Hi! <BR>I have the opportunity to rent a chalet for SFR50 a night in Gimmelwald but I can't find this town on my map! The family that owns the chalet says it's a 30-minute fast walk to Murren. Does anyone know anything about this town? Would it be a good home base to stay at for 5 nights? How far is it to Grindelwald and Interlaken? <BR> <BR>Thanks! <BR>Janice

Hi Janice. Hopefully this will help you pinpoint Gimmelwald's location. If you have a map of Switzerland, look first for Interlaken. Follow south of the city to Lauterbrunnen. From Lauterbrunnen, follow along to the village of Stechelberg. Gimmelwald sits on the west side of the valley just slightly south and a little east of Murren. (Murren and Gimmelwald are very very close to each other.) <BR> <BR>To reach Gimmelwald, you either walk, usually from Stechelberg, or take the cable conveyence from Stechelberg. <BR>The cable car stops at Gimmelwald and then makes a turn to the right to reach Murren. If you are using the train, there are two primary ways to reach Gimmelwald. 1. Train to Lauterbrunnen from Interlaken Ost; post bus to Stechelberg, cable lift to Gimmelwald. <BR>2. Train to Lauterbrunnen, cable car lift to Grutschalp; little train to Muerren, and down hill on foot or by cable car to Gimmelwald. As far as I know, reaching Gimmelwald by private vehicle is not an option. <BR> <BR>Grindelwald is not far away mile wise, but getting there involves several changes of means of conveyence. <BR> <BR>You would have to return to Lauterbrunnen and take the train to Zweilutschinen where you change for Grindelwald. The rail line coming south from Interlaken Ost divides at Zweilutschinen (where the two main branches of the Lutschinen river join). <BR>The south fork leads to Lauterbrunnen; the east fork goes to Grindelwald. <BR>Trains are frequent. My guess is that by the time you left your chalet in Gimmelwald it would take you over an hour to get to Grindelwald, assuming you made all connections in a timely manner. <BR>I am not sure what 50 CHF or SFR a night would buy you in that region. We stayed for a week in Lauberbrunnen for 85 a night. We had a studio apartment that was fine. <BR> <BR>Would it be a good home base for 5 nights? That is difficult to answer. <BR>There is the attraction of the Schilthorn, which in involves a somewhat pricey ride, or a steep walk, to a spectacular observation point complete with a revolving restaurant. <BR>There are walks uphill to the Sefinen Vally and up to the Oberhornsee, which requires some uphill walking. On the floor of the valley there are some beautiful waterfalls: Trummelbach, Staubach, and some others.

Bob, <BR>Thanks for your comments! In your opinion, what town would be a good home base for 5 nights in the Berner Oberland region for doing several day hikes? I've heard Grindelwald is very touristy and I'd rather stay in a town that is a little less touristy but has a market or two and where I can rent a chalet/apartment. What do you think? <BR>Thanks again! <BR> <BR>Janice <BR> <BR>

Goodmorning, Janice <BR>Here are a couple of urls. to surf on <BR>Gimmelwald for additional information. <BR> <BR>www.berneroberland.ch/ <BR>www.muerren.ch/ <BR>www.spectraweb.ch/~regions-travel <BR>www.jungfrau.ch/ <BR>www.wengen.ch/ <BR>www.grindelwald.ch/ <BR>www.enit.it/ <BR>www.swissmountains.ch/ <BR>www.stechelberg.ch/ <BR>www.gimmelwald/news.ch/ <BR>Good surfing, Richard of Hickory Hills, IL.....

I will let Bob reply to the rest of the question. I will tell you where to find some great information on Gimmelwald. Rick Steves made this little mountain top town popular through his tv show and writings. See if you can get a copy of his video on the Berner Oberland from the local library or try to catch it on the Travel Channel. He has written excellent guide books on this region of Switzerland, and one of his new books, "Postcards from Europe" includes a wonderful chapter on his experiences in Gimmelwald. See his web site at www.ricksteves.com. You will find some info there on Gimmelwald. Also there is a Gimmelwald site at www.gimmelwald-news.ch.

I wish Dan would give his suggestions, too, because they are always "right on", so to speak. I read his advice very carefully. <BR>I am a little reluctant to so presumptive as to say: "Go here.", or "Go there." So let me share with you my decision making process. <BR>Last year when I was trying to decide the same thing you are, I consulted websites and got brochures from several tourist offices. Richard gave you a good list, as he always does. <BR>We started planning from the premise that we wanted to visit the mountains of Switzerland, so naturally the Berner Oberland was a prime consideration. We limited ourselves to that region and the Zermatt area from the beginning. <BR> <BR>The candidates in the Berner Oberland area were: Meiringen, Interlaken, Grindelwald, Stechelberg, Lauterbrunen, Murren, Wengen, and Kandersteg. After studying a pile of tourist brochures and website printouts, we finally settled on Lauterbrunnen for three reasons: (1) it was a transportation hub (2) it was in a beautiful location, and (3) an apartment was easily available at a good price. <BR>We decided against Murren and Wengen because they are more remote, and we did not have in mind staying the whole time in one place. <BR> <BR>From Lauterbrunnen, we visited Grindelwald, Wengen, Murren, Interlaken, and Luzern. Also we took the Jungfrau trip, which for us was almost a full day. We ran out of time to visit Kandersteg and the Kander Valley before we moved our base of operations to Saas Grund, which we selected because we located a great apartment, the village was easy to reach by car (in so far as any remote Swiss village is easy to reach), it was close to Zermatt, and it is next to Saas Fee and the Mischabel Chain of mountains -- that awesome range that separates the Saas valley from that of Zermatt. So for us the keys were <BR>location in terms of being able to get out and see the sights; the other was availablility and price. <BR>In Lauterbrunnen we stayed at Chalet Horner, run by Teresa Staeger. As it turned out, Teresa is of English birth, but has lived in Lauterbrunnen for about 30 years. <BR>The apartment we rented had a kitchen corner that was well equipped, so we shopped the markets along the main street of Lauterbrunnen and usually had breakfast "at home" and a late evening meal when we returned. If you want to explore my thinking farther, email me directly. I can give you more detail than what I have provided here. Bear in mind, however, that although touristy, Grindelwald also is much larger than the other villages. Therefore, it has a lot of activity and services. We enjoyed out two visits there, but in some respects we were just "passing through" on our way to the gondola rides up the mountain sides. You will have a great time, but selecting carefully will help you maximize your visit.

Gimmelwald is just 'down the hill' from Muerren, above Lauterbrunnen/Stechelberg. Reached either by cable from Stechelberg or Muerren or walking downhill 30 minutes from Muerren on an all weather path. <BR> <BR>It's a lovely setting, but a bit remote, though it's only 45 minutes or so to Wengen, an hour to Interlaken and about that to Grindelwald. <BR> <BR>For our money Muerren is the place to stay. Better views than anywhere, still much 'mountain village' charm, car free, and the smallest of the mountain villages except for Gimmelwald. <BR> <BR>Lauterbrunnen is convenient to transport, but while the valley is lovely it hasn't near the views of the 'terasse' villages. <BR> <BR>Extensive info on the area including accommondations and activities at http://twenj.com/bovisit.htm <BR> <BR>Ed

Gimmelwald is just 'down the hill' from Muerren, above Lauterbrunnen/Stechelberg. Reached either by cable from Stechelberg or Muerren or walking downhill 30 minutes from Muerren on an all weather path. <BR> <BR>It's a lovely setting, but a bit remote, though it's only 45 minutes or so to Wengen, an hour to Interlaken and about that to Grindelwald. <BR> <BR>For our money Muerren is the place to stay. Better views than anywhere, still much 'mountain village' charm, car free, and the smallest of the mountain villages except for Gimmelwald. <BR> <BR>Lauterbrunnen is convenient to transport, but while the valley is lovely it hasn't near the views of the 'terrasse' villages. <BR> <BR>Extensive info on the area including accommondations and activities at http://twenj.com/bovisit.htm <BR> <BR>Ed

Ok, ok, I will add my advice, or at least my preferences. I stayed in Interlaken, but I wish I had stayed in Wengen. It is on a mountain-side, but it doesn't take long for the train to reach it from Lauterbrunnen. It is my favorite for a combination of local atmosphere, views, transportation, and things to do. Interlaken is too touristy. Didn't spend too much time in Grindelwald, but it is supposed to be touristy. My second choice if transportation was not an issue would be Murren (similarly located to Wengen but opposite sides of the valley - slightly more remote but maybe more touristy). Gimmelwald would be great, but isolated (steep uphill walk to Murren) and not much to do except enjoy the incredible views and local atmosphere. Interlaken would be my choice if daytrips outside of the area are the main concern. Lauterbrunnen offers the best combination of ease for daytrips and proximity to the mountains - but in a valley. <BR> <BR>Hopefully, that was not too confusing. What it boils down to is this: for combination of transportation, "Swissness," and views: (1) Wengen, (2a) Murren, (2b) Lauterbrunnen (virtual tie with Murren - depends on whether mountain views or transportation are more important), (3) Grindelwald, (4) Gimmelwald, (5) Interlaken.

Wengen is certainly an excellent choice. However, I shudder to see Muerren somewhat dismissed as 'too touristy' and 'more remote'. <BR> <BR>As to remoteness, it takes 25 minutes to get to Muerren from Lauterbrunnen (the views are worth it!) vs. 18 minutes to Wengen. <BR> <BR>Wengen is a much larger village, about 3 times as large with that many more hotels and tourists. Muerren is the closest you can get to a true 'old fashioned' Swiss mountain village yet with modern accommodations, conveniences, grocery store, bank, etc. <BR> <BR>And as fine as the views from Wengen are, they're sublime from Muerren. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, we'd rather it get any more visitors than it already does ... so please stay elsewhere. <BR> <BR>Ed

Hello! I thought I would put my two cents in on the subject. I have been to Europe three times and I have to say that Murren was one of my favorite spots. I can't remember the name of the hotel, but once you departed the steep uphill train, it was to the far left, I believe Hotel Alpina. The prices were very fair and the view was spectacular! The room had a balcony on which you could sit and here the trees rustle and view the magnificence of the Swiss Alps. My mom and I stayed in Murren for three nights and visited Gimmelwald and the Schilthorn by cable car. <BR>The walk to Gimmelwald is not that bad on the way there, but can be trying on the way back if you are not used to the hike, but it sounds like hiking is what you want to do. Gimmelwald has a wonderful youth hostel as well where I met one gentleman who had been there for a year writing his dissertation. Also, the small town has places to stay where locals have fresh hay where you can sleep for a small amount and take in the ambiance. If you do go to Gimmelwald, walk all over the place. The whole place is very fun and the type of place you yearn for when touring Europe on a tight budget or fast pacedd schedule. <BR> <BR>In addition, the ride to the Schilthorn was wonderful since the views are spectacular and the pictures that you can take are great. The one tip I have is to get to the top of the Schilthorn in the morning since the clouds will roll in in the afternoon and hinder the breath taking views. In conclusion, Murren was a wonderful change from Paris and such other cities. It is a small town with no cars aloud (except for small golf cart things) and an atmosphere of relaxation and a good book reading environment. I hope you enjoy Switzerland and don't forget to take in the view!

I wasn't putting down Murren, Ed. I liked the town. Afterall, I did rate it pretty highly. This was one case when my wording was a little wrong. Instead of maybe more touristy, I should have said I have heard it can be pretty touristy (that is not necessarily bad - depends on the person). This is what I meant to say by "maybe." I do think Wengen is a little more convenient though because no funicular/train combo is needed to get there. The views from the two are different, and maybe Murren's is even superior. Obviously both are quite popular with visitors. I would love to stay in both someday - Gimmelwald too. This area of Switzerland rates a very close second to Paris for me as far as my favorite places in Europe.

I have to agree with Melissa. We were in Murren in July 1997 and fell in love with it. Remote, somewhat but that is the charm. There was a little market where we bought wine and cheese and sat out on our balcony overlooking the Jungfrau. We walked down to Gimmelwald, in perhaps 20 minutes, but rode up. It is best to go up top the mountain early, not only because of clouds but because it is cheaper early. We actually hiked down to Lauterbrunen (by mistake we missed a turn) and went up to wengen which did seem touristy after murren. All the above comments are good, its just finding the right atmosphere for your perspective. Have a wonderful trip!!!

To sum it up, that area of Switzerland is beautiful. There is something spectacular to see in almost every direction. I don't think you can make a bad choice because each place has its own charm. True, the mountain views from Murren, Wengen, and Gimmelwald are great, but from our apartment in Lauterbrunnen we could see mountain pastures, hear the cowbells clang in the distance, and glimpse a few peaks. I am returning to Lauterbrunnen, same apartment, in a few weeks. But, my wife and I will also be visiting again Murren and Wengen for the views and atmosphere. One might say that we only slept and ate breakfast in Lauterbrunnen; the rest of the time, we were elsewhere. The only times we straggled in before sundown was on two days when we were so tired from walking and looking at the mountains, that a cool drink, food, a hot shower, and sleep were the only pleasent options.

Hi Janice, <BR>My husband and I stayed at the Pension Gimmelwald last October. The village is very small with 2 pensions, a hostel, and some private rooms for rent. The nearest market would be in either Murren or Lauterbrunnen. While we enjoyed our stay, Gimmelwald was a little too quiet for us. We had a great dinner at the Hotel Alpenruh in Murren and will probably stay there the next time we are in the area. If you have a Swiss Pass, it covers the gondola or the funicular/train to Gimmelwald and Murren.