Barb & Jim

My husband and I will be vacationing in Europe Nov 2000. We will be in London visiting a friend for the first few days and touring Italy for 12 days. We then have 7 days to spend and would like an area with beautiful scenery, friendly people, and access to hiking. We had read about Innsbruck and Interlaken and both sounded intriguing. We are hoping to stay somewhere that we can see mountains from the hotel and can easily walk around. But access to hiking is a must. Reasonably priced is good. We are not looking for hostel but $200 a night would be quite a stretch for us. Any ideas? We would be eager to correspond with anyone who has been in the areas we are looking to visit. We also are interested in any advice on trains in Europe. Thanks very much.

Bob Brown

Although I have spent over 3 weeks in Lauterbrunnen, about 6 miles south of Interlaken, I don't know what to tell you about the weather in November. <BR>Ski season has not started because there is not usually enough snow by November to attract the winter ski crowd. But that does not mean that there will not be snowfall above 5,000 feet. <BR>Hotels in Switzerland are not as expensive as $200 per night, but they can be a little pricey. (Unless you are figuring food into the $200.) <BR>I have only spent a grand total of 3 nights in Swiss hotels in recent years because I have rented an apartment, which is much more reasonable on a per night basis. The problem is that you most apartment owners want to rent on a weekly basis. However, given the low occupancy rate in November, some of them might be a little more agreeble to negotiation. <BR> <BR>One thing I can tell you is this: many of the cable lifts are closed or have shortened their schedules in November. <BR>On the other hand, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is low enough that you could do some limited hiking with a view of the mountains in November. <BR> <BR>I was also in Innsbruck this September, but again I do not know what the snow would be like. <BR> <BR>What specifically do you want to know about Swiss trains? I have ridden them quite a bit. This past September we took the TGV from Paris to Lausanne, and then took the train from Interlaken all the way to Vienna -- about 12 hours of riding. (We stopped in Salzburg on the way.)

Marija

I'm not at all fond of Interlaken and would not stay there again. It is a jumping off point for trips to the mountains, not a picturesque destination in itself. Consider staying in Wengen or another beautiful Swiss village. We moved from Interlaken to Wengen and really liked it.

Daniel

Just returned from a trip that took us on a fairly broad sweep through five countries, and I must say I was probably least impressed with Innsbruck. I'd suggest basing yourself closer to the German border in the Bavarian Alps. Mittenwald was a lovely town, although we didn't stay there. For me, the drive from Germany through Mosern to Innsbruck was MUCH more appealing than Innsbruck itself. The landscape is DEFINITELY the thing.

Bob Brown

I agree with the evaluation of Interlaken. It is the gateway so to speak. Although the mountains can be seen, they are better from Wengen, Mürren, and Grindelwald. I have stayed in Lauterbrunnen for the simple reason that it is a center for going elsewhere and returning in the evening. I found a place that is comfortable, close to the transportation center, and where I can park the car free of additional charge. I freely admit that Wengen and Mürren offer better views of the mountains. <BR>But from Lauterbrunnen you can go all over very easily.

Don

The Interlaken area onto Murren is super-we just got back and while it was down to 35 F at night there-it was up to 50+ in the daytime, but this is Sept. For the hiking you want go south on down to the tip of Italy in Nov.-not to Switzerland.

Bob

As to the choice of either Innsbruck or Interlaken, I would do Interlaken area. Innsbruck itself is nice, but nothing really special after you walk the old town. If you end up in the Innsbruck area stay in Garmisch, Germany instead. There is more to see and do in that area and it is a short drive to Innsbruck if you insist. <BR> <BR>As for Interlaken: The mountain towns around Interlaken are prettier. Murren is great, but has no cars and must be arrived at by train. Once there, it is a pretty town. If you just want a location for touring the area though, Interlaken is convenient and has a casino for nightlife. <BR> <BR>If you want any ideas for hotels in Garmisch, email me.

Jimmy

Bob: <BR> <BR>We stayed at a hotel in Garmisch that was named "Riendl"s" (sic) and that is the family name. This was a real highlight of or visit to the area. The hotel has a mountain stream that runs right beside the buildings. It was wonderful to listen to the water while you slept. <BR> <BR>Have fun!