Just returned from a delightful two weeks in Switzerland with my husband and another couple. After many trips, I have decided my favorite place is Grindelwald in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The first week we shared a 2-bedroom apartment at the Chalet Abendrot, and were astonished to find we had not one, but two balconies, one facing the awesome Eiger and the other a postcard view of the Wetterhorn with a beautiful white church in the foreground. We used our Swiss Passes to visit several places recommended in this forum. My favorite side-trip was to Kleine Scheidegg. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven having lunch on the sunny terrace of the Restaurant Eigernordwand overlooking the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. <BR>The second week we moved to Lausanne on Lake Geneva as we were to attend the fabulous Winegrowers Festival in Vevey for the second time. It is held only 4 or 5 times a century, the last one in 1977 when we enjoyed it with the same friends. We took interesting side-trips from Lausanne as well as Grindelwald, one to Mont Blanc and the other to the Castle of Chillon.

Margie -- can you tell me how to get in touch with the Chalet Abendrot? Do they have an e-mail address, by chance? Thanks

Margie, <BR> <BR>We're planning on visiting Chateau Chillon - how long should we set aside for it. We're planning on doing it on the way from Interlaken to Venice. A little detour. <BR> <BR>Amanda

Margie: <BR>Interestingly, of all the places we've been in Europe, my wife's favorite is Grindelwald as well. I'm not sure what it is in particular that left her so smitten, but it's her favorite memory hands down.

Happy to send the website and the e-mail address of the Chalet Abendrot. You'll love it and if you need a 2-bedroom apt., ask for 033 (has TWO balconies facing different directions, each with fabulous views). <BR>The owners are the Studers. The website: Internet:www.grindelwald.ch/abendrot. <BR> html <BR>E-mail: [email protected] <BR>You'll find everything you need to know on their website including the prices fo the different apartments, which varies from season to season. Margie

To be on the safe side I would allow 2 hours to see the Chateau of Chillon. There is alot to see and you might not get in immediately. It's an interesting place, apparently the most visited building in Switzerland. We went by boat from Lausanne, and disembarked right at the Chateau but if you're going by train I think it's a bit more complicated. Enjoy your trip. <BR>Margie