I am trying to decide on 3 days hiking in Murren or Chamonix in mid August. I have already been to Murren and loved it but have also been interested in going to Chamonix. Can anyone tell me how they compare for hiking, is Chamonix just as beautiful? Are the hotel prices comparable?

Thanks for any help, I really would like to go back to Murren, but also like to see new places...

We have been to both. Did not do any hiking in Chamonix, weather was a problem in late September. They had already had the first snow and had closed the transport to Italy. Overall, I think there was more hiking options around murren/wengen.

From a picturesque standpoint, I think the jungfrau is incomparable. Chamonix has a small town feel but not the same as Murren (maybe the lack of cars there has something to do with it). The aiguille du midi was great to see.

As far as prices I think there is a wide range at both from B & Bs to hotels, much depending on how much view you want. It has seemed that the dollar has taken more of a slide against the Euro then the swiss franc (we are going back to murren in Sept). As a result, depending on your tastes Switz may be more econonical than Chamonix (of course the amount of gondola trips could wipe that out).

They are both wonderful areas, and having been to both it may be easier to say, but we are going back to Murren!

We've been lucky enough to visit both in the last month, and they're both pretty spectacular. Murren is probably more dramatic, since you're already so far up and Chamonix proper is on the valley floor. But you can get altitude very quickly in Chamonix by hopping a telepherique (including the Aiguille du Midi, which takes you nearly to the highest point in Europe) and heading out from there. I hear there is great hiking on the back side of Mont Blanc, and the glaciers like Mer de Glace are really cool. But even the random mountainside trails have spectacular views. (Chamonix has a good website that could probably provide more info). One difference is that Chamonix is mostly about one mountain, whereas Murren gives you at least three biggies. I think the lodging is likely to be cheaper in Chamonix, because there's much more. You can't go wrong with either place, but I think on balance I probably prefer Chamonix/Mont Blanc (especially if you've never been). I like the French culture and food better than the German, and Chamonix also has this very cool, Gatsby era glamour to it. And there's definitely much more going on when you come off the trailhead. But both are pretty awesome.

Thank you so much for your replies! After much thought I decided to go back to Murren, just bought the plane tickets! What decided it for me was that I want to be up, way up in the mountains, and I remember how that just took my breath away in Murren. I think I will try to get to Chamonix this winter for a ski trip.

I am greatly leaning towards the Alpina Hotel with a view, seems like a good rate at 95 CHF for a single. Also heard good things about a small B & B called Chalet Fontana, 40 CHF for a single, shared bath. Price is tempting but I think I would really enjoy the view at the Alpina. Any feedback on these would be great!

Thanks again!

We are going back to where we stayed in 1997 at the Hotel Alpenruh. Since it will be mid sept, the rate will be 90sf per person for a wonderful view of the jungfrau and breakfast. The owners also own the restaurant atop the Schlithorn and you can exchange your breakfast at the hotel for on top the mountain in the revolving Piz Gloria. The views as we said are just breath taking. Have a great hike!