JW, if you mean lots of people, the place was dead when we were there. Everyday, as we were leaving, loads of people were coming up because the Schilthorn Tram station is in Murren. Lots of Japanese but they were up at the Jung Frau and other places as well. We were generally someplace else during the day hiking and returned again in the evening. <BR><BR>We ate at the Chinese Restaurant, Thams, twice and talked with Tham's wife at length. She told us that in the winter the place is very crowded with English who come for the skiing. They have to stay open very late but in the summer it is very slow. The Tachi Bar and Inferno Bar were, well, to me looked closed. Strolling around in the evening we only ran into a few people. It didn't even seem as if there were that many locals around - houses didn't look occupied. I don't know what it will be like later in July and August.<BR><BR>Interlaken, Grindlewald, Lauterbrunnen and Wengen were definitely busier than Murren. Gimmelwald was the s-l-o-w-e-s-t.<BR><BR>As soon as my husband has our pictures ready, I'll let you know. They are beautiful. I just can't believe they are real.

Opps. Hit the stop button on the first post to add a sentence but...

Pictures? Great! I'll look forward to them!

JW, where in Switzerland have you traveled? This was my first time there so I cannot compare Murren to Davos or Gstaad. If you have been to these areas, perhaps you can tell me if there are fewer tourists in those areas.<BR><BR>I have a friend in Switzerland who recommended the Gstaad area to me but we were not able to go there this trip. Next time.

Rhonda: I think JW is just saying that Murren tends to be a touristy Swiss town that a lot of visitors go to. I found it to be so, and I much prefer the smaller towns that are so overrun with other tourists, however you will find out for yourself which you prefer if you visit again. Once you've seen the main spots, you will gain confidence to explore and discover the wonderful out of the way places that many long time Swiss trippers enjoy. Examples: Evolene, Fionnay, Champex, etc. etc.

Hi Ronda. Yes indeed, you will never feel that you have experienced enough of Switzerland. I have been enamoured with the Ticino for the last several years, and I thought I was immune to all the ravings about Murren at this forum. But there was something about your description that weakened my resolve, so it's on my list again along with Gsteig, Chateau d'Oex, and the Engadine valley (town undecided).<BR><BR>I've stayed anywhere from 4 to 7 nights on various visits in Stein am Rhein, Rapperswil on Zurichsee, Leissigen on Lake Thun, Brienz, Rivaz in the Lavaux region of Lac Leman, and of course, most recently, Gerra on Lago Maggiore. Oops, I forgot to mention Lausanne from my very first trip in 1971, what a graceful old city, and Bulach -- my choice for night-before-departure. But since then you can see that I've always chosen small places with b&b's or small hotels as my anchor. <BR><BR>Ursula is sure to see your mention of Gstaad and tell you all about it. I understand that it is not as pretentious in reality as one would expect from its reputation for the rich and famous; in fact quiet and intimate. I'll look forward to your impressions.<BR>Are you already planning your next visit? J.

And I forgot to mention Murten on the lake of the same name. I've got to say that when I visited that town and Brienz, and Rapperswil, they were still fairly unknown and quiet. Doubt if they still are, alas. But you know, even once they've been discovered, they are still quiet and lovely in the early mornings and in the evenings after the tour buses have left. You said this about your stay in Murten, and I think it is still true in the most visited places in Europe -- like Rothenburg in Germany. By the way, all the places I've stayed are convenient for day-trips by train, bus, or lakeboats. J.

We, too, stayed in Stein am Rhein for a few days. I can't remember who suggested it to me; perhaps it was you, JW. Again, there were many tourists during the day but at night we practically had the place to ourselves. <BR><BR>My husband has the possibility of going to Lucerne again in 2004 on business. I will definitely have to plan it so that we can visit my friend in Gstaad.

Hi Ronda. I think we met on the train going up to Muerren on that rainy Saturday. Saw you again at the restaurant Alpenruh, and we flew home from Zurich on the same flight.<BR><BR>It was interesting you commented on the color of the sky after sunset. We called it a slate blue, but one of the prettiest sky colors we have ever seen. Impossible to photograph, at least with our equipment and abilities.<BR><BR>We too found Muerren to be enchanting and just a very special place.<BR>You are a lot more organized than me. My little effort at a trip report will take a few more days, I'm afraid. You covered it very well.

BILL, BILL, is that really you!!!!??? I can't believe it. We were so rushed at customs that I didn't ask your wife for your name's and address so please e-mail me. I have just been kicking myself silly and really regretting that we did not exchange information. This is so unbelievable. What until I tell Dan!!!

Ahh, Bill, slate blue sky after sunset. Yes, and then a bit later more like blue-violet. I have not stayed in Murren, but the same fabulous sky appears across Lago Maggiore from Gerra Gambarogno. I know this is old news, but I'm in need of some 'visualization' material to reduce stress. J.