ladydem

I would like to see if you recommend one place over the other for my family's 3 nights vacation there in May. We have never been to switzerland. We are not much into hiking or anything - it's just going to be walking around and visiting surrounding areas. I think we will be visiting them all, but as a base, is one better than the other?

Please pass your suggestions.

swandav2000

Hi ladydem,

I really like the ambiance of the car-free villages myself, so that lets out Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. I particularly don't care for Lauterbrunnen, which sits at the base of the cliffs; I'm sure I'd get depressed looking at the stone "walls" every day and every night.

Between Wengen and Mürren, you need to decide just how much life and activity you'd like to have around you. Wengen is larger and has more hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops; Mürren as smaller has fewer. But Mürren sits at a higher altitude, so has better views.

Good luck!

s

Libby123

Hi, Sorry to disagree, but I enjoyed Lauterbrunnen very much. Here's my thoughts on why--I think it depends on what you want (and how long you stay) I agree Lauterbrunnen is not quite as peaceful as the two higher, car-less villages. But, I stayed there about 5 days in August and for at least two of those days both Murren and Wengen were socked in with clouds. Also, I ran into many folks on the train staying in Murren and realized in talking with them that since the cable car (from Lauterbrunnen to Murren) stops running (about 10 or 11pm, I think)they had to always be thinking about thiswhen they planned their evening. There is another, longer way up via bus, I believe. But, still wouldn't have wanted to be thinking on this during my evening out. However, if you are looking for that picture-perfect Swiss Alps experience Murren and Wengen are very nice--really, really quiet though. I thought Lauterbrunnen was quieter than Grindelwald and was glad I picked it. I took a lovely walk from the Tummelbach Falls on clearly marked footpaths back to Lauterbrunnen. And, I stayed at the Hotel Silberhorn and had a view of the cliffs and falls coming down into the valley--would recommend it! Hope this helps

Ingo

I am with swandav on that. Stayed in Lauterbrunnen and didn't like it very much. It's convenient as a transportation hub, trains and buses going to every direction, but it is just some houses along a street. The views are like swandav described.

I love Wengen. Car-free and a bit more going on than in Mürren. Also lovelier views IMO.

However, if you want to use it as a base, I'd consider Grindelwald. Find a hotel that is somewhat off the main street and it'll be relatively quiet. The views are excellent, the village is busy enough so you won't get bored.

I.

bettyk

Well, here's another vote for Lauterbrunnen. I didn't find it depressing at all. I thought it was a beautiful view and it was convienient for everywhere we wanted to go -- Schilthorn, Thun, Speiz, Interlaken, Murren, Trummelbach Falls. We stayed at the Hotel Oberland and they have a wonderful restaurant. Also agree that while the weather higher up can be "iffy", it was always nice in Lauterbrunnen.

We did stop in Murren on our way down from Schilthorn and the views there are gorgeous. However, in May, there were quite a few places that were closed.

bettyk

ladydem, if you are interested, here is the link to our photo album from our May 2006 to Germany and Switzerland.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/554510509SyxotU

Mimar

Well, you could consider staying in -- pause, take deep breath -- Interlaken. It's convenient to the boats on the 2 lakes, Brienz and Thun. And the little train up to the botanical garden at Schynigge Platte starts from Interlaken Ost, as do trains up into the mountains.

Everybody talks about the mountains but I really like the lakes also.

macanimals

Count me as another fan of Lauterbrunnen. Its position as access to Wengen, Murren, Grindlewald and every other funicular, lift and hiking point allowed us to visit them all. As for looking at "stone walls", I take a different perspective and enjoyed our hotel balcony looking up the magnificent valley with numerous waterfalls gushing out out of the sides, lush meadows and flowers while surrounded by spectacular mountains. You're in for a terrific adventure no matter where you locate. Have fun. Paul

FainaAgain

"You're in for a terrific adventure no matter where you locate." - SO TRUE!!

ladydem

thanks everyone for all the tips. it's always very assuring to get suggestions from experienced people!

it's wengen or lauterbrunnen then. i will look at tripadvisor and old posts here to figure out hotels. but please do pass me your suggestions on that as well