rheims2017

We are booked for three nights in Interlaken (Goldswil) and then two nights in Bern. I'm wondering if we'd be better off just staying in Interlaken and taking a day trip or two to Bern rather than changing hotels. It seems like the hiking and convenient central location in Interlaken will be more versatile. Thoughts anyone?

nytraveler

IMHO a day trip to Bern is fine. There is not that much to see/do and Interlaken is much better for seeing the lakes, ascending mountains and getting to mountain villages for hiking.

Edward2005

If you're going to Interlaken to hike in the mountains, then you're better off just staying in one of the mountain towns like Grindlewald, Murren, Wengen, or Gimmelwald. Many great hikes start in those towns (saving you time), the scenery is much better than in Interlaken, and sleeping at altitude will get you acclimated more quickly. And if you run into poor weather, you can still do Bern as an easy day-trip.

Any of the towns above would be a better choice than Interlaken if your main activity is hiking.

Dianedancer

I love Bern but you can stay in Interlaken and do a day trip there. It's easy on the railway. If you stay in Bern you can easily go to other towns nearby like Neuchatel, Murten, Fribourg, etc.

neckervd

All depends on the places you want to visit.
If you want to stay in the Bernese Oberland only, Goldswil may be a good choice.
Buses to Interlaken Ost railway station every 30 min (every hr at weekends); connecting trains and boats from there to almost everywhere about 15 min after the bus arrival.

If you want to visit other towns, lakes and mountains of Western Switzerland (Biel/Bienne and Neuchatel (Lake dwelling museums), La Chaux de Fonds (Swiss watch making museum), Murten (city walls), Avenches (roman amphitheatre), Castles of Neuchatel, Grandson, Chillon, Prangins, Gruyeres, etc., boat rides on Lakes Biel, Murten, Neuchatel, Geneva, and rivers Aar, Thielle and Broye.....), Berne is of course the better choice.

rheims2017

We intend to head to the mountains most days to hike in different areas, but will also want to take boat or train to Thun and Bern - weather may be a factor in choices too. We're booked in Goldswil, near the Interlaken Ost station and greatly appreciate all of your advice! We live at 7000 feet in the states, so acclimation will not be an issue. Can't wait to do the Apple Fritter hike ending at the Brandegg restaurant for the "best" apple fritters are made! We'll also be renting bikes and hoping to have a few long rides - possibly Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen.

Pepper_von_snoot

Well, the Lake Brienz boat launch is right behind Interlaken Ost.

The Lake Thun boat launch is at Interlaken West.

I have taken the Berlin train from Interlaken Ost to the stops at Spiez and Thun.

There are lots of nice outside cafes along the river in Thun.

One of the best hikes in the area is from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg. You would need to travel from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen to Wengen then walk over to the Mannlichen gondola.

I hope you go up to the Schynige Platte from Wilderswil.


Thin