This will be my second trip to Switzerland, but I am traveling with someone for whom the whole country will be a new experience. After basing in Zurich and doing day trips from there, we will head to Lauterbrunnen for 4 days. On one day trip from the valley, we are heading to Murren and Gimmelwald. What are some other worthwhile day trips out of the valley in under 2 hours, each way. I know that I will need to head back to Interlocken for these trips. I already have a relaxing day there built in.

Hi mentorteach,

How about a cruise on one of the lakes? Lake Thun has the city of Thun and the town of Spiez, plus castles in Thun, Spiez, and Oberhofen.

I've heard that Lake Brienz is prettier, and the open-air museum at Ballenberg.

Here's a place to start your research:

www.thunersee.ch

www.brienzersee.ch

Have fun!

s

Assume you will be traveling by train?

As mentioned above, Lake Thun would be a great trip. The cities of Thun and Spiez are particularly worthwhile.

Also, if you are planning to see Murren, why not go all the way up to the Schilthorn? The views up there are amazing on a nice day.

http://www.schilthorn.ch/index.php?s...Blanguage%5D=4

There is also the Trummelbach Falls near Lauterbrunnen which I believe are available by bus.

http://www.truemmelbachfaelle.ch/tru...ug.php?lang=en

Thanks! I will build in the trip to the Schiltorn on same day at Murren/Gimmelwald. Trummelbach Falls is also a great idea. Since both posters so far suggest Thun, I will make that area another day trip. One more... how about a long one? The Golden Pass train to Geneva or Lausanne and back?

Hi again,

No, I think to Geneva (or even to Montreux) would be too far for a day trip. But you could take the GP as far as Gstaad or even stop in Zweisimmen; both are gorgeous and lovely and very different from the Jungfrau area. Or you could go to Gruyeres and see the dairy tour and get a taste of their special double cheese. Here are links to my "reviews" (w/photos) of these areas:

Gruyeres
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Fribourg.html

Saanen
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Gstaad
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...wiss_Alps.html

Have fun!

s

You are saying that the most time you can allow is 2 hours going and 2 hours returning if I read you correctly.
Once you arrive at the destination, how much time would you spend?

For example from Lauterbrunnen to Grindelwald and then a walk to the valley station of the First Gondola and then a ride to First would take more than an hour.

I have been known to spend half a day at the gondola station's restaurant and its wonderful terrace. I was so engrossed in taking pictures that I was there fully 2 hours just photographing. I would take a movie, dislike it, erase it and start over. (I admit to being an amateur with a digital camera.)

If you can allow about 5 to 6 hours total, the ride to First, the relatively flat walk over to the restaurant at Grosse Scheidegg, some kind of calorie busting dessert, and then the bus+train ride back to Lauterbrunnen could be on the agenda.

You mentioned Gimmelwald. What do you expect to find there?
There are some homes that sell cheese, a good watering trough for hikers to fill their canteens, and a couple of cheap places to bed down at night. Other than that, I have not seen too much there is 3 or 4 trips.

The best thing to do in Mürren is to again bust the diet at a terrace cafe and drink in the mountains and that glorious scenery. Then, if you can concentrate because of the fabulous scenery, play chess at this huge outdoor chess board. You can wander among the pieces and select your next move.

If you have the time, take the Luftseilbahn from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp and then walk the low trail to Mürren. The Jungfrau and the other peaks will be in front of you and provide some great photo opportunities.

Another good trip that takes a while is from Wildersil to Schynige Platte. The views both north and south are jaw droppers.