Pocket

I do get your point Pal, you make a great case. Grindelwald is just over an hour (by my schedule) from Brienz. It's my first escape off the leash jaunt. All good P

swandav2000

Yes, it really is a matter of taste. I haven't visited Brienz, but the mountains-spilling-into-lakes scenery of Weggis (on Lake Lucerne) beat Grindelwald by a large margin for me. So do the green hills around Gstaad.

So, I think your choice, Pocket, is a good one. I think the scenery will be astounding for you, and yes, you are close enough to get to the Jungfrau peaks easily. Good choice.

s

mokka4

All: My suggestions are specifically geared to this person(MIL) with limited mobility or endurance issues. Brienz/Rothorn/Harder Kulm are not "creme de la creme tier", but are still spectacular, especially for those with limitations in terms of mobility. IME, if it takes all one's energy just to get to the starting point, the trip becomes tiresome and regrettable.

Pocket

All booked and sorted. Thanks for all input. I love Fodorites. And what the hell. If I miss seeing something, damn it. I just have to come back!!

PalenQ

Brienz as places in Europe go is tops in scenic views, utility of transportation getting there, nice easy jaunts to nearby places and and easy to get to the real Alps in your mind in the Grindelwald-Lauterbrunnen-Wengen-Murren area.

You will love the lake views in this rather sedate place compared to more hectic places like Grindelwald with all the hikers and skiers coming thru making it a much busier place. Though the sidewalks may roll up at sunset there many folks will call that a plus (I'm not sure they do but it looks like that kind of place).

PalenQ

My Father-in-law is quite spritely and mobile, but my mother-in-law finds it hard to be on her feet too much after a broken ankle 2 years ago (they are in their 70s).

ever think of taking a wheel chair - trains especially have special accommodations for them as you can fold them up once on board and stow in the large luggage racks near the doorways.

Pocket

Our first city we will be visiting (tourist wise) is Amsterdam. I will assess her mobility there. The river cruise will also be interesting!! But these are her choices of holiday. The Swiss stopover was my idea. So as DIL I wanted to plan it well. Does anyone have any idea how you would organise one mid trip??

PalenQ

Being physically challenged could mean it is actually easier for them up in the hills in say Grindelwald or Wengen as you literally do not have to walk much to get to the maze-like system of mountain trains, aerial gondolas, etc going everywhere - I'd say in Brienz you may have to walk as much as up in the hills.

and again that is the awesome Switzerland most folks dream of which will not be fulfilled in a lakeside town, nice as they can be. Go for the gold I say on the trip of a lifetime.

mokka4

Was your question: how to arrange a wheelchair midtrip?
Searching multiple forums, I found no good answer
it seems not nearly so common to rent a WC in Switzerland. Most promobility sites are geared to citizens inside the country. The handicapped travel sites arrange your whole trip, etc. SBB helps with train and ship travel. You might get somewhere by contacting Brienz's TI...If you purchase and take a collapsible W/C, it looks like most lightweight ones weigh at least 25#.... Good luck!

Pocket

Thank you for looking into that mokka.
We will have to just see how she goes.
I did think a wheelchair might be handy in an airport situation. Can you ask the flight attendants to have one organised for when you disembark??

mokka4

Most definitely. Call the airlines that you are using. They will generally meet you at the gate with a chair or motorized cart.

WeisserTee

On my mom's last few flights to Europe, she had wheelchair service. But it was always booked in advance when she bought her ticket, not a request made to the FAs while en route.

The wheelchair service was very helpful, esp for what would have been a long walk to passport control after disembarking.

If you are still trying to find a wheelchair rental in Switzerland, I can ask Medical Services at work -- they will know how to get one.

PalenQ

I think Swiss Railways also has wheelcairs at some stations if arranged in advance and a station like Zurich could mean a long long walk. Maybe not but ask anyway.

Pocket

Cheers guys, as usual I'm blown away by how thoughtful and helpful you guys are. Have contacted airlines, particularly for Heathrow arrival.
Cheers, pocket

PalenQ

Sounds like you ma-in-law will be on a roll from the get go in London!