Two couples will be going to Germany, Austria and Switzerland in Sept. We need suggestions for a moderately priced hotel or B & B in Interlaken-probably for 2 nights. Also, what are the "must-see" sights?

Three years ago we stayed at Gasthaus Hirschen in Interlaken, its a beautiful old building about 5 min walk into the centre of Interlaken. Our room was huge with two beds, ensuite etc. and a chaise looking out the window straight at the Jungfrau. The hotel is small, lovingly furnished and immaculate and the breakfast were great. They also have a garden area and off street parking. Unfortunately their website is in German but they certainly speak very good English in the reception should you email them. Website is www.hirschen-interlaken Hope this helps.

www.sunnydays.com
Ask for rooms with a view. The breakfasts are great and the location perfect.

Sorry, that should be
www.sunnydays.ch

We stayed at Hotel Lotschberg, recommended in Rick Steves' books several years ago. It was close enough to the train station to walk, but not hear the train, and near the local grocery store.

Fritz and his wife speak good english. In fact, we sent my in-laws back for a two-week stay at their "apartment". Here's their website.......... http://www.lotschberg.ch/e_unserhotel.php

Marla

Thanks for the suggestions. I would defintely like a room with a view. I think it's one I'll remember for a long time. Any more ideas-things to take-in without missing- would be great.

Just want to point out that there are 2 train stations in Interlaken. The trips up into the mountains leave from Interlaken Ost, also the boat ride on Lake Brienz. Interlaken is a long skinny town stretched out along the river between Lakes Brienz and Thun. Having a Swiss Pass, we once even took the train from Interlaken West to Interlaken Ost, by which we were staying, just because my husband was tired of walking.

Yes, Interlaken is long. There is a "train" - several cars for tourists - running along, it takes 45 minutes to go around. It may be kinda fun on a rainy day for tired people.

I stayed in a hotel in the middle, Metropole, didn't like the location. But do visit the Top-O-Met on the 18th floor for a mid-day coffee (the food is not great, just OK) for the view. The view is priceless.

Most tourists to Interlaken only walk down the thronged main road between the West and East train stations and never see the really neat old part of town - Unterseen a few blocks to the north - along the rushing Aare river, with Lucerne-type damns - check out the colorful old square around the local church. Otherwise there are no must sights in Interlaken - do a boat trip as advised above. A pleasant base with, thank God, no must sights!

What do you mean, no must sights? What about the casino, LOL

And the cows in the meadow with a view of the Jungfrau?

And the chocolates on display in the restaurant across from Metropole, what's its name?

And the Swiss watches on display in showcases along the main drag - and Swiss Army Knives that also tell you the altitude!

You all are fun. How about going with us? Do you think we should actually stay in Interlaken or maybe in another near-by town? We will have a car. Do you think the cost of the various trains to the top of the Jungfrau are worth it? I know the view will be wonderful, and I may never go again... I'm open for ideas. Thanks.

Well though i love Interlaken if it were my first time i'd either stay in Grindelwald or Wengen - both towns perched at the foot of glacier-clad peaks - Grindelwald has an ampitheater of stupendous views - a wide panorama of jagged ice-bound Alpine peaks - totally awesome view - i was camping there and a thunderstorm hit - it was so wonderful - the water cascading off the sheer cliffs. Grindelwald is more plebian - wel-heeled sorts like Wengen -a much quieter town with different but still intoxicating views. Neither town lets cars in though you can park in lots but can't drive to your hotel. Grindelwald has many budget options from budget hotels to ski dorms - Wengen is much more upscale - a favorite of Fodorites in past forums. But for budget stick to Grindelwald.
As for worth of spending at least $120 or more to do the Jungfrau - i did it for the 2nd time last year and yes to me it was worth it - it would have been worth it at any cost - great views, top of the world scenes, walk to the glaciers and you can e-mail a postcard from the top to anyone in the world for a few bucks. Be sure it's a clear day or it would be a wash out.

Topping because PalQ's description of old Interlaken caught my attention, and I think that town probably deserves another look. As many times as I've strolled around between the stations waiting for a boat or whatever, I don't think I even knew there was an older part. duh. Thanks, PalQ! and p.s. your "plebian" label for Grindelwald (ouch) made me laugh in the middle of a swallow of my morning coffee. Oh how I wish I were in Switzerland right now. I stayed in a little two-star in Leissigen, which alas went bankrupt or something. I think the property might still be for sale if you'd like to open a b&b (Hotel Hirschen, Leissigen). J.

Yah 'plebian' in the sense of common, not crude, which it can also mean. Perhaps i used the wrong word but more plebian doesn't mean plebian - just that Grindelwald caters to a lot of youth travelers and budget hikers who stay in its hostels and ski dorms in austere and cheap accommodations, few of which exist in Wengen. I didn't mean to denigrate Grindelwald at all - one of my favorite places in Europe, as is Wengen and the whole of the Bernese Oberland area. I usually spend several days here every other year or so and always revel in its stunning beauty and atmosphere lended it by the international brigade of hikers, skiiers and casual tourists who flock here - especially the hoardes of Japanese who flock here - there are even billboard ads in Japanese in Interlaken.