2 a chalet or having people living above us. I guess we won't really know until we get there!!!!

Thanks Maudie,
We are staying in Kandersteg in May and June with tentative reservation for 2008 in the Netherlands. After reading about all the return visits to Switzerland by posters, we may be changing our 2008 plans. We'll take a look at Al Porto when we are in Brienz.

Ronkala,
Looks like we will be in Brienz from about the 1st June for 8 or 9 days. Never know we might see you around, if you hear some Aussie voices that will more than likely be us (in the bakery!!!LOL).