We're planning a six night trip to Switzerland with our 2 kids (both 12) and are most interested in hiking and seeing beautiful scenery. We had thought about spending 3 nights somewhere in the Engadine and 3 nights in or around Grindelwald or Wengen, which -- realisitically speaking -- would only leave us 2 full days for hiking in each region. Are we trying to do too much? Are we better off spending all 6 nights in just one of those two regions? Any and all suggestions welcome.

I would stay in the BO and maybe change locations there---perhaps Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Tha Alps there are just so spectacular.

Hi travelfools,

Well, I disagree with bobthenav above that you should use both Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen as bases. These towns are only 36 minutes apart by train, so you'll lose more time by switching hotels (packing up and checking out, then checking in again and unpacking). If you decide to spend your six days there, you can easily just relax and use a single base.

I do think that you should pick one or the other; I'm one who likes to spend at least four or five days in any one place. But whether you should choose the Oberland or the Engadin is another decision entirely. Both are dramatic and incredible; the Oberland has more developed tourist infrastructure while the Engadin has far fewer English-speaking tourists and feels like a genuine discovery.

If you need more resources, here are a few sites to get you started:

www.myjungfrau.ch
www.scoul.ch
www.engadin.stmoritz.ch

I wonder what time of year this will be?

Have fun!

s

Totally agree with swandav. I use to spend at least one week in one place if I plan to go hiking. Doesn't make sense to switch from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen at all.

Interesting question. I'm leading a hiking trip to Switzerland in July, splitting the time between Kandersteg and Grindelwald. Both spots are wonderful _ and not too far apart _ but it wasn't easy to decide how to split the time. We ended up going with 6 nights in Kandersteg and 4 in Grindelwald. (More details at MyHikingVacations.com, if your interest is piqued.)
But if your entire trip is 6 nights, you might want to opt to stay in one area. You won't run out of hiking trails in the Grindelwald area, for sure. Perhaps go with the suggestion of Lauterbrunnen if you want to experience a second town.

The Engadine is beautiful but not, in my opinion, nearly as dramatic and varied as the Berner Oberland. And you definitely need more than 2 days to do the BO justice. I agree that Lauterbrunnen and Grindelwald are too close together to warrant separate stays, and I second swisshiker13's suggestion of Kandersteg as an alternative. I have been there 3 times and it is one of my favorite places on earth. The hiking around Oeschinensee, a gorgeous glacial lake accessible by ski lift from town, is absolutely incredible. Kandersteg is a very small town and far less touristy than the other popular destinations in the BO.

The Jungfrau area is also spectacular. If you can swing it, the trip up to the Jungfraujoch is worth it (but only on a clear day!) and your kids will love it. You can also get a taste of the scenic drama simply by taking the train up to Kleine Scheidegg and hiking around from there.

For a little taste of the region from my last trip, see Days 6 & 7:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...f-the-alps.cfm

(I describe a hike above Oeschinensee in this report that is not for the faint-hearted. If you want a more gentle hike, the trail around the lake in the opposite direction is also gorgeous, and there is an adorable huette at the end where you can get a light meal.)

Not that it matters to the original poster but I beg to differ on variety. The Engadin is IMO much more varied than the Bernese Oberland, especially if you include the neighbouring valleys like Bregaglia and Poschiavo which are easily accessible.

travelfools -

I responded to this question on the Frommers Forum. However, I do not think that you have checked back.

This is a hard question... I guess for spectacular and for things with 12 year olds the Jungfrau region would win out... I would stay in Wengen and make sure to visit Murren and climb up to Schilthorn. My lazy 15-year-old did this in the fall and loved it. Then you have the trip up to Jungfraujoch which your kids will also love.

Yup, this trip I vote for BO for the whole time... wonderful, wonderful hikes and scenery.

I'm not so keen on Lauterbrunnen or Grindelwald and would choose Wengen over them.... I prefer Murren but Wengen will put you closer to a lot of little trips....

Have fun...

gruezi

Rent a chalet for a week even if you only stay 6 nights. I second either Wengen or Murren. I prefer Murren, because it is quieter not a s touristy, but still a great choice. I have rented an apartament twice in Wengen. The last time was about three years ago. If you decide on Wengen and they are still renting I can send you the info. The Engadine is beautiful, but I also think the Lauterbrunnen Valley is more dramatic. My favorite place anywhere and I live in the beautiful NW.