Diane0770

We have a family acquaintance from Monthey, Switzerland that is meeting us for dinner while we are in Murren, Switzerland. We are staying at the Hotel Jungfrau and the restaurant at the hotel sounds wonderful but we are a bit concerned that he and his daughter (11 years old) will have to take a cablecar to meet us at the hotel. Is it no big deal or should we meet them somewhere in the valley? Any restaurant suggestions? Thanks for any help you can provide!

mokka4

Of course, that acquaintance may be driving (vs rail), but it still seems like a long trip for them....
Perhaps Spiez or even Interlaken would make an easier meeting point?
See attached train schedule with orienting map:

http://fahrplan.sbb.ch/bin/query.exe...95133&OK#focus

mokka4

Sorry, that link doesn't seem to work...how about:

https://maps.google.com/

About 2.5 hrs to drive...?

michele_d

You might want to meet them down in Interlaken, but you also have to be aware of the time for the last cable car/train coming up from Lauterbrunnen to Murren so you don't miss it.

kja

As I recall, that particular cable car -- the one from Lauterbrunnen to Grutschalp -- is quite large. I think it holds 100 people. (I'm pretty sure, because I was person 101 once and so was first on the next one.) And then there's a little train to go from Grutschalp to Murren. Hope that helps!

michele_d

kja...it's a large cable car but maybe 25-30 people tops. Was just there last summer. I wonder what time the last cablecar goes up to Grutschalp. Wouldn't want them to miss their return ride to their hotel.

kja

Hmmm... I was just there in June, but I could be wrong!

I believe one can get info about the last route of the day through the sbb website.

michele_d

Thanks kjs, Looks like the last cable car up to Grutschalp leaves Lauterbrunnen at 20:31 so they can catch the train from Interlaken at 20:02.

kja

Shouldn't they also consider the timing of the return from Murren? And might the actual day/date make a difference?

kappa1

kja is right. More like a capacity of 100 people for Lauterbrunnen - Grutschalp aerial cable car. From my memory (took it some years ago - shortly after its opening ), it never was that small ( yes a cable car gondola for 30 is small).

kappa1

Ok, from the Swiss Tourism site :

Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp
Since 2006, visitors have been able to ascend the first 685 meters of the Grütschalp (1481 meters) by aerial cable car. The cable car can accommodate 100 persons on each ride. At the same time it can carry 6,000 kilograms of freight. The ride takes 4 minutes.

What about meeting up and dinner at Lauterbrunnen? Makes it a bit easier, closer for OP's Mürren hotel and if the friends are coming by car, Interlaken or Lauterbrunnen does not make much difference for them.

Dukey1

Makes sense that the Op would DESCEND to meet the guests. The cablecar up isn't the last phase; they would still have to take that short rail trip from the cablecar stop into Murren itself.

michele_d

Oops...my mistake. I asked my hubby and son who both were on the trip with me how many passengers they thought it held and both agreed 30...triple strike out. Sorry.

In my defense: I am terrified of heights and try to block out any experiences involving them out of my mind. Don't know what my son and hubby's excuse was...obviously they were just enthralled with the scenery during the ride!

Carry on with your planning.

kappa1

Michèle, did you also take the cable car Stechelberg - Mürren side ? That would be even more interesting ;-) /scary experience for you....

michele_d

I saw pics of that cable car going vertical up the cliff and had to draw the line at that. Uhh, noooo. The only way you would get me in that one is if I was unconscious. I so wish I could enjoy it but it just freaks me out. I just keep telling myself: I don't have to like it I just have to do it, but I have my limits.

kja

The OP might do well to identify at least two options (one for eating in Murren and one for eating in Lauterbrunnen or Interlaken), make sure she knows last train/cable car times (for her friend and his daughter to leave Murren or for her to leave for Murren), and let the father decide. For all we know, the daughter might be looking forward to the great adventure of taking the cable car and little train!

shanmugamprakash

Refer www.junfrau.ch for the cable car timings

Diane0770

Thanks for your input. We have decided to meet in Lauterbrunnen for dinner. Has anyone eaten at Hotel Oberland Restaurant? I should make reservations, correct?

michele_d

I would probably make reservations since there are not too many options in town and this way you will be safe. I hope you have a wonderful visit.

kja

I would make a reservation. I reserved well in advance and was very pleasantly surprised to find that the Oberland didn't just hold a table for me -- it held the one with the best view. Kudos!