We're going to stay 3-4 nights during late May or early June in one of these two cities to explore the region including a day trip to Bern. Interlaken seems more convenient for train transportation, correct?? Within Interlaken is it better to stay near the East or West train station? Still haven't totally decided on Interlaken or Grindelwald as a hub....pros or cons? (We don't do any hiking or mountain sports). Thanks!

I'd stay in Grindlewald. If I'm not breaking some rule here, I'll repost some recent discussions on this area.<BR><BR>Message: For some reason, many people have gotten this idea that staying in Murren, Wengen or Grindlewald will make traveling to other areas very difficult. They have gotten this idea that staying in Lauterbrunnen is preferable to staying in the higher mountain villages.<BR><BR>True, you can save some time by staying in Lauterbrunnen if you want to pop over to Merrigen, Thun or Kandersteg, but the time you'd save is probably 20-30 extra minutes.<BR><BR>I'd stay in Wengen or Murren if I were planning things. In fact, in my plans, I am staying in Wengen.<BR><BR>In my trip this year, I hope to go over to Magisalps, Thun, Beatenberg and several other villages also. Look, you CAN stay in Wengen,Murren or Grindlewald and still travel to the lake villages and other areas.<BR><BR>Hopefully, this will end the confusion over this.<BR><BR>Get yourself up to the higher mountain villages and don't worry about a thing!<BR><BR>Author: Bob Brown ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/20/2002, 07:39 amMessage: I will be returning this summer for my 4th week in the Berner Oberland. So far I have opted to stay in Lauterbrunnen, but in full realization of its drawbacks. Usully, I have a rental car, which I can park for free near the door of my apartment. With a car, it is easy to get out of Lauterbrunnen and drive to Grindelwald or to Interlaken. By train or cable lift it is easy to reach Wengen, Kleine Scheidegg and M&uuml;rren. By bus, Stechelberg and Isenfluh are a short ride away. In a sentence:<BR>Lauterbrunnen is a transportation hub.<BR>M&uuml;rren offers stunning views, perhaps unrivaled, in the Berner Oberland.<BR>Wengen, also has a gorgeous setting.<BR><BR>I think it depends on what you want to do and what you want to see and how mobile you intend to be. I looked at the various pros and cons, and for me the mobility issue was high on the list.<BR><BR>Also we have found an apartment that meets our needs and the owner is flexible in that she does not adhere slavishly to the Saturday to Saturday rental period. Many of the apartment owners do, particularly if you go through an intermediary. In my case, I pick up the telephone, call and ask.<BR><BR>I think you could also consider Wilderwil and Zweil&uuml;tschinen as bases.<BR>Either one would maximize mobility, but both of these locations are fully hidden from the peaks like the Jungfrau and the Schreckhorn. At least from Lauterbrunnen, there is a view of the Jungfrau and Staubach Falls. <BR><BR>Of the four, Grindelwald is by far the largest with the most hotels, restaurants and shops. It is also the most crowded. <BR><BR>Lauterbrunnen is essentially a village of one main street, with one food store that sells vegetables, plus bakeries, a meat market, dairy products store, and various other shops. <BR><BR>M&uuml;rren is mostly hotels, restaurants, and apartments with a few stores and shops. It is supplied by cable lift and train and you reach it the same way.<BR><BR>Wengen is also perched up on the mountain side and is accessible only by train or foot or helicopter.<BR><BR>I think the final choice is up to you.<BR>All of the four major mountain towns have their positive features and their drawbacks. I think it depends on what is important to you. <BR><BR>Were I going for 3 days, I would choose M&uuml;rren because of the views of the Alps.<BR>For a week, I have stayed with my choice. I admit there is more action in Grindelwald, but usually I arrive there after a few days in Paris, so "action" is now taking a backseat to other aspects of my reason for being there. <BR><BR> <BR>Bob pointed out that it's easier to reach Kleine Scheidegg from Grindlewald. The same also applies to Wengen as well.<BR><BR>Again, if given the choice of stsying in Interlaken or Grindlewald, I'd stay in Grindlewald.<BR><BR>

Good evening, Marcie Have stayed in<BR>Grindelwald about four times usually in<BR>September. Do not what weather to expect in April/May. Have been very satisified<BR>with Grindelwald, however using Interlaken as a base and staying near<BR>Interlaken East, you have acess to <BR>the trains running west and up to Bern,<BR>You have Lake Brienz and Ballenberg at<BR>the dock behind tghe east station. Lake<BR>Thun from behind the west station.<BR>And Luzern in two hours from Interlaken<BR>East. We used the Hotel Schweizerhof<BR>in Grindelwald and there is a very good<BR>hotel behind the Interlaken East station named the DU LAC a three star..<BR>Orangesun and Bob cover mostly all that<BR>is to be seen in the Berneroberland..<BR>But would pick Grindelwald for a play <BR>to stay...Richard of LaGrange Park, IL..

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