Dan, <BR>Consider the package deal that Idyll Untours offers in Switzerland - round-trip plane transportation, a two-week train/bus pass, and a rental apartment. These apartments are in small towns in three areas - the Heartland; the Berner Oberland; and the Ticino, and they are both comfortable and spotlessly clean. The price is unbelievably reasonable, and although you are given great support in the form of copious amounts of information as well as a local contact person, you are free to spend your time as you please. For more info, go to www.untours.com.

To Patrick,Gina, BOB,Rod,xxx,Elsa, Julie, Ellen, Philip, Kay, Greg, Sue, Kay, Richard, JW, Geoff, and Sue. Phew. <BR>Hope I didn't forget anyone. <BR> <BR>Thanks for the informative and well though out information. I've been looking into your info and I'll be taking much of your advice. <BR> <BR>I'll definitely go to Murren/Wenger at least for a day or two. In my own research I've come across two hotels that look just perfect for us. One is the Hostellerie Bon Accueil in the town of Château d'Oex, which a couple of you mentioned. The other is the Landgasthof Ruedihus, which looks exactly what I think a Swiss Chalet should, in the town of Kandersteg. If anyone knows anything about these towns or places, I'd appreciate any feedback. Again thanks for all of your efforts.

JW, <BR> <BR>About your inquiry of Château d'Oex. Julie's response piqued my interest too, and I've done quite a bit of research. It sounds great. I found a website where a guy kept a journal of his trip to Chateau d' Oex and Murren. He had a lot of info and pictures, I think you may find it helpful. <BR>http://www.geocities.com/rkedwar/swiss/chateaud.htm <BR> <BR>I also found info on a nice rustic chateau in town, which is what I'm looking for. <BR>http://www.karenbrown.com/switzerlan...onaccueil.html <BR> <BR>

Jw--The hotel we stayed in in Chateau d'Oex was Richmont Chalet. I do not recall visiting a museum there. Sorry I missed it. Unfortunately cannot comment on utility of using Flims as a base for exploration by train. We drove. Stayed at Hotel Adula there. Very nice hotel.

Indeed, Murren is not to be missed!

Hi Dan <BR>Before your final decision please have a look at our website www.schwizi.ch where we offer the most splendid vacation apartments on Lake Brienz. Our resort in Ringgenberg is located just 4 km outside Interlaken, which is in the heart of the Swiss alps. From our place you can travel to nearly any place in Switzerland by daytrip. For more info go to www.schwizi.ch and www.jungfrau.ch

Dan, I love Kandestag--a good choice. It is on the main rail line that will allow you to visit Zermatt and the Interlaken areas easily.