For the most part we will be traveling by train, but we are renting a car for 3 days while staying in Grindelwald. Any recommendations for nice day trips that can't be reached by train (the whole purpose)? I don't mind back roads, but I do mind very windy, narrow (no guard rail) drop offs and would like to avoid those areas if possible. One reason that Beatenberg is not on my list. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated. Diane Moll.

We've stayed in Grindelwald several times and gone everywhere by train. The only place I wanted to go for a day trip and just couldn't really do -- too involved -- was Gruyeres.<BR>

When will you be there? The time of year has a major influence.<BR>If the passes are open, I strongly suggest taking the "Three Pass Drive" from Innertkirchen. Head out of Grindelwald for Interlaken, and turn east toward Meiringen and Innertkirchen. I suggest bearing left at Innertkirchen and first crossing the Susten Pass. Then from there head for Andermatt and cross the Furka Pass. Last, drive over the Grimsel Pass, allowing time to stop at the hostel/hotel near the crest where the Grimsel See is located. Then return from there down hill to Innertkirchen and retrace your route to Grindelwald.<BR><BR>Kandersteg is another possible destination for a ride on the chairlift to the Oeschinensee. From Kandersteg, continue on through the L&ouml;tschenberg tunnel via the train ferry to the Rhone Valley. Drive on to Leukerbad and take the cable car up to the Daubensee, of Sherlock Holmes fame.<BR><BR>Another trip of a different kind is to drive toward Bern, and turn east to the cheese factory at Afoltern, which is near Burgdorf. From Afoltern, follow a winding route over to Sarnen and return to Interlaken via the Br&uuml;nig Pass. The route part of the way is through a wooded area. For Switzerland, the region west of Sarnen is relatively uninhabited for a few miles.<BR>And of couse Luzern is a nice drive via the Br&uuml;nig Pass via Sarnen.<BR><BR>

Those are some good recommendations. To those I would restate Gruyeres, which might be a bit touristy but is worth the visit. Then a bit northwest of Gruyeres, while you are in the area, go to the little hilltop village of Romont. It has a unique charm, lovely views, a quaint town square, and it isn't very well known---so I doubt you'll run into another tourist from any country. And in the same day go northeast from Romont and see Avenches and Murten, then circle back to Grindelwald through Fribourg and Thun. This set of villages will fill a long day and will fill your camera and scrapbook with some wonderful memories. Have fun.

Thank you all very much for your replys. I have gained so much from this forum and consider all your input. Diane Moll.

There is a town near Grindelwald called<BR>Gimmelwald. No cars are allowed and<BR>you get there via cable car. It's an awesome experience at an altitude that<BR>will have your head spinning. There is<BR>so much to do right in Grindelwald, why are you thinking of branching out?<BR>How about the train ride to the top<BR>of the Jungfrau Joch? That's a beauty!<BR>You can walk through the glacier there too, and have lunch at the "top of Europe!"