I think most people would find them a nuisance on non-strenuous hikes. We use them for serious ascents and descents only (3000 feet or so), where they help take the stress off old knees. On more level ground, some people use them for "Nordic walking", but that's quite different from a pleasant walk. Also---it's difficult to find ones that fold up small enough to fit in your checked bags (most are still 25" when collapsed), and they can't be carried on the plane. So unless you've already used them and know that you like to, it's probably not worth the trouble.

ttt ((b))

Budman, thanks for the GTG info: I hope we can make it--I really need to read the US board more. (We lived in Philly for 14 years so BYOB will be like old-times!)

I'm not sure if it will interest you or Mrs. B, but the woodworking artisans workshop in Brienz sounds really interesting (along w/a cruise on Lake Thun).

BTW, Cuddleduds are for wimps!

Hey Budman!

Poles? Good question.

I've never used them. But then the trails we take are mostly flat, somewhat rocky so watch your footing. You'll find the Swiss almost ALL use poles, but then they're walking uphill too -- not me!

Last summer with my parents, my dad bought a pair at the top of the Jungfraujoch to help him on the ice, and they sure came in handy for him. Made him feel much more secure. Of course, buying them up there was not the wisest thing to do (money-wise--they were 96 CHF--yikes!), but he used them the rest of the trip on all the trails.

I would say you could try the first day, see what it's like, and make up your mind. I do know that you'll most likely have snow on the trails, so it might be more of a consideration.

The kind that my dad bought were able to come apart so he could pack them away in his little 21" suitcase for the flight home. No problem there.

Hiking poles can be very useful for people who need a little extra help in particularly steep areas. I only use one pole- if I use one at all. I find a pole useful in especially steep downhill segments of a trail. In a way a pole is like a security blanket. You don't always need one, but it's nice to have one every once in a while. It all boils down to personal preference, and one's one opinion of safety and comfort.

Ingo, I was planning on driving to Spiez, parking the car and catching the boat to Thun. Tour Thun/have lunch, and boat back to Spiez and tour Spiez, or some combination of that. Is there parking by the boat pier in Spiez?

mvor, I will probably make it to Brienz sometime during the trip.

The week is filling up fast. You know what that means -- start planning for a return trip. :-) ((b))

Yes, budman, there is parking near the boat pier in Spiez. One is in front of the castle, the other at the entrance to the sort of "beach" if I recall correctly.

Your plan sounds good to me.

Ingo

Ingo, thanks for all your advise. Do you think I could fit in Oberhofen Castle. I see the boat also stops there.

BTW, I ordered and just received the book Cicerone recommended above. It's a wealth of information with lots of great ideas -- So much to do -- so little time. Now I've got to pick & chose. Thanks Cicerone. :-) ((b))

Castle Oberhofen is IMO the best of the three (Spiez, Oberhofen, Thun). 3 castles in one day are too many (also for an architecture fan like me ;-) ) so you have to select:

Thun is medieval, Oberhofen is mostly 19th century interior, Spiez is a combination of both.

Time wise I think you can include castle Oberhofen. There is also a bus running Thun - Oberhofen (at least every hour). So maybe visit Thun first and take the bus to Oberhofen in the afternoon, visit the castle there and enjoy the garden (sunny lakeside), take a late boat back to Spiez. I did not have a look at the boat timetable, but maybe it works out.

Hey Budman -

Just read that in celebration of the 2006 summer season, the Schynige Platte Railway is offering a return journey for the price of a single ticket - good on May 27 & 28, 2006.

I was surprised to learn the railway would be opening so early, as one year we were there it didn't open until about June 5.

For restaurants in Grindelwald - I can recommend Memory Bistro in the Hotel Eiger and Restaurant Oberland.

As far as hikes go, you're spoiled for choice and alot of my favorites have already been mentioned here, but you might also consider walking from Lauterbrunnen to Wilderswil along the Lutschine. It's level and paved to Zweilutschinen (an easy hour's stroll), where you can catch the train back if you've had enough, or continue walking to Wilderswil or Interlaken.

Thanks to all. I need this information for my September trip. I'll be back later when I get my act together. Margo

Ingo, thanks. I'll play it by ear.

Melnq8, bummer -- we leave the morning of the 27th for Luzern. :-( ((b))

tagging for future reference. thanks for all the great information!