Hi all,

We will be in Interlaken Sept. 9-14 and it looks like the Jungfrau Marathon is that Saturday. Has anyone ever been? Is it good for spectators? Some of the photos look amazing, but the crowds! There are thousands of them! http://www.jungfrau-marathon.ch/ws2/...ctures/2009-2/ We may stay out of the mountains that day and do a day trip to Luzern!

thanks,

Sarah

If I remember correctly Interlaken is only crowded before the start of the marathon, most people either watch the start and then go up the mountains to Wengen or higher or just watch the start and go elsewhere. I also seem to remember that the train company outy on extra trains between interlaken Ost and Kleine Schieddeg. I certainly would say that there were thousands of extra people there, I mean yes it's busy but not uncomfortably so, the crtowds soon disperse.

DH ran the marathon in 2009. I was a spectator.
Yes, there are LOTS of people. Interlaken was packed, but finding a place to eat lunch or dinner wasn't difficult. Many of the runners don't stay in Interlaken before or after the race. They train into town.
There is a wonderful party atmosphere along the race route. People are friendly and talkative. Lots of bands, bells, and people generally making noise and having fun.
Race day the trains into and out of the mountains (Wengen, Kleine Shiedegg) are completely packed. Although extra trains are added, wait times can be long and every train is standing room only. I disagree with tipsyguy that the crowds disperse. After the start of the race the crowds left Interlaken and headed home, to a stop along the race route or to the finish line.
Interlaken was lots of fun after the race -- lots of people in the streets, many of the bands came back into town and played well into the night.
Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Hi chicknpig6,

You may want to consider an excursion only as far as Thunersee or Brienzersee; I bet they would be far less crowded. In Thun, you could see the castle, shop, stroll through the lovely town, take the ferry back to Interlaken (stopping also in Spiez).

Thun has been called the "untouristed Luzern," and it's much closer.

Have fun!

s

Thanks everyone. We'll look into Thun or Brienz, we haven't planned a lake excursion but that might be perfect, then get back to Interlaken for the party but not the mob.

We were in Interlaken a few years go when the Marathon was happening. We stayed at the Sunny Days B&B and were told by the owners that it was happening - runners running along a block away from the B&B. We went over there - it was NOT crowded. We stayed to see them run past us and then went to breakfast back at the B&B.

Not sure if we went into the mountains that day or perhaps we went to Thun and took a boat on lake Thun that day, and so didn't notice any problem. Either way, don't remember a problem with crowds.